Sierras

[Sea Weed]

My grandson is out from kentucky I'm wondering where in the sierras could we use a yak for fish. And I hope you suggest a lake. I have a Swing abd don't know anything about river yaking.

  Jeff

[Spike]

Thanks for getting this one started Sea Weed.
All the lakes produce and I like Fish and Convict the best.  Dr. Gil knows these lakes in his sleep, maybe he'll offer up some tips and techniques?

[ScupperSkipper]

I like South Lake and Lundy Lake in the Eastern Sierras.
Launch and paddle to where the streams flow into the lake early and late.
We're going June 22.  Scupper Skipper

[Jeff]

More places than you can count...

Depends what you want. If you want bigger fish hit crowley and fish McGee Bay (turn right at the green church take the 2nd dirt rd on the right and head south to the water. Launch and paddle back west towards 395) . It is getting to be the time of year for midge fishing so go find a spot in 10-12' of water and drop a red/black tiger midge on the bottom (18" of the actual bottom) with an olive midge another 2' up from that and you should be golden. Wait for the indicator to move and set the hook. This type of fishing will test your reflexes, but you get fish like the ones below all day if the bite is on.

If you want non stop then Lundy is good as mentioned above. Slow troll (no weight) a Baby Crawler if you are a bait guy, or a brown Wolly bugger on sinking line if you are a fly guy. Absolutely slayed them last year on the brown bugger.

Good luck, We were just up over Memorial day and did well even with a foot of new snow that fell while we were there.

Jeff

Slow trolling most of the lakes with the baby crawler, or a black, or brown bugger seems to have the best odds of sucess.

[JJ]

If you're near Mammoth Lakes, you can hit Lakes Crowley, Convict, Upper and Lower Twin, Mary, Maimie and George.  At last report, the raods were plowed and all the lakes are accessible and fishing relatively well.  Be mindful of heavy winds in that area which are typical in the PM.  So far, daytime highs have been in the upper 60s, and nighttime lows in the mid 30s.  So, you need to bundle up in the AM. There are plenty of yak-angler friendly shops in town.  They'll be happy to point you in the right direction.  There are also some nice lakes in the June Lakes area which is another 25 min. drive north of Mammoth Lakes, and you can expect the same conditions up there.  TL and have a great time. -JJ-

[Toad Patrol]

Sea Weed- Lets make it easy- I agree with Spike that Convict is a classic East Sierras small lake. easy to kayak, not to big, often protected from the wind( not always). Some consider the most picturesque. And a great world reknowned lakeside restaurant.
By your post, is it you and your grandson in a double yak? A good lake where the trout is a short paddle: Gull Lake in the June Loop. Camping at the shore, easy paddle to fish, a great giant rope swing into the lake for your Grandson, ( or maybe you) and lots of trout. ( I might of just jinxed it!). We killed it last year about 50' from the launch.
In Bishop- Sabrina and South Lake are picturesque small lakes good for kayaking, but the best fishing is a paddle across the lake from the launch, about a coupla miles, where the creeks empty in. Look for the tin boats bunched up.
Anyway, my $.002 worth. Have a great time and don't catch em all. I'll be there in a coupla weeks and I wanna grab a few too!
TL
-Scott

[Sea Weed]

Thanks guys how about the western side above fresno. anything there as well . price of fuel I would like to try that area

[ScupperSkipper]

6/23 Lake Sabrina  8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 3 of us released 24 rainbows on wooley buggers Black/Green & small gold castmasters

6/24 Convict Lake 8 a.m. to 10:30 2 of us released 11 rainbows on wooley buggers
6/24 Intake II  4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 2 of us released 8 rainbows on small bass colored crankbaits, super dupers, and castmasters

6/25 Rock Creek Lake 8 a.m. to 10:30 one of us fished for 0 fish.  Nothing on the flyrod, Mepps, super dupers or castmasters.  Saw a lot of risers and a couple of 2 pounders jump.  No strikes or followers.
Shore anglers near boat docks caught a couple of 10" rainbows.

No big fish this year and all planted rainbows 10 -12"   lots of fun and great kayaking as always!
No Osprey working RockCreek this year, but all the waters above were beautiful!