This week I would like to introduce you to a very specialized publication about angling in the High Sierra.
It contains a ton of very useful information about the who, what, why, when and where's of fishing in many of the nearby waters of the High Sierra.
Not surprisingly, I would even be willing to bet that most of you are completely unaware of its existence and that would be an easy bet to win for yours truly.
That publication is very simply entitled, "Fishing the California Alps."
It is the 2000 guide to High Sierra fishing opportunities. It is available at a large number of locations stretching all the way from our Carson City area south to the Lone Pine, Calif. area.
Most importantly, be aware that no matter where you pick up your copy, Fishing the California Alps is free!
That's right, it is absolutely free. F-R-E-E! Not too shabby.
This annual fishing publication, now in its sixth year, is produced by Paul and Gloria Washam of the Family Mountain Publishing Company of Woodfords, Calif.
According to Paul, "Fishing the California Alps, the guide to High Sierra angling, is once again expanding due to reader and merchant interest and support. The publication, in its sixth year, will increase in both copies printed and distribution area. We thank and welcome those participating (new and old) in this journalistic labor of love. "
According to Paul, he has printed a total of 50,000 copies to date, his supply is running low and he is looking into additional printing runs.
The two feature, front-cover stories in this year's edition were provided by Paul White,the Outdoor Editor for the Reno Gazette/Journal Newspaper and Don Quilici, the Outdoor Editor for the Nevada Appeal.
White's story is entitled "Twin Lakes - Hidden Gem in The Sierra and is about Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, located just west of Bridgeport, Calif.
According to White, "There is a slice of heaven nestled in the eastern Sierra west of Bridgeport. It's called Twin Lakes and quite possibly it is one of the most beautiful and underused recreational spots in the region."
Quilici's story is about his personal experience while on a packhorse trip to Fremont Lake in California's Hoover Wilderness Area, also located west of Bridgeport.
According to Quilici, "If you go on one of these High Sierra Wilderness Trips, with the Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit, I guarantee spectacular scenery, great tent camping, the opportunity for unforgettable trout fishing, plenty of tasty food, delicious tasting drinks and memorable camaraderie. How can you go wrong?"
In addition to the two feature articles, the 48-page publication is jammed packed with all kinds of useful information, stories and articles by a large number of other contributors.
Here are some examples of what Fishing The California Alps contains:
-- A comprehensive listing of area campgrounds located at: Markleeville, Woodfords, Hope Valley, Caples Lake, Kirkwood, Bear Valley and Lake Alpine, all in Alpine County. The Bishop, Lone Pine and Big Pine areas in Inyo County. The Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining, June Lake and Bridgeport areas in Mono County.
-- A detailed listing of important numbers in Alpine, Inyo and Mono Counties. These telephone numbers include the California Highway Patrol, Alpine County Sheriff's Office, Inyo County Sheriff's Office, Mono County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Forest Service, Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop, Mt. Whitney Fire Station at Lone Pine, the June Lake Fire Department at the June Lake Loop, Bridgeport Medical Clinic for urgent care and the Walker Paramedics at Walker.
-- An index complete with telephone numbers of lodging locations, restaurants, grocery stores, sporting goods stores, automotive services, other services, emergency services, medical services and visitor information available in Bridgeport, all proved by the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce.
-- Names and telephone number for R.V. parks in Carson City, Carson Valley, the Mammoth Lakes area, Alpine County, June Lake area, Topaz Lake area, Bridgeport, Lee Vining and Inyo County.
-- An Alpine County fishing map showing the locations of 50 streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs in that county.
-- Detailed information about Grover Hot Springs State Park just west of Bridgeport.
-- An annual report on the activities of the Alpine County game warden.
-- The steps needed to remove a fish hook from your finger.
-- A recipe for "Lynda's Sour Cream/Apple Pie."
Fishing The California Alps also features informative articles by various writers such as:
1. Doug Busey an outdoor writer for the Record Courier and the Tahoe Tribune writing about "The Alpine County fishing tour."
2. Victor Babbitt of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters writing about "Fly fishing and rafting the East Carson River."
3. William Somer, an associate fishery biologist, writing about "Trout management in Alpine County."
4. Dennis Cocking, South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District information officer, writing about "STPUD and Alpine County - a relationship that works."
5. Alan Turner writing about"A wilderness experience second to none."
6. Gary Schiff, U.S. Forest Service Carson District Ranger, writing about "Fishing opportunities in the Eastern Sierra."
7. Jim Crouse writing about "Fishing Observations."
8. Pete Bauer of the Angler's Edge in Gardnerville writing about "A day hike to fish the high country."
9. Dave Bolick, executive director for the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, writing about "Discover the Carson Valley."
10. John W. Bishop, Out West Gallery and Trading Co., writing about "Some local history."
11. Alice Beers writing about "Voyage of discovery."
12. Guy Nixon, Boofuss Productions, writing about "Hunting for the year 2000 - California Alps. "
So, when you get the chance, be sure to pick up a copy of Fishing the California Alps for yourself. While you're at it, pick up some extra copies for your friends, neighbors and relatives.
That publication will be worth its weight in gold on your next fishing trip.
For information, call Paul Washam in Woodfords at (530) 694-2966.
-- Bet Your Favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon that he can't tell you how Convict Lake got its name.
It was the site of an 1871 gun battle between a group of escaped convicts from the Nevada State Prison and a sheriff's posse.
