The road opened on Friday evening at 5:30pm to the Lake. There’s still work to be done, but a hearty thank you to CalTrans, Inyo County Road Department, CHP, Inyo County Sheriff especially Faith for putting up with all our questions, BP Distributing for delivering our meat order to the closure gate and our friends for also delivering items to the gate for us to pick-up – sure do appreciate it.
 
It was a very quiet week, but some deep cleaning and repairs that needed to get done got done. Had a great visit with our friends at Bishop Pack Outfitters up at North Lake as they were the only other people on the mountain. Spent a day on the Lake – not fishing – just sitting. Dwayne did some fishing and fixing.
 
We’ve started to get a bit of smoke from the Ferguson Fire up in Yosemite – depends on which way the breeze is blowing and the direction of said breeze that can change in a heartbeat and bring in the smoke or drive it out.
 
Fishing seems to be on the upswing and NightCrawlers are on the top of the producing baits and crappie jigs are also doing quite well. PowerBait and Salmon Eggs are also bringing in some limits. We didn’t get stocked last week due to the slide, but are expecting a DFW stocking this week.
 
Our elusive employee caught a 1-3/4 pounder on a KastMaster with red reflective tape. Luis Rosado caught the biggest - a 2-1/4 rainbow on a jig as did Edmond Woodsen, but his weighed in at 1-3/4 pounds. Nathan and Zane Ashbrook had it dialed in on Monday, bringing in two nice stringers. Zane bested Dad in the big fish category catching a 2-1/4 pounder using a jig – all their fish were caught on NightCrawlers or Jigs back at the DingleBerry Inlet in less than 3 hours.
 
Is it a Kayak – is it a Trimaran – is it a SailBoat – all three apparently – with pedals – quite the floating vessel.
 
People, sure would be nice if y’all would pick up your trash when you leave. It’s really not that hard. Just sayin! If you need something to put it in, come into the store and we’ll give you a bag.
 
ThunderBoomers remain in the forecast thru Wednesday – DON’T FORGET TO PACK THE RAINGEAR. Remember to pack a jacket – those ThunderBoomers come thru it gets a bit on the chilly side. Thursday thru Friday looks nice and clear. The temps vary little from today thru the weekend with the highs in the mid 70s and the lows in the low 50s. You can check out the forecast for the week at www.weather.gov (enter Aspendell, CA in the search and scroll down to see the temps).
 
And the hiking conditions:
Our backcountry protectors are out in force – the Skeeters – be prepared. Also, be prepared for ThunderBoomers and downpours – it’s the monsoonal season.
 
If you’re hiking stay safe out there. Remember to leave a note about your destination and approximate return time and a clothing description. And please hike with a buddy!
 
Things to do when you’re not at the Lake:
 
All Aboard!
A visit to Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Village is always a treat, but come on a day the train is running and it'll be extra special!  
https://www.lawsmuseum.org
 
Important stuff that just stays in the report for a bit:
The Skeeter population is ramping up again! Plan accordingly!
 
PRIVATE BOATER:  Please don’t overload your boats – it causes us great distress!!! USE YOUR NOGGIN!
 
Spoke to the local Department of Fish and WildLife Game Warden regarding fisherpeople needing to have their own stringers and up to five fish per stringer. His response is – “It is highly recommended, but not required, but everyone better be present if I’m checking”.
 
If you catch a big fish or a limit just to have your picture taken for the webpage and then try and give your fish away – we won’t post your picture, but then again we may post it as ‘WASTER OF A PERFECTLY GOOD FISH TO EAT’! Crimp down your barbs, take a picture on the boat and release it for another day.
 
When using the bug juice or hand sanitizer or sunscreen or lotion or cologne or perfume, try not to get it on your hands – you’ll transfer it to your bait and the fish just don’t like any of that foo-foo stuff. Wash your hands in the stream or Lake to get it off, and then use some fish attractant on your hands.
 
Make sure you wear some kind of sun protection – the sun and reflection off the water will do a number on your skin and eyeballs!