Updated 7/26/2024 It’s summer time in the Eastern Sierra and the trout are feeding on nymphs and dries. Midges, mayflies, caddis and stoneflies are hatching. Little yellow stoneflies, pale morning dun mayflies, blue wing olive mayflies, trico mayflies, callibaetis mayflies, olive midges, gray midges, olive caddis and brown caddis are the insects the trout are feeding on. Adult hoppers are starting to show up on Eastern Sierra waters. It’s hot out there and wet wading is the way to go. Been monitoring water temperatures and they have not approached the 70 degree level that would require fly fishers to voluntarily stop fly fishing. High country trails and waters are devoid of snow and offering good fly fishing opportunities. Now is the time to make those memories fly fishing the waters of the Eastern Sierra.
Drive just about any backroad near Bishop, California during the winter months and you’ll see herds of horses and mules out in pasture. Drive that same backroad during the summer and those pastures are likely to be empty, raising the question, “Where did... See you in the fall! Climbing Conditions Reports for the Eastern Sierra 🏔️
Bishop is legendary for its road biking. The perfect basecamp for visitors and residents alike to get outside and ride pretty much year-round. You’ll also find that the roads are so lightly trafficked that you may not see another soul or encounter a traffic light or stop-sign for many miles. But if you really want to delve into the unknown, consider heading out on a gravel grinder.
Every year on the last Saturday of April, individuals from all walks of life set off from Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo and various parts of the country to reach the Manzanar historical site, just south of the town of Bishop. This pilgrimage, now known as the Manzanar... Everything about Bishop and its big backyard creates memories. Its list of attractions reads like the ultimate bucket list vacation – the oldest trees in the world to the tallest peak in the lower 48. It’s no wonder many affectionately call it the “Land Of -Est!” While there are plenty of places to get a good night’s sleep, for those wanting accommodations out of the ordinary, you’re in luck! Here’s some of our favorite “uncommon overnighters” in the region.
The sound of water trickling over polished granite boulders. The warmth of the sun against your face. And as far as the eye can see, a meadow filled with blooming wildflowers. Spring isn’t just a great time to visit. It’s magical! Make sure you start off on the right... Michael McDermott; a Cerro Gordo of psych and skill behind the lens. This collaboration has infused two synergistic aspects of the project – photography quality and stylistic diversity, and involvement of local runners – with an infectious energy. Read on.
Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome Tips To All Our Foreign Visitors
Each year, the Eastern Sierra’s lakes, streams, and various bodies of water receive a generous stocking of 650,000 pounds of trout. All courtesy of Bishop, Inyo County, Mono County, Mammoth Lakes and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. In fact, fishing is so intertwined with the community that opening day of fishing season is locally dubbed “Fishmas,” rivalling the anticipation of Christmas. Why not make this fishing season extend beyond those dates by entering a fishing derby in the High Sierra.
Bishop’s backyard is a playground catering to everyone, from little tikes to those young at heart with a few more years under their belt. Whether you’re gearing up for a day of bouldering or planning a leisurely auto-tour, it’s a good idea to fuel up in the morning. If big breakfasts aren’t your thing, these coffee shops and bakeries are here to boost your mood and get those adventure juices flowing. Get set to kickstart your day with these invigorating options.
Reach For The Sky And Stars – Bouldering With Kids In Bishop We affectionately refer to the area surrounding Bishop as “our Big Backyard” because much like your own backyard, it’s a place to have fun. An ideal destination for a family vacation, introducing... John Muir once wisely remarked, “between two pines is a doorway to a new world.” If you’ve been to Bishop and checked off the classic attractions, like witnessing the world’s oldest tree or enjoying the numerous alpine lakes filled with fish, we recommend going... The 54th edition of the Blake Jones Trout Derby is now “in the books” and it was a good one! Despite rescheduling the event from March to May then to September, there was a good turnout, and everyone had a great time. There were 233 registered participants this year,... By: Jeff Kozak The author runs near the rounded summit of Mazourka Peak in the Inyo Mountains, looking west across the Owens Valley near Independence to the Sierra Crest and two 14’ers: Mt. Williamson and Mt. Tyndall. Howie Stern Rising abruptly on the western... Family vacations are about relaxing as well as creating memories of fun times. When it comes to a destination to visit, there might be none more suited for an affordable outdoorsy family getaway than Bishop and its big backyard. To help plan your trip, here’s 6 things... Deep in its core is Bishop, a place that rejuvenates the soul, that inspires visitors and residents alike to enrich themselves holistically and creatively. As the sunsets over the sharp razorback line of the Eastern Sierra, let these yoga studios and artistic outlets round out an already fulfilling trip.
We’ve compiled a list of scenic drives to help you marvel at mountain and valley views without setting foot on a trail. The Eastern Sierra is uniquely poised to offer gorgeous auto touring.
Horseback riding in Bishop and its big backyard isn’t just a hobby. It’s a tradition. To this day, the only way to access many parts of the rugged Eastern Sierra is by foot or horseback. That’s why Bishop has earned the moniker the “Mule Capital of the World.” While... Bishop and its big backyard are magnetic to adventure seekers. An adult playground filled with an almost endless number of activities to choose from. Big scenery that arguably is some of the most beautiful in the world. If you and your partner are planning a wedding,... For visitors attempting to traverse the mighty Sierra, be aware that many of the mountain passes (including those from Yosemite National Park) are closed from the 1st snowfall until the snow melts. This means many of the passes may not open until June or even July.
Depending on your budget, Mule Days offers up an assortment of options so everyone can enjoy them. The beating heart of the week-long event is the fairgrounds. While the shows in the main arena require a ticket, the fairgrounds themselves are free to enter. Even if you don’t go to a show, we highly recommend visiting them with your youngins.
Even with such high volume of fish flowing through the Owens river, this body of water is known for providing a challenge without the proper knowledge. We recommend checking out our Bishop Fishing Report which is updated weekly.
With this year’s record setting snowfall, anglers need to be aware that the Eastern Sierra will have record setting snow runoff. Staying safe will require anglers to know when to stay away from their favorite streams and what to do if you find yourself suddenly in the...