September 28, 2000

Greetings from Rock Creek!

Even with Tim gone the newsletter must go on.  Just don't ask me how.  Boy, it has been another crazy month around here.  September has once again proven to be the month of all seasons.  Over the Labor Day weekend we
experienced some snow, only to have the fall colors start to change early.  Soon after, the warm Indian-Summer-like weather arrived and the colors seemingly were put on hold.  Believe it or not there are just as many green groves of aspens as there are leafless groves of aspens.  I guess what I'm trying to say is get up here and bring your camera.

As for the fishing, it couldn't get any better.  I'll try not to sound to vague with this report, but just about everything is working.  You name it the fish are biting on it.  When the conditions are right, September typically tends to be the most consistent month for fishing.  We're seeing most of the action happening in the early morning (6:00 - 9:00) and in the early evening (4:00 - 7:00).  Of course, the New Moon helps keep things in check and as with Rock Creek Lake any time could be a good time to fish.  As for any fish of size, most of the fish coming out of the lake are DFG planters with a few 2-3 pounders, mostly brood stock.  Expect to catch 10-12 inchers, but expect also to limit out within the hour.  Last
Thursday (September 21st) DFG dumped 600 lbs. in the lake and just last Monday (September 25th) they threw in another load.  My theory as to why the fishing is so good up here late in the season is that we always seem to get the leftovers from the hatchery in September and October and the cold nights combined with the warm days make the water the perfect temperature.  I've talked to quite a few people around the lake who have been fishing on the Owens, in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and in Bishop Creek and all of them have told me that hands down Rock Creek Lake has the best fishing right now.  Imagine that!  Remember to stop by the store to get the latest info.  I should be around. 

Hey, if you come up and catch a big fish, come to the store to get your picture taken.  I would normally mention a few names of people who caught the lunkers in this report but no one has been in lately.  The first big fish to come in after this newsletter goes out is going to get a piece of PIE!  Just mention the newsletter and tell the waitress to put it on Tim's tab.  Just kidding, we'll take care of you.  If your planning on coming up soon, we only have about 2 1/2 more weeks left.  The store closes on October 9th.  Get your pie while it lasts.  The grill is already closed as the season is winding down.

At any rate, the good conditions should continue so long as the weather doesn't change too dramatically.  Our web site has some great links to sites with weather forecasts if your curious about what the weather is going to do.  Another way of finding out what is happening with the weather is to call Howard Sheckter's weather recording (760) 934-SNOW.  Howard is our local weather forecaster and his daily recordings are probably the most accurate and reliable source of what is going to happen with the weather.  The website's weather page has a link to Howard's morning weather broadcast on KIBS from Bishop...good information if you have Real Audio.

As for the campgrounds, the latest story is that East Fork will be closing at the end of the month along with Upper and Lower Pine Grove.  That will leave Iris Meadow, Big Meadow and Rock Creek Lake campgrounds open.  They should stay open until the 31st of October barring any unforeseen snow.  Down lower, French Camp will also stay open until the 31st.  Up at the lake Billie and Teele won't be around but we'll be thinking of them.  They headed down to Santa Barbara today so that they can be there for the birth of their grandson.  If you go camping at Lake Cachuma this winter be sure to stop by and say, "HI!"  That is where they'll be hanging out.

One other note of interest for all you pie lovers.  Be sure to save your spring copies of Sunset Magazine in August of next year. In one of the copies Sue King divulges a couple of her secret recipes for pie.  Of course, they'll probably never taste as good as Sue's pie, but your more than welcome to try.  Sunset Magazine was up yesterday and took photos of Sue, her amazing pies and the bike riders that ride up the canyon to eat them.  The article will feature dozens of homemade recipes and baking secrets.  One thing is for sure, you better come early to get your pie next year.  The article is sure to bring people in for pie, but Sue isn't going to bake any more than she already does.

Until next time, THINK CREEK!

TJ