For those of you seeking a fun-filled fishing destination that offers a variety of different features ranging from catching trophy trout to drinking your favorite cocktail, you might want to take a good, long look at Upper Twin Lake, Calif.
LOCATION: Upper Twin Lake, located in the Sierra Nevada, is just west of Bridgeport, Calif.
HOW TO GET THERE: From the Carson City area, drive south on U.S. 395 for 83 miles to Bridgeport. At Bridgeport, turn right at the first gas station on your right. Then, take the paved road west for about 13 miles. The first lake you come to is Lower Twin Lake, the next is Upper.
WHERE TO FISH: The general area in front of Mono Village at the far end of the lake and along the back side of the lake are usually the most productive.
The largest trout, so far this year, is reported to be an 8-pound German brown trout.
The largest trout last weekend was a 6-pound, 2-ounce rainbow taken on an olive green Woolly Bugger fly by a troller. The second largest was a 5-pound, 3-ounce rainbow also taken on a Woolly Bugger fly.
HOW TO FISH: Equally productive from shore, a float tube or a boat.
- From shore: fish with Power Bait or nightcrawlers in the area next to the boat launch facility or along the highway.
- From a float tube: fish with flies, such as a olive-colored Matuka, a Sparkley Woolly Bugger or - From a boat: troll with gold/red-colored Jake's Spin-A-Lure, Thomas Buoyant or Hot Shot lures. Troll along the back side of the lake, along the deep drop-off.
WHAT YOU'LL CATCH: Rainbow trout, up to about 8 pounds, or German brown trout, up to about 8 pounds, or small Kokanee salmon.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: You must wear your California fishing license where it is readily visible above the waist.
SPECIAL NOTE: Mono Village at the far end of Upper Twin Lake offers a wide variety of attractive features including a choice of overnight camping (95 hook-ups, 270 dry camp sites and 16 cabins), general store, gift shop, cafe, restaurant (open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends), cocktail lounge, boat shop, boat rentals, hiking trails, awesome scenery, etc.
SPECIAL NOTE: The last two California state record German brown trout were caught at Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, with the current record being a monster weighing over 26 pounds from Upper Twin Lake.
SPECIAL NOTE: The 2000 fishing season for this general area closes on Oct. 31.
FOR INFORMATION: Call the Reservation Desk at Mono Village at (760) 932-7071.
