Q-Tip: Fish the June Lake Loop

This week's "Q-Tip" is a suggestion to fish any or all of the four lakes, plus Rush Creek, which are all contained in the June Lake Loop in California.

LOCATION: The June Lake Loop is just off U.S. 395, between Bridgeport and Bishop, Calif. The Loop contains four lakes: Gull, Grant, June and Silver, plus Rush Creek.

HOW TO GET THERE: Drive south from Carson City on U.S. 395 for about 100 miles and then look for the signed, paved highway on your right. That paved road will take you past all four lakes and then back to U.S. 395.

WHERE TO FISH: Any of the four lakes or the creek are excellent.

HOW TO FISH: Any way that you desire: From shore, a float tube, raft, canoe or a boat. All four lakes are equally productive.

WHAT YOU'LL CATCH:

Gull Lake: rainbow trout.

Grant Lake: Lahontan cutthroat, German brown and rainbow trout.

June Lake: Cutthroats, browns and rainbows.

Silver Lake: Browns and rainbows.

Rush Creek: Cutthroats, browns and rainbows.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS: You must wear your California fishing license where it is readily visible above the waist.

SPECIAL NOTE: Gull Lake normally produces the largest fish of the four lakes.

SPECIAL NOTE: The largest fish caught each year will weigh about 9-11 pounds. The largest fish caught in the last ten years was a 20-pound, 3-ounce German brown at Grant Lake. The largest trout so far this year is an 11-pound, 6-ounce trophy German brown from Grant Lake.

SPECIAL NOTE: Gull Lake holds the existing California state record for Eastern brook trout. However, there are no brookies in that lake at this time.

SPECIAL NOTE: The June Lake Loop contains a total of seven campgrounds. For campground information, call (800) 280-CAMP.

SPECIAL NOTE: The lakes in the June Lake Loop routinely receive once-a-month plants of Alper's Trophy Rainbow Trout, which weigh 3-7 pounds each. Each of the four lakes plus the creek are stocked on a weekly basis with average-sized rainbow trout by the Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game.

FOR INFORMATION: Call the June Lake Chamber of Commerce at (760) 648-7584 or Mike, Elaine or John Logue at Ernie's Tackle Store at (760) 648-7756.