Bishop Creek Canyon Fish & Trail Report

Backcountry Golden with a Sierra Slammer jig in its mouth.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Parchers Resort

by Parchers Resort Gang
8-30-2020
(760) 873-4177
Website

--Trail Conditions--
We have been tremendously lucky in the BCC over the last few weeks with very little impact from the various wildfires in California. At the most we’ve had a little haze a few days but most days have been very close to normal air quality making for great hiking conditions. Several factors could change this but so far so good so come on up and hit the trail!
Be advised that they’re still working on the road and trailhead parking still paving work being done up at the Bishop Pass Trailhead and overnight parking is prohibited where signs are posted. Vehicles have and will be towed if they are in the way of paving operations. Overflow parking is available down by Surveyor’s Meadow3 miles down from South Lake. Make sure to watch for and obey the signage to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
 
--Fish Report-
--South Lake--
The lake level is down a couple feet but is still pretty close to full making for good fishing conditions. The nights have been cooler down in the mid 40’s and highs this past week peaked in the mid 70’s which seems to have improved the bite. It likely didn’t hurt that we received another load of Idaho Rainbows this week with more fish from both Oregon and Idaho on the way shortly. Rumors of DFW possibly dropping some fish are also making the rounds but we’ll have to wait and see.
Big fish of the week was a solid 5lb 11oz Rainbow caught by David Berning of Encinitas, CA on a Red/Gold Thomas Buoyant. Not far behind was his dad Mark Berning with a 4lb 7oz Rainbow caught on the same lure. Several other lunkers in the 3 to 5lb class were also caught this past week.
The launch ramp is open most days for private boaters but parking can be an issue and they have periodically closed the ramp to do paving work. There is no schedule or any way of knowing so its just a blind gamble if you try to launch.
Hot Spots: Dam, Rock Slide, Inlets.
Hot Lures: Thomas Buoyants, Minijigs, Kastmasters
Best Flies: Grasshoppers, Midges, Bead-Head Nymphs, Blank ants.
Best Baits: Berkley Micetails, Nightcrawlers, Garlic PB, Gulp Pinched Crawlers.
Trolling: Worms, needlefish, Thomas Buoyants between 5 - 10 colors.
 
--Weir Pond—
No reports but it was stocked with Idaho Rainbows last Wednesday.
 
--Bishop Creek--
Both forks of the creek were stocked with Idaho Rainbows so there are finally some fish in the stream. Don’t spend too much time in a single spot…if you don’t see any fish or get bit within the first 30 minutes, probably best to move along to the next hole. Keep moving until you find a pool holding fish, if you find one you’ll find more.
 
--Intake 2—
No Reports
 
--North Lake—
No Reports
 
--Road Work Update—
Major road work continues Monday thru Friday most weeks through October. If the project is on schedule they sometimes take Friday off. You can expect up to 30-minute delays in either direction and sometimes when leaving the resort. There is no road work on the weekends or holidays. These delays are admittedly very annoying, but for 2020 it is not a big deal all things considered.
 
--Fish Stocking Update—
Fish from Idaho dropped last week, Oregon fish 2 weeks prior to that and more Idaho and Oregon fish are scheduled over the upcoming weeks so the bite should really pick up as we move into fall. We haven’t seen any DFW stocking since June, but this could change soon…stay tuned.
Sierrally,
The Parchers Crew




More Reports


8-28-2020
Some of the bigguns are on the chew at South Lake y’all. Here is Itse Lomeli with a 4lb 9oz Rainbow...... Read More


8-26-2020
Welcome back Idaho Rainbows!!! Another lovely morning in the high country, perfect for trout stocking. South Lake, Lake Sabrina So Fork...... Read More