2016 Sierra Adventure: Lee Vining Creek, Upper Owens River and Hot Creek

This is going to be a short post because I didn't catch very much. In fact, the only picture I have is one of a trout flopping back to freedom.

The fish got away while my sister was taking the photo.

Lee Vining is the first river you encounter once you exit the East entrance of Yosemite national park. After taking Poole Power Plant Road you happen upon Manzanita campground.

There are two situations: the river has been stocked or it has not been stocked. If the river has been stocked, prepare yourself for awesome fishing with trout in the 12-14 inch range.

If the river has not been stocked things are a lot tougher since the fishable area is small, and there aren't many places to hide. I managed to catch two trout on salmon eggs and a split shot, but fishing was difficult. In any case, Lee Vining is a good place to stop by, and the nearby town holds Niceley's restaurant, which serves amazing fried chicken.

I also visited Hot Creek and Upper Owens River, supposedly one of the best fly fishing sections in the world. Unfortunately, all I can say is that late July is not the time to visit these rivers.

Both are shallow and meander slowly along through meadows and canyons. Both are choked with weeds by late July, making fishing difficult. Also, they are especially windy in the evening.

I fished at Brown's Owens River Campground, where the steam was only 10-15 feet wide. Perhaps I was fishing at the wrong place. If you guys know where to go, then let me know in the comments.

In any case it was nice to have the opportunity to fish these esteemed rivers, but it would have been nicer to catch a fish.

A panorama of the Upper Owens River. 

Equipment and Catch Summary

• Three-weight Reddington Classic Trout fly rod with 6x leader 
• #8 Woolly Bugger 
• #20 Parachute Adams
• 2 trout; afternoon (salmon eggs) at Lee Vining

Total: 2 trout

Trip total: 41 trout