South Lake received the first DFG stocking of 2011 on Friday when the state dropped off 1800lbs of good sized rainbows. The South Lake crew were able to assist the DFG with a 40 ft. flex tube to allow the fish to safely enter the quickly rising waters of South Lake. Despite the water slide not a single fish went belly up.

Not surprisingly, the bite went absolutely wide open over the weekend with most anglers limiting out with ease. Initially the fish were only hitting lures like Kastmasters and Thomas Bouyants but by Saturday they were on the chew eating everything from trolled Wooly Buggers, Rainbow pattern CD-7 Rapalas, crawlers, any shade of powerbait and salmon eggs. Mixed in with all of the limits were some real quality fish topped by a 5 lb 11 oz Alper's caught by a Bishop local known as the "Sierra Phantom" using a custom tied fly with a nightcrawler trailer. Tom Misklevitz from San Bernadino also caught a gorgeous 'bow at the inlet that weighted 3 lbs. 3 oz. caught on a mini-jig. Several other fish in the 2 to 3 lb. class reported as well, mostly on Grasshopper or Firecracker mini-jigs.

The water level is coming up very fast which has allowed docks to finally float on Thursday. More aluminum boats, the kayaks, and a few pontoons will be afloat as well by mid week next week.

The giant SCE Alpers plant is rumored to be taking place sometime this coming week but as of yet that is unconfirmed. For mid-week updates, visit the Parchers Resort Facebook page - the second we know when the fish will be here, we'll spread the word.

The launch ramp at the lake is still high and dry but private boats of the smaller variety may be able to safely launch by the end of the next week. Time will tell. Remember, you launch at your own risk so make very sure its safe before you try - we've seen more than one grenaded trailer over the years after an overeager boater pushes his luck and ends his day before it starts.