High Sierra Fly Fishing

I have been pretty busy lately but did manage to take Nicole & the boys on our annual camping trip to Mono Creek, CA. I have been camping and fishing in this areas since I was 2 years old. It holds a special place in my heart and I'm glad I get to share it with my family now.

When we drove into camp on Sunday evening we met up with a man walking with his daughter towards Edison lake. We offered them a ride but he said his wife was on her way to pick them up. I noticed he was carrying a fly rod and I asked him how the fishing was. He said the fishing has been great and was telling me what flies were working the best. I was excited and couldn't wait to get out there and do some fishing.

The next day I ran into the fly fisherman again and this time on the river. I found out his name was Paul and told him a few of the spots I like to hit. I also told him about the evening bite along the dam at Edison lake. We decided to make plans to meet up after dinner and do some fishing.

That evening I got to the face of the dam around 8pm. I noticed a few fish surfacing and was excited to hook into one. I tied on a Matuka pattern and got a nice strike. Shortly after Paul showed up and I told him what I was using and that I had one take.

Paul tied on a olive bugger and started working it. The Sun already started to set and there was just enough light to make out our silhouettes. About 1/2 hour later I heard Paul say "There's one!" I looked over and could see the bent rod in the low light and the fish breaking the surface. The way Paul was fighting this fish I knew it was a little bigger than some of the 8-10 inchers you commonly catch in the streams. I had to make my way over toward Paul to get a closer look at this fish. Paul did a great job on finessing this fish into shore. When he finally landed this Edison lake beauty I think we both let out a big sigh. Whew...what a fish!! Here is a few pictures of this nice rainbow trout.
That was the only fish landed that night but what a fish it was!

Paul took a day horseback trip up to Graveyard Meadows the next day. Here are some great photos of some wild High Sierra trout he shared with me.



That following day I took the family just upstream from camp and had a little luck myself.
I was able to convince these beauties to take my rust birds nest pattern...what fun!!

Cole feeling the fish!

Ready for the release.

Carson's Rainbow

Releasing another nice rainbow.

We had a great 4 days in the mountains. I didn't get to fish as much as I wanted but did get in some much needed quality time with the family.

I'm looking to hit the my home waters of the Lower Stanislaus for a few hours this weekend so check back because I will be here...Back on the Fly!!!