Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes to all for this pre-season opener report from the high country. I'm filling in for the mighty Tom Loe once again while he is staying busy putting clients on the legendary Lahontan Cutthroat of Pyramid Lake, Nevada.

Lots of wind and cooler temperatures have arrived in the Eastern Sierra the last few days. The latest cold front which moved through the region dropped half an inch of snow on the higher elevations. Look for temperatures to steadily increase and winds to die down as the weekend approaches. You can expect temperatures to be in the low 20's at sunrise Saturday morning on Crowley with highs reaching the mid to low 60's. We are predicting a banner opener on Crowley as DFG and Alpers have put many a large fish in the lake recently. Crowley lake is known for its quality trout and you can look forward to a higher than normal catch rate on larger trout this year.

Many of you have probably heard about the invasive Quagga/Zebra Mussel issue here in the Eastern Sierra. The LADWP and the Crowley Lake Fish Camp are working together to prevent the spread of these mussels into the lake. Mandatory boat, kayak, and canoe inspections will be implemented for boats entering Crowley Lake. Please allow from 20 minutes to one hour for boat inspections depending on the size and condition of your vessel. Please be patient with this process, as this will benefit us all in the long run. All boats must be clean and dry (no standing water) including dock and anchor lines, no debris present on trailers or boats, and all drain plugs pulled. A clean boat will expedite the process, but you must make sure there is no water present, or your boat will not be allowed to launch. Boats can be inspected ahead of time Monday-Friday at the LADWP office at 300 Mandich St. in Bishop from 8:00am-3:00pm. Boats can be inspected after 3:00pm by appointment. Call (760)873-0409. April 24 and 25 boats can be inspected in the VONS/KMART parking lot from 7:00am-7:00pm in Bishop at the corner of Main St. and Highway 6. Boats may also be inspected starting April 23 at Crowley Lake's South Landing from 8:00am-5:00pm, and April 24 through the duration of the fishing season from 7:00am-7:00pm. Once your boat has cleared inspection, you will be issued an inspection certificate that must be displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle at all times while on the lake property. A tamper proof wire lock tag will be attached between the winch hook of your trailer and the boat to allow for access in and out of the South Landing gate at Crowley if you are planning on moving your boat off the property. More info on this is available at www.ladwp.com/mussels