Fishing adventure: 2016 Eastern Sierras

Plans were made, calendars cleared for our 2016 annual trek to the gorgeous Eastern Sierras. Javier, "el dormido", Jorge "el perico" with his brother-in-law, Lupe and myself were primed and set. Unfortunately, our scout Bob, the trout slayer, was not quite up to it, something to do with his electrolytes being out of sink. We were obviously saddened but wished him a quick recovery.

Javier quickly pulled out his information and schedules, defining which fishing holes, streams and lakes we would fish. We were impressed with his preparation and quick recitation of the distances, locations and stocking schedules. His use of "Siri" driving directions insured our correct arrival to each destination. With everything in order, we departed our urban sprawl.

From the stress of the city to the relief of the Eastern Sierras... already feeling relaxed.
( picture courtesy of  Pinterest)
                                                          

With high expectations, the group of anglers settled down to a much deserved vacation heading north, stopping in the Mohave desert for a light breakfast with good conversation over hot coffee. As we resumed our journey, "el perico" graciously pointed out all the places of interest to our newest angler. We made a quick stop at the visitor's center and took a few pictures of the elegant Mount Whitney.
                                                               

Mount Whitney the highest point, at 14,505 feet, in the contiguous Unite States.                         

We continued our drive through the quiet and picturesque communities along CA 395 Independence famous for its historic Inyo County Court House and a few Bed and an Breakfast lodgings. Big Pine with its' Western Movies Museum and Long Pine, where we found some honey fishing holes in our previous trip, didn't pan out this time.
We arrived in Bishop and headed straight to our favored lake, Intake II.  We always stop here because it is close to our hotel and it gives us an opportunity to practice our casting and try new baits before hitting the big lakes early the next morning. We caught a few and headed down to Bishop for dinner and prepare for the serious fishing of the next several days.

Happy fishing grounds, Nirvana,  Intake II lake

Whenever we visit this lake, it's like coming home, just like sitting by a water garden with cool mountain breeze fanning down to the surface of our host, Intake II, while we take a few sips of Merlot or a cold Pacifico beer. At this time of the afternoon and after the drive, hooking a rainbow trout is secondary to admiring the majestic panoramas of mother nature.

 The following morning, Javier scheduled us to head out to Little Virginia, a beautiful lake about an hour north of Bishop. This freshwater playground may be one of California greatest hidden honey spots for rainbow trout. The cool summer air at this altitude and the fishing action made for a relaxing

experience. As soon as we arrived, each one of us chose a space along the water line of the lake.

"El perico" quickly established himself in his comfortable chair and patiently waited for the fish to hook themselves on his baited line. He enjoys time alone. This hobby allows him time to meditate and reminisce about his many accomplishments. He contemplates about meaning of life and we enjoy a prolonged rest from his confabulated chatter. His relaxed method works because slowly but surely he did catch his limit.

Jorge's brother-in-law, Lupe, visiting from Tucson, overwhelmed the rest of us. He just kept bringing them in one after the other. I sensed a little bit of jealousy from Jorge. He said that it was just beginners luck. I moved next to him so I began to bring them in also. After catching our limit we changed to catch-and-release... no! not only the small ones.

Javier," el dormido" was not asleep this
time; he caught fish right and left. He was
almost as hot as  Lupe aka "the Arizona Trout Killer" or as Javier christened him "el fuereño." I am not sure who caught more fish... you try counting them.

Javier insisted that we return to Little Virginia this time we caught more than the previous day. By noon Jorge suggested that we try a more challenging venue because he was hooking too many fish. After his limit, he too became a catch-and-release angler. Very good Jorge! That's what good outdoors-men do to protect the sport. A group consensus was reached and the following days, we fished at Sabrina Lake, North Lake and South Lake, all in the White Mountains at about 8,000 feet above Bishop.

High Eastern Sierras in the background, La Buena Vida, Who is that bald headed guy?

Making our way to North Lake

Big Virginia Lake next to Little Virginia

Side view of Mount Whitney along US 395 returning from June Lake.

What can be better on a late-summer afternoon than a fish fry with fresh rainbow trout. Hosted by  the new angler of our posse  Jose-Lupe "el fuereño" from Tucson.








But all good things come to an end... We collected the frozen bounty which filled our cooler, and made our way back home.
We had a fantastic fishing vacation among good friends. Till next time...