Journey to Manzanar
When talking about California’s history, the Gold Rush casts a mighty big shadow and rightly so. It caused the biggest migration and brought wealth to the Golden State. The topography also showcases our natural history. And yet one piece of tragic history is sadly...
Bishop Fall Colors Report
The colors are just starting here in the high country! The Bishop area is one of those places where fall colors spread over a couple of months as they start up at the upper elevations (above 10,000’) and move down into the Owens Valley (roughly 4,000’). We have...
Fall-ing In Love With Bishop’s Big Backyard
The best part about fall is how perfect the weather is for outdoor fun. Normally when you think of September, October, or even November, it’s all about cold rainy days. Not here around Bishop. Many have affectionally called it “sumtumn.” The summer’s triple digits are gone. The sun is still shining, and evenings are cool, but the days are still warm. It can be argued that the weather is the best season for outdoor activities.
When Life Gives You Aspens, Nature Paints Them Gold
Bishop’s big backyard might arguably be the greatest destination if your favorite season is fall. It isn’t short or fleeting, like New England’s fall colors. Weather is perfect for leaf peeping or any outdoor adventure for that matter. And the best part? Our big backyard is even a bit bigger with fewer visitors as you take in Mother Nature’s fireworks.
Bishop Weekly Fly Fishing Report
Updated 9-16-2022 We are starting to have fall like weather in the Eastern Sierra. It will not be long when the trees will be turning colors. Experienced the first cool morning when I came back from my southern California PowerPoint presentation tour. Fall spawning trout are starting to show up in some of the creeks and rivers of the Eastern Sierra. Mayflies and caddis are providing most of the action in the area. I’m still checking water temperatures in a few Eastern Sierra waters like Crowley Lake, lower and upper Owens River, and Bishop Creek Canal. Water temperatures over 70 degrees, fly fishers should not be catch and release fly fishing.
Finish The Summer Off Right With The Tri-County Fair
While summer may feel endless, the sad reality is by the end of August its coming to an end. The start of school is approaching or already here. Days are getting shorter. Nights have a bit of a coolness to them. Instead of dwelling on it, let’s celebrate a...
Owens River Gorge Closed for Public Access August 29-September 6
PUBLIC ADVISED OF HIGH WATER LEVELS AND POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will release higher-than-normal water down the Owens River Gorge from August 29-September 6, 2022, in cooperation with the California Department of Fish...
Mussels Aren’t Just For Dinner – What To Know About Crowley Lake Boat Inspections
The alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra are beautiful. They’re home to world-class fishing and an opportunity to cool off from the summer heat. It’s up to us as residents and visitors alike to do our part by recreating responsibly so that future generations can enjoy...
It’s A Bug’s Life – Microscopic View Of Bishop’s Tiniest Denizens
Bishop may be high desert, but its littlest residents are the reason why it’s home to world-class fly fishing. Artificial flies or fly lures used in angling are an imitation of the aquatic insects that are the natural food of trout and other species. So, let’s take a magnified look at the dragon flies and butterflies that you’ll see in our big backyard.
Nothing Beats Birds For A Wakeup Call – Bishop Creek Camping
The Eastern Sierra experience is about contrasts. Tall peaks that seem to pierce the sky. Deep valleys filled with alpine lakes teeming with trout. Impossibly blue horizons. Unspeakably beautiful sunrises and jaw-dropping sunsets. THE gateway to all this and more is...
Love Bishop’s Big Backyard So Your Great Grandchildren Can Enjoy It
Chief Seattle once said, “If you want civilization to flourish, you must think seven generations ahead.” On your visit here, we hope you embrace our community and its big backyard in the same way Chief Seattle thought. That your great, great grandchildren...
Give The Gift Of Birding
When I was a kid, I still remember trips to my grandparents’ lakeside cabin. My grandfather would sit out on the porch looking at all the birds flying around their bird feeder. And next to him, a handy Smithsonian Handbooks: Birds of America. Suddenly a big smile...
Electrify Your Soul, The Community, And The Environment With A Sustainable Bishop Adventure
No matter your beliefs, doing something for someone else feels good. You are being self-less. Putting energy into something positive. That’s what a sustainable vacation in Bishop is all about. You enjoy yourself but leave the region a better place. What Is Sustainable...
Tips On What To Pack For A Highway 395 Road Trip
Even if your destination is the same, road trips are like snowflakes. No two are alike. This is especially true when it includes exploring Highway 395. Located just east of the mighty Sierra, it follows these mighty peaks rewarding you with vistas and views you won’t...
Life Is Better At Sierra Lakes – 5 You Must Hike To This Summer
When you go out for a hike, it’s nice to have a goal and one of the easiest is to visit a lake. There’s something about an alpine lake with no road access that makes them enchanting. Maybe it’s the price of admission that you need to walk to see them. Or that...
Fire Restrictions to Increase in the Eastern Sierra
On Monday, June 6, Fire Restrictions to Increase in the Eastern Sierra The Inyo National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office will be implementing fire restrictions effective on all Federal lands under their jurisdiction starting Monday, June 6....
Best Father’s Day Ever – Big Backyard Fun
What do fathers want more than anything? It’s not another tool or a golf club. And definitely not a tie. Who wears those anymore? Every mountain man dad wants the same thing. To spend time with their family outdoors. So, instead of getting a gift that creates another...
A Guide to Mule Days – FOR KIDS!
When you bring up Mule Days, most visitors beeline towards the legendary parade. Being the largest non-motorized variety in North America, it’s no wonder that it’s the main attraction. We agree everyone should see the parade at least once, but if you have kids, we...
Celebrate Mother’s Day In Bishop’s Big Backyard
Don’t buy another box of chocolates and skip the flowers. So, what should you get Mom on Mother’s Day that she’ll cherish more than anything? Spending time with her family! Make it a full day of fun or better yet a weekend of activities that she’ll remember forever....
A Few Fun Ways to Celebrate Fishmas – besides Fishing!
Fishmas is fabulous! We know you love fishing in the Eastern Sierra. So do we. We also know that we love to do lots of other fun, fantastic things out here and perhaps you do too. If you’re a member of a fishing family, but you don’t fish OR you find that you need a...
Rossi Hill Run
Less than five minutes from downtown Bishop, Rossi Hill is the quickest access to trails through Bishop’s sage and granite boulders. This 5.75 mile run serves as an ideal introduction to the Bishop winter landscape. Close to town, but within a warm-up jog, you’ll feel somewhere much further away.
Blake Jones Trout Derby Recap
The 53rd edition of the Blake Jones Trout Derby is now “in the books” and it was a good one! Nearly 400 registered participants weighed in 527 fish on Saturday, March 12th. The largest was 5 pounds and most were in the 1 pound range. The weather was picture perfect...