The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I've convinced my brothers that it's time for a D-brothers Backpacking/Fishing excursion. I told them we need to do it before we get too old and things start falling off us. And by "us" I mean me. Those two bastages will live 'til 100, I'll be lucky to make it to 50.

Anyway, I'm looking for a good location for a 3-4 day trip within a couple of hours of Sac. My older brother will be flying in from D.C. and I don't want to eat up his leave driving halfway across the state. I'm thinking maybe Moklumne, Emigrant, or Carson-Iceberg wilderness areas. I've been thru desolation, and while pretty, wasn't very desolate. Between all the other people and the constant airplanes overhead it felt like I was at a KOA.

Anyone have any suggestions? Most of my backpacking has been in the southern/eastern Sierra, so I'm not too familiar with central/northern options. Also, most of it was done back when I was single, childless, and less fat.

Can send me PM or email if you don't want to post anything on the board. belemnoid at gmail.

Thx

My suggestion, Pine Creek, 10 mi north of Bishop. Not a very popular place because it's one of the steepest climbs into the Sierra. Tailhead is at 7,500, I like to camp at Honeymoon lake, 10,500, on the way there, there is only 1 stretch of downhill, about 100 yds. 1st recommendation, use the packers, ride up, if that's too expensive, have them do a Spot Pack where you drop off all your gear with them & start hiking, it takes them 1 hr to pack the horses, 4 hrs ride, it'll take you 5 hrs to hike, you should get there at about the same time. That way you can take good food, not that freeze dried crap, plus it'll help you acclimate. Use Honeymoon as a base camp, hike to Chalfant lakes the next day, maybe Royce the following. I've done this trip many times, the 1st time with the packer was to take my dad up there, he was about my age now, 55. The last time was with my family & my sisters family, the youngest, my 7 yr old son, he was so small that when he would give the horse a boot, it would hit the horses back, not it's belly, horse didn't care so the packer cut a switch for him to get the horse moving. I also like to take this trip in early July, that way there's usually still some snow, I'd dig a hole in it and store some food in there, keep it cold.

Berner's Pack Outfit
Pine Creek Pack Station
P.O. Box 968
Bishop, CA 93515

760/387-2797
800/962-0775

Depending on what time of year another consideration is the Lassen area. Caribou wilderness area is just east and lots of small lakes. Easy hiking but you will be in the 6000-7000 feet elevation range. About 3 hrs drive from Sacramento.

Thanks.

I like the Pine Creek area but was hoping not to have to drive that far. If I did I think I'd take him up out of Rock Creek somewhere. The hikes are a bit easier and the fishing is still great.

As for Caribou Wilderness, I've always wanted to backpack/fish that area but I've spoken to people who have and they say it's a buggy nightmare during summers after a wet winter. Think we'd have to wait until mid August if we went there.

Dear John,
I'd like to second the recommendation for Lassen NP. Fairly easy hiking and lots of lakes. I'm guessing you won't find it very crowded.

Trinity Alps might also be a good bet. Some good-sized streams and plenty of lakes. Hiking is a bit more strenuous.

You could also look into the Tuolumne above Hetch Hetchy, but it's a bear of a hike, not to mention the actual bears in the vicinity.

Anglerboy

Check your email.

--FlyGuy (Dave)

Thanks Dave, I got it.