Location
and Overview Nestled
in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains just west of Bishop, CA up state
highway 168, Bishop Creek is a top destination for trout fishing enthusiasts.
Two separate forks of the creek present nearly unlimited opportunities
for hard-core stream fishermen, while the area also offers easy access
to nearby South Lake and Lake Sabrina (check out the map).
Fishermen rate Bishop Creek:
Fishin'
Bishop Creek
Both the South and
Middle Forks of Bishop Creek are stocked throughout the season with
rainbow trout, and anglers will occasionally take native brook trout
as well. Fish planting is conducted by the California
Department of Fish and Game, and also by Adopt-A-Creek.
Alpers trout in the 3-pound plus range are planted periodically, too.
While
a number of fishing techniques can be productive, most fishermen
opt to fish with bait using ultralight spinning outfits. Fly
fishing is also popular. The top baits year after year are
salmon eggs and various flavors of Power Bait. Drifted downstream
with just enough weight to keep the bait down, either one
of these can consistently produce limits of pan-sized trout
as well as an occasional lunker. Small spinners (such as a
size 0 Mepps Aglia with a gold-colored blade) often do well in calm pools during the
morning and evening. For a change of pace, try using a spinner
or small rubber-skirted jig at Intake 2 or any of the other,
smaller intake ponds scattered along the length of the stream.
A green fly twitched across the surface behind a small casting
bubble is another consistent producer in any of the intake
ponds. The folks in the store at Bishop
Creek Lodge or at Culver’s Sporting goods down in
town will gladly give you more tips on the best baits and
lures if you ask.
While
you can fish effectively from the banks of the stream, waders are a
handy piece of gear that will allow you to get into some areas that
would otherwise be very difficult or impossible to access. We prefer
the felt-bottom type, as they give better footing on the mostly rocky
bottom.
Fish
cleaning facilities are available at all of the lodges in the area.
Weather
The weather in the eastern Sierras can change rapidly, so
no matter what the forecast says it never hurts to be prepared
for the possibility of rain. Summertime thunderstorms
are not uncommon, although they seldom last long. Depending
on conditions during the preceding winter, some snow may still
be present at higher elevations well into the summer fishing
season. Daytime highs during summer can range from the 70’s
into the high 80’s or low 90’s near the creek,
depending on altitude, and up to 100 degrees plus in the town
of Bishop. Low temperatures at night can range anywhere from
freezing or below, up into the mid-40’s. Make sure you
have rain gear and plenty of warm clothing just in case.
Click
here
to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the town of Bishop.
Lodging
and Camping
Lodging is available at several motels in the town of Bishop,
and three lodges near the creek also offer small housekeeping
cabins for rent. Bishop
Creek Lodge is located on South Lake Road, and in addition
to rental cabins features a small general store where fishing
tackle, bait, and a limited selection of camping gear and
food can be purchased. They
also have a restaurant and pay-for-use public showers. Farther
up the road near South Lake is Parcher’s
Resort, with a number of rental cabins, a store, and a
café, and on SR 168 on the way to Lake Sabrina is Cardinal
Village Resort, which also has a restaurant (open for
breakfast and lunch only), a store, and rental cabins. Habegger’s
Resort, located across the road from Bishop Creek Lodge, is
an RV park with a small general store.
Several
U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located throughout the area offer a
less expensive alternative for those who enjoy sleeping in a tent or
RV. The U.S.
Forest Service website has information on campground locations,
fees, and dates of operation. Campsite reservations can be made through
ReserveAmerica.com.
Licensing
and Regulations
The fishing season for Bishop Creek runs from the last Saturday in April
through November 15 each year. All anglers must have a valid California
fishing license in their possession while fishing, and it must be visibly
displayed above the waist. Clear plastic holders for this purpose are
available at any bait or tackle shop, and at each of the lodges listed
above. The bag limit for trout is five per day, with a maximum total
of ten trout in possession. Only one pole per fisherman may be used.
The
California Department of Fish and Game has the complete, current
fishing regulations
on their website.
