Went to the usually high sierra brookie/cutthroat lake with my dad opening day. It's a 3 mile hike in and due to the great snow storms we've had we walked to last 1 mile on snow. Even though both of the lakes that we walk by were ice free, our lake was not... :'(

The next two weeks were riddled with more storms and my next trip was soon approaching. I was taking a buddy for a two day trip to this lake for his birthday. He had high hopes of adding Lahonton Cutthroat's to his fishing resume. Not knowing the lakes situation yet again, I took another gamble.

Decided to sleep in the first day and try the afternoon bite. During the hike I find that the 1 mile of snow on the trail is down to about 50 feet in an isolated section, so the signs are good that the lake is ice free. After many stops (due to his 2 rebuilt knees) we make it to the lake to find it ice free!!! ;D. We fish about 3 hours without a bite, being in float tubes in 40 degree water makes this time of slow fishing feel like twice as long. At about the 4 hour mark he makes the discovery that he also has leaky waders, making it even more unbearable for him. WHAMMM.... fish on for me!!! After nearly taking the rod out of my hand I'm rewarded with a great 3-4 minute fight with this fish which pulls me around in circles. After a fun fight, I pull in a 21" cutt, close to my PB.

After a few pics and release I start fishing again. 2 casts later Ryan asks how I am working my lure, I start to show him and BAMM, another fish on ;D

This time just a 17" brookie. I catch another 2 in the next 30 minutes while Ryan misses 1. After giving him plenty of crap, I realize he's been fishing for 5 hours with 1 bite, leaky waders, and I already have 4 :-/. At the 6 hour mark he finally hooks into one, I watch from a distance as this fish pulls him in circles, finally boating a beautiful, FAT, and full of eggs Lahonton Cutthroat!

It's my goal to show him how to hold bigger trout :

We call it a day, go back to the hotel, then back on the trailhead at 7am the next day. This time we fish for about 5 hours, him getting 1 brookie and 2 for me. We call it a day and a successful trip. Ryan was happy to add the Lahonton Cutthroat to his list.

Two days later my dad and I go for round two. We were able to both put 6 in the boat, all brookies. Kept one that was 18" and appeared to have been attacked at one point. Not sure if it was from the local beaver, or the eagles...

Always have a good time with the old man and enjoy watching him catch fish... unfortunately I called it quits early as my shoulder wasn't to fond of 3 days of back to back fishing. Still had a wonderful time and may get one more trip up there during the spring for a shot at some big cutts. Also got some big trips planned this summer for some amazing HIGH sierra hikes

WOW!

Great Post

Great fishing,great photos!

great post and pictures.

Thanks for sharing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First off excellent write-up, and second beautiful trout there.

Do you mind sharing these places or perhaps other spots where I can hike in like that? Or do you even know some good streams with light/medium off-roading and camping available?

Trying to plana summer trip up in the high sierras.