Summer is in full swing folks and from my perspective at least, it feels later in the season than it actually is. Granted after the fun we had digging out and getting going last year after the monster winter that was 2022/2023 (that’s sarcasm folks if you missed it), the luxury of having open trails, full lakes, a month of trout stocking already, and wildflowers popping off like crazy all by July 1st, that ‘sweet summer feeling’ is a little more pronounced. At any rate, for those of us who dream all off-season about hiking in the John Muir Wilderness, trout fishing in the high country lakes and streams, or just some mountain hang time with your camera or kayak….we’re off to one heck of a great start.

--Weather & Water--

June closed out with more warm weather, even pushing the temps into the high 70’s with regularity, which at our elevation is about as warm as it gets most of the time. We’re stoked that the wind has been mild for the most part, often from the north which for South Lake & Lake Sabrina means calm flat water. Nothing too interesting in the forecast, a few days that might top 80, but overall perfect summer temps for July….hot in the sun, cool in the shade.

The runoff is charging down the mountain and that has South Lake only a few inches from spilling and plenty of water in both the middle and south forks of Bishop Creek. Our Lake Sabrina has been held a bit low in preparation for some maintenance on the auxiliary spillway but the launch is clear, the entire lake is accessible, and the views are still spectacular, especially from the shoreline or from a boat/kayak.

The Mosquitoes are here gang. They’re especially ferocious for an hour or so before and after dusk so be prepared. Pretty gnarly up above 10k so the hikers need be ready.

--Trail Conditions--

The thru-hikers are pouring over Bishop pass daily, so we’ve had lots of trail updates from that side of the canyon and by most accounts Bishop Pass is quite easily navigable at present. Day hikers are also finding favorable conditions with snow no longer a major obstacle in reaching popular destinations like Blue Lake, Lamarck Lakes, or Long Lake.

Reports from the Piute Pass & Sabrina Basin trailheads have mostly come via our staff, who have ventured into Humphreys Basin, the Lamarck Lakes and even some of the more remote areas adjacent to us in Sabrina Basin. If you go high enough, say 11k feet, you’ll certainly find snow in places, but for the date access is tremendous.

The bridge at the So. Fork of the San Joaquin was damaged beyond repair last season and it has now been removed. Word is that a plan to replace the bridge is in place, but due to the remoteness of the area and it being within Kings Canyon NP, work hasn’t started yet – which is no surprise to us. I say all of that to say this - we have a lot of extra traffic on the passes so far, and no doubt more to come, as the primary detour for PCT & JMT hikers is to cut out the North Lake/South Lake loop (Evolution Valley, Muir Pass etc.) by way of Puite & Bishop passes.

On a lighter note - wildflowers are showing everywhere below 10000 ft…and it’s becoming more epic each day. The trail from Rainbow Pack Outfit to South Lake is getting really good so if you want to enjoy a short hike that’s a good one, or you can enjoy the show while on horseback – the folks at Rainbow have a 1-hour trail ride that includes the best of it.

--Fishing Reports--

--Lake Sabrina--

Last week we received another trout stocking of catchable Rainbow Trout from DFW in addition to 600lbs of 2lb average fish from our friends at Desert Springs in Oregon courtesy of Southern California Edison, so the lake is primed and ready for the holiday. Fishing has been quite good, and with more fish expected from DFW plus more Idaho Rainbows from Wright’s Rainbows over the next few weeks, July is shaping up to be a great month.

The Hot Stuff – Nothing new, Thomas Buoyants red/gold, Garlic Powerbait, Sierra Slammer jigs (grasshopper especially) and nightcrawlers.

The Hot Spots – The fish are spread out pretty good so shore angling near the dam or Cookie’s point is worth a try. Boaters are doing best trolling the main lake or fishing at one of the 3 inlets.

At report time we had 5 pontoon boats and 14 motorboats available for rent. We also have 2 Kayaks, a canoe and NEW TO SABRINA Stand Up PADDLE BOARDS for rent!!! Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online at www.LakeSabrinaBoats.com.

Current operating hours for boats is 7am – 6pm Daily.

--South Lake—

We’re only a few inches from spill at present, wouldn’t’ be surprised if we see her go over the spillway before the holiday weekend is over. We’ve also been loaded up with fish over the past few weeks with multiple loads from DFW and Desert Springs as well some some Idaho ‘Bows from Wright’s Rainbows. The big fish parade at South Lake has really been something to see over the last 10 days especially with the “big fish of the year” at South Lake being surpassed twice.

The Hot Stuff –Thomas Buoyants trolled or tossed, Rainbow Powerbait (garlic), Sierra Slammer jigs (grasshopper especially) and needlefish are working well. Summer and skeeters

The Hot Spots – As usual the 3 main inlets are all producing and as such is where most of the boaters are spending their time. Other spots worth a look, especially at this water level, are either corner of the dam, the rock slide and the invisible inlet on the west shore (you can hear it but can’t see it).

At report time the South Lake fleet has 4 pontoon boats, 10 motorboats and 2 kayaks. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made on the Parchers Resort website www.ParchersResort.net

Current operating hours 7am – 6pm Daily.

--Bishop Creek--

The water is a bit on the higher side on both forks, but neither of them is blown out by any stretch. The DFW has done a better job at stocking the creeks & ponds this season, good news for the folks who prefer that style of fishing. A word to the wise, don’t spend too long in one place, bounce from spot to spot until you find a couple then keep moving. The spring runoff tends to spread the fish out so outside of whatever day it gets stocked, you’re unlikely to see large pockets of fish all in one hole.

--Intake 2—

The water is up, fish stocking has been consistent, access great for families, go get ‘em. Nothing terribly interesting to suggest as far as lures & bait so throw your favorites.

--North Lake—

It’s been stocked twice by DFW but aside from that we haven’t heard much. This is typically a good time of year to drag flies around from a float tube or try dries at the outlet or inlet in the early morning or at dusk.

--Backcountry Angling--

They’re biting – and I’m unsure as to whether the big winter is a factor, or the previous two drought years, but the fish seem very healthy. Oh – and the Goldens are currently spawning in places, if you know where to look.

—Waterfront Café at Sabrina is OPEN—

Kitchen & Grill

8am – 3pm Fri-Sun

We’re back serving killer breakfast burritos, bowls, & hot cakes for breakfast and big ol' burgers and steak sammies for lunch.

Coffee, Pie & Beer Counter

8am – 6pm Daily

Serving Fat Trout coffee from local roasters Black Sheep Coffee, our famous homemade pie, and local brews on tap – currently Shelter IPA and Golden Trout Ale.

For Cabin Rentals visit our lodging website at www.ParchersResort.net. The Parchers Store on the South Fork of Bishop Creek is open daily from 8am to 6pm. We have a great stretch of creek adjacent to the resort so fish the creek and stop in to say hi!

--Roads--

Everything within the canyon is open. Trailheads are open. Launch ramps are open. Bring it on!!!!

--Campgrounds--

All USFS campgrounds are open! YAY!

Please remember that DISPERSED CAMPING IS PROHIBITED up here, so if you wanna camp, expect to pay. This includes sprinter vans staying overnight.

Weather Updates and Forecasts for Our Specific Longitude and Latitude Can Be Found at www.LakeSabrinaBoatLanding.com then clicking the puffy little cloud below our phone number.

--Business Opportunity--

The time has come for Steve & Judy to fully retire so we're currently searching for the next owners

of Parchers Resort & South Lake Landing. If you think you have what it takes to live the mountain life, visit

www.parchersresort.net/business-opportunity for details. Price has been reduced so take a gander and be our neighbor!

Until next time……

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

Sierrally,

The Parchers Crew