It was a quiet Fourth at the Lake this year with the holiday falling in the middle of the week, but picked up over the following weekend. It was, also, a tad warm – 80 degrees on Friday, but we had a bit of a cool breeze and a few clouds – now if that doesn’t make you want to come to the mountains, I’m not sure what will.  Saturday sure looked like it would rain with the dark clouds floating around – but all those clouds did was cool us off a bit more.
 
With all the w-i-n-d we’ve been having, a couple thought it would be a great idea to bring up their sailboat – good thing it had a motor as it was dead calm on the Lake when they launched.  
 
Catching is still a bit on the slow side – it might be the warmer temps are causing the fish to go down deep to cooler water or what it is. Now don’t get me wrong, people are still catching fish, you just have to spend a bit more time at the Lake. NightCrawlers and Salmon Eggs still seem to be the bait of choice, although PowerBait and Mice Tails are doing very well. The Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant is still probably the top lure with Jigs, Kastmasters and Rapalas coming in close. Had a report that if you’re fly fishing, you might want to try a black fly.
 
Apologies to David Chavez and Elizabeth and Chris Ruiz – missed getting their picture in last week’s email report. Just reminding you of their stories - Elizabeth and Chris Ruiz paddled the Lake in kayaks using NightCrawlers catching a 1-1/4 pounder and several more fish – just the right amount for dinner. David Chavez brought in a nice 3-3/4 Rainbow using NightCrawlers. Dad Frank and son Brandon Balice landed a 2 pound Rainbow on a Gulp Garlic NightCrawler.
 
People, sure would be nice if y’all would pick up your trash when you leave. It’s really not that hard. Just sayin! If you need something to put it in, come into the store and we’ll give you a bag.
 
The House Wrens have kicked their babies out of the nest and off they went – sure do miss there tweets from out front.
 
Rick hung the filigree crocheted piece spelling Lake Sabrina up in the Café – once again thank you to Alisha Wilkie, her elusive husband and the elusive one’s Grandmother Sandra Green.
 
Looks like we’re finally going to get some monsoonal weather – we’re hoping more for the liquid part than the lightning and thunder part as the trees and wildflowers could sure use a drink so – PACK YOUR RAIN GEAR. A 40% chance of ThunderBoomers thru Tuesday, then we drop to just a chance of showers and ThunderBoomers although that may change. Temps look to be in the mid to low 70s thru next weekend and in the low 50s for lows. You can check out the forecast for the week at www.weather.gov (enter Aspendell, CA in the search and scroll down to see the temps).
 
Thanks to Kammi Foote for the great photo idea with the Flag in front of the mountains!!!
 
And the hiking conditions:
Our backcountry protectors are out in force – the Skeeters – be prepared.
 
If you’re hiking stay safe out there. Remember to leave a note about your destination and approximate return time and a clothing description. And please hike with a buddy!
 
Things to do when you’re not at the Lake:
 
7/11-7/14:  Junior Livestock Show and Auction.  Local 4H & FFA projects at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop.  Call 760-873-3588 for more information.  
 
7/28/18  - GOLF FUN DAY! - PRIZES!     FOOD!     FUN!
Everyone is invited to join the Bishop Chamber of Commerce for our fifth annual golfing fun day at Bishop Country Club!
Not your typical tournament format!  Each hole will feature a different golf game with prizes at each hole.  Everyone entered will receive entry into the BIG Raffle.  
Everyone welcome...members, non-members,  great golfers & hackers, too!
For more information, or to register contact April (760)873-8405 or emailapril@bishopvisitor.com
 
All Aboard!
A visit to Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Village is always a treat, but come on a day the train is running and it'll be extra special!  
https://www.lawsmuseum.org
 
Important stuff that just stays in the report for a bit:
The Skeeter population is ramping up again! Plan accordingly!
 
PRIVATE BOATER:  Please don’t overload your boats – it causes us great distress!!! USE YOUR NOGGIN!
 
Spoke to the local Department of Fish and WildLife Game Warden regarding fisherpeople needing to have their own stringers and up to five fish per stringer. His response is – “It is highly recommended, but not required, but everyone better be present if I’m checking”.
 
If you catch a big fish or a limit just to have your picture taken for the webpage and then try and give your fish away – we won’t post your picture, but then again we may post it as ‘WASTER OF A PERFECTLY GOOD FISH TO EAT’! Crimp down your barbs, take a picture on the boat and release it for another day.
 
When using the bug juice or hand sanitizer or sunscreen or lotion or cologne or perfume, try not to get it on your hands – you’ll transfer it to your bait and the fish just don’t like any of that foo-foo stuff. Wash your hands in the stream or Lake to get it off, and then use some fish attractant on your hands.
 
Make sure you wear some kind of sun protection – the sun and reflection off the water will do a number on your skin and eyeballs!
 
Juanita, Rick, Patti, Dwayne, Jamin, Bob and Cullen