The Eastern Sierra of California is one of the most diverse places to fish in our country. This beautiful coastal mountain range receives some of the greatest annual snowfall levels in the world, creating an expansive and diverse watershed of rivers, lakes, and creeks, each with their own unique character.

In other locales, guides have one main river and their job for the day is to choose which part of the river to fish. In the Eastern Sierra, One is able to choose which RIVER to fish and the choices are all blue ribbon trout waters! From streamer fishing for trophy brown and rainbow trout to carefully presenting a dry fly to a rising trout, nymphing a prime run, or taking a scenic hike away from humanity completely to seek out the wildest of untouched fish, the opportunities are limitless!

Within one hour of Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, a fly angler can choose to fish from various types of fishing waters:

Spring fed creeks and rivers- Spring fed creeks are flowing waters that rise up from an underground water source such as an aquifer or natural spring. Flows and temperature do not fluctuate as much as a freestone river due to the constant output of the water source. Near the water source spring creeks do not freeze in the winter nor warm up too much in the summer.

Tailwater fisheries- A tailwater is a river emitted from under a dam, reservoir, or lake that has a constant water temperature. This allows for constant reproduction of massive populations of bugs, therefore high trout population densities, and many large fish.

Freestone rivers- Freestone rivers and streams originate from the many tributaries that feed the main stem of a river. Water is supplied to them via snow melt high in the mountians called runoff. Freestone rivers and streams undergo major water flucuations in temperature and flow rates.

Stillwater fisheries- A stillwater fishery is a lake, reservoir, or pond supplied with water by a tributary, natural spring, and/or freestone and tailwater rivers.

California has the richest trout heritage containing twelve species of native trout alone, while other well known fly angler destination states contain two or three. Given the right time of year we have the chance to pursue native Golden Trout, Golden/Rainbow hybrids, various species of Rainbow Trout, and Lahontan Cutthroat. Brown trout, which are the favorite of many anglers, make up a good portion of the population as well and were brought over to this state around 1883. Brook trout also inhabit the high lakes and streams of the area.

In addition to the amazing fishing, many refer to the Bishop/Mammoth area and the Eastern Sierra as the California Alps because of the amazing rise and rugged beauty the mountains have to offer. Besides fishing, there are many shops, hiking trails, and local services to offer if others in your party should decide not to accompany you on your guided trip.