Bishop Creek Canyon

Fish & Trail Report

6-18-23

​

--The Big Picture--

It’s starting to feel a lot like summer, in fact it will officially be summer this coming Wednesday so that makes perfect sense. Visitation has increased noticeably over the last 10 days and this past weekend had the unmistakable buzz that only summer visitors bring.

--Weather & Water--

The weather has been a mixed bag over the last week, which from a runoff perspective is probably a blessing as the cooler temps at 10500 to 11000 ft elevations have kept the massive snowpack from coming down the mountain all at once. Still, we’re on the cusp of a substantial warming trend which will hopefully be warm enough to bring water levels at South Lake and Lake Sabrina up swiftly without further flooding in the valley.

To those on the outside, the fact that the lake isn’t already full is a shock, but folks need to remember that the snow has to melt before the lake can fill up. Another factor is that reservoirs like South Lake and Lake Sabrina are important tools used by water managers to control the flow of water. For this reason, when a big winter hits reservoirs are often dropped to minimum levels ahead of the spring runoff to make the best use of that water for storage and to minimize flooding risks downstream.

At present, Lake Sabrina is rising steadily on its way towards filling up. It’s hard to say when “full” might happen but with the peak of the runoff likely to occur in the next couple weeks, it can’t be too long.

South Lake is thawing finally and is about 50% ice free today. The lake has come up a considerable amount over the last few weeks, 30 feet is a guess, but whatever that number is, it’s a lot.

--Trail Conditions--

We’ve seen a lot more action around the Sabrina Basin and Tyee Lakes trailheads this week, and judging by the cars parked below Parchers and near the North Lake Turnoff, it appears the Bishop Pass trail and Piute Pass trail are getting some use as well. Still, all reports point to snowy conditions – especially on the far side of Bishop Pass and along the PCT where slushy mushy conditions and sketchy creek crossings are everywhere.

It's worth noting that conditions can change remarkably fast up here so stay tuned on the day hiking conditions, we’ll know more about the specifics every week that goes by.

--Roads--

Access is considerably better than in weeks past almost all the snow is gone along the middle fork of Bishop Creek and the south fork up to Parchers. However, the 1 mile stretch between Parchers Resort and South Lake remains closed to public traffic and North Lake Road hasn’t opened just yet. We expect that to change very soon.

​

--------Fishing Reports--------

--Lake Sabrina--

Fishing has been very good for most. Shore fishing from Cookie’s point near the channel, the first big cove adjacent to the island, and the Dingleberry inlet for those willing to make the hike (which is pretty rough at present).

Boaters did very well trolling, dunking bait, or tossing lures. The fish that remain from 2022 are hungry. No word on DFW plants but they’ll be on their way shortly no doubt. Top catch this week was a gorgeous Brown Trout caught trolling (and safely released) by Chris Gaskill of Bishop CA, one of our favorite regulars. What a gorgeous fish it was!!! That lucky catch couldn’t have happened to a more friendly and deserving angler…we’re stoked for him. It’s dealers choice on lures/bait/flies right now – it’s all working on holdovers.

Folks with smaller boats and 4-wheel drive have been able to launch but this is AT YOUR OWN RISK. There is pretty much no room on the beach so anyone who puts in, should expect to trailer their boat at the end of the day.

At report time we had 3 pontoon boats and 6 motorboats available for rent. We’re currently taking walk-ins only until the 21st. However, reservations can be made online now for any dates beyond June 22nd.

--Bishop Creek--

The flows in the Middle and South Forks of Bishop Creek are high, although to my eye seemed less intense this week than last. There are several sections of stream that I would deem too fast to fish. But, for each of those sections that are blown out, there’s another area that in dry years might be too slow or shallow to be worthwhile that are absolutely PERFECT right now. Deep pockets, slow runs, windy meandering stretches of perfect water are plentiful. The issue at present however is limited fish as we have yet to hear of any fish stocking by DFW in the stream. Hopefully at this time next week we’ll be singing a very different tune…there are just too many amazing spots on Bishop Creek to not drop fish in soon.

--Intake 2—

Frequent stockings by DFW have kept the bite steady. Lots of anglers though. At present this is the best spot for families with such easy access.

--North Lake—

No Report.

--South Lake--

No Report

--Backcountry Angling--

Iced over lakes for the most part so we haven’t heard of anyone giving it a go yet.

---Fish Stocking Update—

Intake 2 is getting fish but as of today that’s it. We’re expecting Sabrina, North Lake, and Bishop Creek Upper to get added to the schedule. soon but need to confirm with DFW. More on that next week. For the DFW fish planting schedule Click Here

We have secured fish from Wrights Rainbows in Idaho again this season and those fish could drop any day now. Those fish are paid for by a co-op of the Bishop Creek Canyon Businesses in conjunction with the Bishop Chamber of Commerce. As soon as we get the fleet out on South Lake we’re planning to stock some jumbos from Oregon– so let’s hope that water comes up soon!

--Current Lake Sabrina Schedule--

Lake Sabrina Store & Boat Rentals Open Daily

7am – 6pm til Labor Day (Weather Permitting)

8am – 6pm Labor Day to October.

Boat reservations can be made at LakeSabrinaBoats.com.

Current fleet is 3 pontoons, six motorboats, 1 canoe and 2 kayaks. We expect to keep adding boats until there’s no more room for them.

--The Sabrina Café--

We’re waiting on our water system certification and then we’ll get the pie baking, burgers cookin’ and beer pouring!! We’re hoping to get a short menu going this weekend or next and the full menu by the end of the month.

--The Parchers Cabins--

For rates, availability, floor plans, pictures and online reservations visit

--Campgrounds--

Closed – Sabrina Camp, North Lake, Mountain Glen, Table Mountain and Willow.

Open – Bitter Brush, Big Trees, Forks, Bishop Park, Bishop Park Group, Intake II, Four Jeffrey

Until next time……

Jared, Seth, Steve, Judy and the rest of the Parchers Resort & Lake Sabrina Crew