The 395 and Owens Valley-Eastern Sierra Region

I just ordered a new fly rod...

 

Sweet. What did you get?

 

Orvis Recon 5wt 8'6".

 

That's a solid all-around rod. Good luck with it.

 

Anyone have any opinion on the Tenkara rods?

 

I have thought a lot about getting one to bring along on alpine climbing trips. It looks like a fun way to fish while keeping it really light. Other then that I will always grab my 4 weight if I'm going somewhere you can drive to. Most times though I grab my mini-jig rod. Those things are really good on the east side.

 

i purchased a dragontail "fox fire" this summer intending to use it on small, tight creeks.
only got one chance to use it so far. it will take some getting used to for me, as there's no real rod loading to speak of.
looking forward to becoming more familiar with the style for sure.

 

I read a review that was mixed at best. But the way it was written didn't seem all that fair. It was in Hatch. They were praised for their simplicity and damned for their light weight. The way I interpreted it was the author might prefer a heavier rod and just wasn't all that comfortable with it. Most of the other reviews seemed to value the size and weight as a good thing.

For what it's worth, the reviews were mixed enough to make me think it'd be a great rod for someone with more skill than I.

 

Better to catch something than nothing at all... And since it packs down to nothing and my tenkara fly box is tiny, it even gets packed on climbing trips. I have the Tenkara USA Hane in 10.5', and a MaxCatch in 10' to almost 13' (adjustable, got it cheap). A few mini streamers, perdigons, hoppers, and mayfly, and you're set. After a wild day of dry fly bites, I love them even more. I'll still keep my 9.5' 5wt TFO and a spinning rod on hand for "fishing specific" trips. For small Sierra streams, they're hard to beat on causal trips

 

https://planettrout.wordpress.com/

This is a great blog about a man who fished the 395 region and shared his love of fishing with his wife and kids. This blog was also one of my resources about the area long before the region became as popular as it is these days.

 

Thanks for the link. Lots of interesting stuff there.

What made me want to get back to fly fishing was seeing the casting ponds near the dog park. I’ll probably swing by there and work on my casting skills. There are two ponds with several rings that allow you to work on accuracy. It’s too bad you cannot have your dog otherwise it’s a twofer. Run the dog then cast for a bit.

 

The Campbell casting ponds, next to the Los Gatos creek trail? My old office was right up the block, so I'd walk around there on my lunch breaks when I wasn't in the field. Great spot to take the pup and get some practice in.

 

That's the place. I used to work on White Oaks--right behind Midas.

Edit: I was looking to see what, if any, rules there were about the ponds and found the San Jose Flycasters...

 

Looks like Colorado almost. Don't find many roads above 11,500 feet, but I couldn't complain about this one in the Eastern Sierra. After waking up here, we took a short hike up to ~12,144.

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I'm having a tough time placing this one... Does the trail start near a meadow named after a smokable?

 

thanks for your experienced review

 

Let me start with I’m not a dedicated fly fisherman and I’m in FL so big difference in waterways. That being said, I have a blast with mine while kayaking in some of our smaller creeks and blackwater swamps. It takes some getting used to and casting under tree cover can be interesting but it’s a fun way to pass a few hours. I’ve had some serious fun with bluegill and small bass. The kit is small and light enough to throw in a pack and take it anywhere. I leave mine in the truck and will pull it out if the urge strikes while I’m out and about.

 

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/Tioga-Gas-Mart-Complex/25983492/

Yeowzers! $16.5M

 

Man I hope they dont develop that any further. Lee Vining will lose the small town feel.

 

120 room hotel wouldn’t be that bad. But I’d rather see a group of cabins like convict lake—small restaurant. That kind of thing.