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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14
So, after years of lurking and making the occaisional post here and there - I am part of a group that got a permit! Woo hoo! And to beat all heck, we were able to get Labor Day Weekend, which gives us an extra day! And I'm going to take advantage of it by packing a fishing pole and doing a little fishing (C&R of course). Any tips? I'm pretty much going to be on the Main Trail, although I would huff it over to Guitar/Hitchc**k or over to the LP Creek drainage if it's worth while. Any beta?

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 80
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 80
Well,
You didn't mention whether you will be using fly or spinning gear. Oh well, no matter, I think the choice of what to use is pretty simple - flies, usually dry but a few beadheads thrown in for variety, and small. Small meaning sizes 18 on down. Griffith's Gnats, Mosquitos, Black Gnats, Sierra Bright Dots, Royal Coachman, Elk Hair Caddis, and for nymphs/larva good ol' Hares Ears, and Zebra Nymphs should round out an ample supply.

If you're using fly gear, a floating line (I use a 4wt, 9' or my 1wt, 7' rod for everything), couple of 6x and 7x tappered leaders (I like RIO), a couple of spools of leader material, some floatant, forceps, that's about it.

If you've got spinning gear then a fly & clear bubble setup is the way to go. 2lb test is plenty and you may want to bring along some smaller leader material to connect to the fly. Don't forget the floatant.

Most of the fish want the flies high and dry - most of the time. I've done better in the afternoons on nymphs retrieved SLOWLY on the lakes but the majority of your time on the water should be early am just before and just after the sun starts to warm things up. Otherwise just at sunset when the mosquitoes start to get annoying mad . If you are on the water at the right time and fish are rising but not to your fly then go smaller and/or dry the fly out and re-treat it with floatant to get it floating high. Sometimes the fish want a size that is very difficult or impossible to see so it's sometimes a compromise between getting more takes and being able to see the takes.

Lone Pine Lake should be your best choice. I haven't fished Mirror but it looks promising. Oh, don't forget to give the pond at the Portal a try! It isn't very "sporting" but it sure can be alot of fun and the fish were delicious.


"That which we gain too easily we esteem too lightly" Thomas Paine
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14
Thanks John. I'll be carrying an ultralight spin setup (2 lb test on the reel, probably 1 lb test leaders). I'm quite experienced (been going into the area since 1963), but have never been in the Whitney drainage. Last backcountry fishing was a couple of years ago in the 20 Lakes Basin - caught (and released) some Goldens up high. Photos here.

You're right about the pond at the portal, but I'll leave that to the kids and families for their fun. I am hoping to get up higher than Lone Pine Lake (read - Golden Trout). Anyone have any beta on Consultation, Iceberg, Guitar, Hitchc**k? Any others? Should I come out a day early and head over to Cottonwood?

Last edited by Glenn Jones; 04/21/09 05:38 AM.

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Mt. Whitney Weather Links


White Mountain/
Barcroft Station

Elev 12,410’

Upper Tyndall Creek
Elev 11,441’

Crabtree Meadows
Elev 10,700’

Cottonwood Lakes
Elev 10,196’

Lone Pine
Elev. 3,727’

Hunter Mountain
Elev. 6,880’

Death Valley/
Furnace Creek

Elev. -193’

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