Eastern Sierras in November?

Phil K

Phil K

AKA Philonius
Forum Supporter
I may be doing a road trip soon. 'Have a wedding in Davis on 11/2 and considering driving down, then heading east to visit a friend in Benton. Benton; where the H is that you might ask....? on Highway 6, just west of the CA/NV border, 36 miles N of Bishop. I'd stay there a few days, then head back N via Sonoma county (Petaluma.)
It looks like creeks are open, and the East slope seems like it would be an interesting place to explore. Dinking around on blue lines would suit me fine. Any suggestions? It seems I could drive via Tahoe (longer but faster) or Yosemite/Tuolumne way.
 
You will be near the upper Owens, naturalized browns. Plenty of fishing on eastside creeks, stocked and/or native depending on drainage. You have lake options as well.
I love the eastern Sierra, so much to see, much of it inspires awe. I like the drive from Tahoe better, I usually lengthen it by taking hwy89 over Monitor pass. Scenically worth it, you will cross and follow fishable water on the way.
You will be a day trip away from the Bristlcone Pines, and an incredible view back across at the length of the Sierra.
Have a great trip!
 
As I look at this in more detail, November (no surprise!) may not be the best time to explore some of these areas. Like those Bristlecone Pines at 10k+', or roads that are closed for the season.
 
Phil K said:
As I look at this in more detail, November (no surprise!) may not be the best time to explore some of these areas. Like those Bristlecone Pines at 10k+', or roads that are closed for the season.
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The Bristlecone Pine Forest is open if you can get to it. When I lived in the Owens Valley many moons ago, roads up on top of the White and Inyo Mountains were not maintained during the snowy time of the year.
 
I have spent many months fishing this area, mostly in the months of June and July. Bristlecone Pines are the oldest living things on Earth. Watching an eagle land on a tree that is 3,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids is inspirational. Also I would suggest getting a book entitled "Hot springs of the Eastern Sierra". These hot springs are not developed, mostly just pools of hot water that can be easily accessed with the right information. They can lead you to extremely wonderful places.
 
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Near Davis Big trout on Lower Sac. Trin has steelhead. Eastern sierra fish mostly small trout. A big ES one is just average for lower sac. If you like small water 3-5wt rod ES is perfect. Almost every water has fish. You can even loop down from Davis to ES up tioga pass to Tuolumne in the park and back out of yosemite on the Fresno side and head back to Davis.
 
Lundy Lake is nice spot. The creek that you can camp on has stocked trout but also natural Browns and Cutthroat. Nearby, the waters such as Green Creek, the Owens and the East and West Walker offer paradise. The thing about the Eastern Sierras is that you can drive from the desert to 12 ft of snow in a matter of minutes. And all of those blue lines.....they are all full of trophy trout.
 
I've skied Mammoth , I've even mountain biked down the Kamikaze, but just a short drive away is a warm climate, even if you have to go to Death Valley, Lone Pine or Big Pine. These all have natural hot springs and blue lines full of trout. Give me a blue line, a hot spring and a nice camping spot at whatever elevation is best. And.. I'm, a happy camper.
 
Getting down into SAID VICINITIES gotta hit it hard on the water. Gotta hit it hard down in said vicinities. I engaged in said vicinities once I was deemed available.
 
Definitely the White Mtns (dolomite scree covering the slopes) and the Bristlecone pine trees up close.
East Walker river is a jewel as is the Owens, both with small tributaries that can hold surprisingly large fish
That area can hold it's own with anywhere for vistas and fine fishing.
 
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