Fly Fishing California. Ken Hanley
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confluence with the Owens River. The creek’s upper reaches are full of Ice Age cobblestone, with waters of a glacial blue-green tint. Down the mountain, small freestone rocks and sand replace the cobblestones. On the valley floor the creek becomes a high-desert meadow stream with undercut banks and a sand-and-rock bottom.
The brown trout of Big Pine Creek are wild and live up to that reputation. Most average around 8 to 12 inches. Daily, some angler is surprised with a 16-inch or better brown. Stocked rainbows and Alpers trout also add to the mix in the creek.
Dry fly fishing on Big Pine Creek can be nonstop in summer, after spring runoff when the water temperature has risen and the hatches stabilize. Nymphing always produces trout and, depending on water depth and cover, usually the bigger fish of the day. A dry fly fished with a dropper is an awesome combination and streamer fishing can be fantastic, giving the angler an opportunity to probe deep pools and undercuts for dominant fish in prime holding water.
Navigating the creek can be tough, with lots of brush to negotiate and rocks to climb over. These areas, however, can produce the best action, since many anglers don’t take the time to investigate them. For the less athletic, there are also easily accessible areas just a short hike from the parking areas.
The town of Big Pine is five hours north of Los Angeles on Highway 395. The fishing starts right in town, with more access on Glacier Lodge Road (going west). Access to the eastern section of the creek is via a dirt road off Highway 168.
Tumbling section of Big Pine Creek. Photo by Don Vachini.
Types of Fish
Wild brown trout and stocked rainbows.
Known Hatches & Baitfish
The standard Sierra smorgasbord of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies, terrestrials, and trout parr.
Equipment to Use
Rods: 2–5 weight, 7–9 feet in length.
Reels: Click or disk to match the rod.
Lines: WF or double-taper floating lines.
Leaders: 5X or 6X, tapered to 10 feet in length.
Wading: Wet-wade in the summer, but wear long pants to protect your legs from the brush. In cold weather, use hip boots or chest waders. Cleated, felt-soled boots are suggested.
Flies to Use
Dries: Elk Hair Caddis, Palisade Special, PMD #14–22.
Nymphs: Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail, and Caddis Pupa #12–22 are all the nymphs you need.
Streamers: Midnight Special, Woolly Bugger, Leeches #8–10.
When to Fish
Fishing is good all day and into the evening.
Seasons & Limits
The general trout season from the last Saturday in April through November 15. Check current California regulations.
Nearby Fly Fishing
Baker Creek offers another quality small-water experience. For bigger water, try the Owens River for browns, rainbows, and bass.
Accommodations & Services
Big Pine has lodging, gas, groceries, and two campgrounds. Fly shops are found in Lee Vining, Bridgeport, Yosemite, and Mammoth Lakes. For area guide service contact Trout Scouts of Sierra Guide Group (760) 872-9836, www.sierraguidegroup.com. Pine Creek Pack Station (800) 962-0775 is available for access to the back country.
Rating
For the small-stream angler, Big Pine Creek rates an 8.
Black Butte Reservoir
This popular lake, the result of an Army Corps of Engineers project, provides a cool place for outdoor recreation and is a fine bass fishery. The winter months in particular provide excellent fly fishing opportunities. There are three boat ramps and some 40 miles of shoreline to explore. All this, plus other handy facilities and an easy 12-mile drive off Interstate 5, make this lake a fun fly rod adventure.
Black Butte Reservoir is best known for its spring crappie populations. These fish grow to two pounds or more! Largemouth bass up to six pounds are also popular game fish around the reservoir. The black bass population is hit pretty hard during the peak spring angling months. Consider midweek adventures to increase your chance of a quality outing. Try small, protected coves on the western shore for the most consistent action. Stumps, rocky cover, and tapering points of land are the best features to explore.
To get to Black Butte Reservoir, take Interstate 5 to the farming town of Orland, about 40 miles south of Red Bluff. Exit west on Black Butte Lake Road. Then go 12 miles on Newville Road.
Great spring crappie fishing! Photo by John Sherman.
Types of Fish
Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
Known Baitfish
Crayfish and minnows.
Equipment to Use
Rods: 5–7 weight, 8½–9 feet in length.
Reels: Palm or mechanical drag.
Lines: Floating, intermediate, or sink tip type-3.
Leaders: 1X to 5X, 5–9 feet in length.
Wading: Wear hip boots for fishing from the bank. Use a float tube for fishing along the shore and in coves.
Flies to Use
Nymphs: Jansen Callibaetis, Zug Bug #14, Pheasant Tail #16.
Streamers: Hot Flash Minnow, Clouser Minnow, Whitlock Near Nuff Sculpin, Zonker #6, Burk’s V-Worm #10, Whitlock Softshell Crayfish #8, Poxybou Crayfish #4–8.
Topwater: Gurgler #2, Deer Hair Mouse, Dave’s Hopper #6, Gaines Bluegill Popper #12.
When to Fish
Fish for bass all year, prime time is spring. For panfish, especially crappie, fish spring and fall.
Seasons & Limits
General season all year, consult local fly shops or the California Department of Fish & Game regulations booklet.
Accommodations & Services
Three launch ramps, a supply store, marina, boat rentals, and a variety of campsites are at the lake. Lodging and gas are available in Orland.
Rating
A lot of boats, like warm water, can put the fish down; otherwise, a good 6.
Camanche Reservoir
This reservoir is in a classic California foothills location, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s Mother Lode Country. The site abounds with rocky shoreline, points, and coves. Canoes, kayaks, prams, pontoons, and tubes all gain considerable access to excellent fly fishing. Anglers