Okay, for all of us who participate on this message board (thank you Bono!) most wait anxiously for the season opener, because we all know, that is when Cali really busts loose and our favorite trout haunts are available. We've all been waiting a long time, right? So, with that in mind, I am presenting my "gift" to all who use this board. That being a little tip on a unique place where I have found awesome fish (not always big) and maybe "easy on the eyes" country. I warn you though, it won't be easy to get there. I used to guide up on the eastern side of the sierras years ago and we all know a cool little place that some may not know about. It's not real easy to get to and I'm not expecting it to be blown out my hoards of yahoos.
So with that in mind, my tip is Gibbs Creek which flows out of 10,000 ft plus Gibbs lake. Its not a big creek, but it is lined with awesome ferns, conifers and undercuts, super clear, cold water and FULL of beautiful east slope golden trout. Dry fly action is the method. In fact, dapping the creek works great, but you have to be stealthy. They are anxious to attach themselves to your fly. Last time I was there, we took fish literally all day, with a few breaks for adult beverages and some awesome 5-alarm chili in between. Biggest golden went 13", which as you know, is The Rock for that high in a creek (and not Montana!).
Go Horseshoe Meadows off of 395 up over a short tricky 4WD section (or park and walk 2 miles) to the trailhead for Gibbs Lake. Hike up, up, up to the outlet (3 miles, well marked trail/road) and start fishing the outlet creek down into the forest.
See, that wasn't so bad now was it. So, give it up guys. Just a small "gift" or a good story about a "place you know" to the devoted on this board. Okay, PM if you must, but don't break the spirit.
We deserve it. It's the opener!
-- Edited by iFish on Thursday 23rd of April 2009 09:57:53 AM
Seriously though ifish, thanks for the info. My buddy and I have actually been researching and putting together a trip to catch some goldens this summer. Gibbs is a new addition to that list.
Thanks iFish! I've been thinking about doing some Sierra fly fishing this summer (maybe even a backpacking trip if I can find partners), and this will make a great destination!
BTW guys, one thing I hope I didn't have to mention. This is HIGH sierra elevation, so this is no "opener" water. You'll have to wait until well after ice out for the creek to start actively producing hatches and ease it's flows.
This is probably no secret, as this location is in an area called "The Golden Trout Wilderness". But, above Lake Isabella is a boys camp I used to work at called R.M.Pyles. It's situated in Lloyd Meadows, near Johnsondale. From there you can hike either over Jerky Pass into countless stream and rivers with lots of Goldens, or hike down Angels Flight to the forks of the Kern and have equal results. Both pretty basic hikes as I did it with a group of boys with packs numerous times. Took all my trout on a twig with mono and a tiny hook with Salmon eggs!!!! I'd have preferred a 3wt though.
I'm not sweating my posting. I lived in that remoteness for months on in and never saw another soul. In my memory I can only recall ever seeing one set of fishers and thought, "What the hell are you doing this far in"! I think they must of thought the same, and "Why are you guys so far out in the wilderness, kids and all".
Good stuff BigJ. The Kern river has their own goldens for sure. Can be tough going getting in there, though. Big commitment. Pretty deep canyon depending upon where you enter.
Lots of guys looking here, not a lot on entries which was expected. That's cool. My recommendation is only for the adventurous and stout of heart. Of course there are some areas I won't give up except to show a few friends because these places have easier access and can be over fished. Guess we all have some of these in our travels.
BTW - selling some gear on the for sale section if anyone is interested.
I'm not much of a "poster" here, but thought that sharing a spot sounded like a cool thing to do...this spot is not a secret at all either, but it's from water that maybe you don't get to all that often and may miss, fishing more famous stuff..
Rock Creek flows out of Rock Creek Lake off of 395 (take the turnoff for Tom's Place just south of Crowley). About 7 or so miles up the road you can see the creek below you widen in a meadow section called the "pond" by the locals. If you get down in there during a hatch, the brookie fishing is off the hook...you can wear out some flies down there...-mike
Know it well. You're right about "the pond", beautiful Brookies just waiting for a #16-18 yellow humpy or para adams. Very pretty place too. Haven't been there in a while. Yeah, great recommendation!
Now, what about those browns in the lower creek section or Mack, Box, Chickenfoot, Long Lake further up the trail head?
Next week when I get there Rock Creek Lake will still have ice on all or part of it, and the trail beyond will not see me til June, but it's beautiful back there and the fishing is great in every little trickle and lake...brookies galore...and some browns if you go deep...-m
