Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

2026 Scenic 395 19 Ridgecrest the Eastside, and many lakes and rivers offer ideal condi- tions for beginners. Shore- lines with gentle access, quiet ponds near campgrounds, and marinas offering boat rentals make it easy for families to find “their spot.” Kids love the excitement of that first fish, and local guides, tackle shops, and outfitters are always ready to help newcomers choose the right gear or learn basic cast- ing skills. Many popular lakes, in- cluding places like Convict Lake, Crowley Lake, and the Millpond near Bishop, feature accessible fishing piers and paths, making it easier for disabled anglers, seniors, and families with small children to enjoy a day on the water. A Region Full of Events Across the Eastern Sier- ra, fishing events celebrate everything people love about spending a day on the water. Community derbies, family festivals, multi-day tourna- ments, and seasonal kickoff celebrations take place from Lone Pine to Bridgeport. Some events focus on kids and be- ginner anglers, others attract experienced competitors look- ing for a challenge, and many are simple bring-your-catch gatherings hosted by local resorts and marinas through- out the season. Prizes, raffles, friendly competition, and a shared love of the outdoors make these events cherished annual traditions. Warm Water Fishing While the region is best known for trout, the Owens Valley warmwater fisheries provide calm, easy places to fish for anglers who enjoy bait fishing or want a break from cold-water trout techniques. The canal system and main- tained ponds that include Rawson and Buckley Ponds, Saunders Lake, and Tinemaha Reservoir support bass, blue- gill, catfish, and other species, for fun change of pace and great opportunities for kids and beginners to feel a steady tug on the line. Fish Hatcheries & Stocking Fish stocking plays a vi- tal role in maintaining the region’s diverse and healthy fisheries. The California Department of Fish &Wild- life regularly stocks trout in lakes and streams throughout the Eastern Sierra, support- ing sustainable fishing and seasonal opportunities. Some local marinas and event orga- nizers provide supplemental stocking, always within state regulations, to enhance recre- ational fishing. Regional hatcheries such as Black Rock, Fish Springs, and Hot Creek raise species suited to the unique conditions of the Eastside; some welcome visitors curious about the fish-rearing process. Near Independence, the historic Mt. Whitney Hatchery now serves as a museum and interpretive center, offering a fascinating look into over a century of fishing history. Planning Your Fishing Trip A successful Eastern Sierra fishing adventure begins with a bit of planning. Weather changes quickly in the moun- tains, and fishing regulations vary by location and season. Local tackle shops, visitor centers, and guide services are excellent sources of up-to- date information and can help with everything from gear selection to choosing the right lake for your group’s experi- ence level. Whether you’re chasing trophy trout, introducing your kids to fishing, or simply savoring the mountain air be- tween casts, the Eastern Sierra is a place where traditions grow, stories begin, and every bend in the river promises something new. By Nick Buckmaster Fisheries Supervisor, CDFW I remember my first trip to the east Sierra. It was three decades ago, on my family’s annual journey back to British Columbia. I think I was six or seven and obsessed with trout fishing. Less than 10 years later, I took my first backpack trip into Rae Lake basin. I was awestruck by the quality of the fishing, as well as the astounding landscape and views. Since moving into the area after graduate school, I continue to be impressed by the beauty and productivity of our local waters. Unfortu- nately, our local waters and our fisheries are under threat by a new species of invasive mussel. Golden mussels are an emerging threat to Califor- nia’s freshwater ecosystems. They were first detected in Stockton in October 2024 and are now found more than 250 miles south in Silverwood Reservoir. Unlike other inva- sive mussels (such as Quagga and Zebra Mussels), these mussels thrive in low-calcium environments, making East- ern Sierra lakes particularly vulnerable. Once established, eradication is impossible, and infestations lead to clogged water systems, damaged recreational infrastructure, collapsed food webs, and the loss of biodiversity. To be blunt: these animals have the potential to fundamentally change our fishing and boating experiences. But their introduction is not inevitable. The only way that these animals will be intro- duced is by hitching a ride on watercraft. They can stow away in the motor or bilge (or a bait tank) if standing water is left in the boat, or as adults stuck on the outside of your boat. You can help keep the Eastern Sierra waters clean by stopping into one of the new inspection/cleaning stations on your way to the lake. At these stations, trained pro- fessionals will inspect, and if necessary, clean your boat to prevent any unwanted guests from tagging along on your way to the lake. A list of ways to prevent the spread can be found here: https://cleandraindry.org. Thanks for helping us keep this area free from invasive mussels! Don’t move a mussel!