Eastern Sierra Fish Reports

Eastern Sierra Fish Reports is proud to partner with the Bishop Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. Please check out our recent fish reports from the Bishop area. We will update the reports as frequently as possible. Click on the to see more reports from our local spots on Eastern Sierra Fish Reports.


South Lake > The giants are biting!

Just a reminder, the giants are biting!


Parchers Resort Gang (Updated 2023-09-21)
Lake Sabrina > Blake Jones Trout Derby 9/16

Third time is a charm! This beloved annual fishing event was originally set for March, the re-scheduled for May and now, we are certain it's going to happen September 16, 2023!
This past winter's epic snowfall led to crazy melt and runoff, but things are looking great now!
 
This event will be a little different than the traditional Blake Jones - more fishable lakes & streams this time of year. You might discover a new favorite fishing spot at Lake Sabrina or South Lake. And, we're getting an extra load of beautiful trout from Wright's Rainbows to make sure there are plenty of fish for everyone!
 
As always, we'll have TONS of amazing prizes and categories for adults and kids. You don't have to catch a big fish to grab a BIG PRIZE because it's a blind bogey format.
And, we even have categories for catch & release anglers.
 
We do want everyone to be safe out there. Some roads in the region have recently washed out and some waterways are still flowing way too fast.
 
Here are a few links to help you "know before you go"
 
 
 
 
Hotel reservations are highly recommended.
 
Registration for the 9/16 event is now open.
If you previously signed up, you are already on the list - thank you!
 

Register Now


Bishop Chamber (Updated 2023-09-12)
Owens River > Flows are bouncing around, and I expect it to stay that way until probably November

Lower Owens - 9/8/23 Flows at 395CFS

Rod Size:  #3-#5 Weights

Tippet Size: 4-5X 

Leader: Euro/Czech Leader, 7.5ft-9ft 4-5X

Best Techniques: 

Dry Flies: 

Nymphs:

Flows are bouncing around, and I expect it to stay that way until probably November. I'd expect elevated flows through next spring and summer regardless of what kind of winter we have. I'm not a big fan of fishing here, especially wading when the flows are over 300cfs, so be careful and check yourself for tics when you get off the water.


Jim Elias (Updated 2023-09-08)
Bishop Creek > The water is fast but the slow spots have fish

The water is fast but the slow spots have fish…no shortage of fish actually - but given the conditions pretty quiet as far as fishing pressure. DFW has continued stocking the slower areas and ponds when possible, and the majority of the Idaho ‘bows are still hanging out waiting for y’all….including the second load dropped in quietly just a few weeks ago.


Parchers Resort Gang (Updated 2023-08-30)
Intake II > Weekly plants, easy access, excellent fishing

Weekly plants, easy access, excellent fishing. Shoreline is kinda muddy in some spots. I’ve seen quite a few folks with waders fishing the inlet creeks.


Parchers Resort Gang (Updated 2023-08-30)
North Lake > No Report

No Report.


Parchers Resort Gang (Updated 2023-08-30)
Pleasant Valley Reservoir > The 2023 Blake Jones Trout Derby – September 16

Cast Your Line Into The Legends Of The Blake Jones Fishing Derby 

This more than half century old event isn’t just a fishing derby, but a testament to the popularity of fishing in the Eastern Sierra. To this day, it is still the largest single day fishing derby in the state of California. This is the first time for a fall event, which means more places to fish!! Go beyond Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River, submit your catches from Bishop Creek, Lake Sabrina, South Lake, Weir Pond, Intake II and North Lake. Oh this is going to be fun…

This Year’s Event 

This year’s Blake Jones Trout Derby will be held on Saturday September 16th. Nearly $10,000 worth of cash and prizes will be awarded, which includes items such as float tubes, rods & reels, gift certificates to local shops, restaurants and more. Even if the rest of your family isn’t into fishing, this is the perfect time to visit. Check out fall colors the fall colors map and tutorial to help you find the best spots for leaf peeping.  Please use extreme caution – AVOID SWIFT WATER!

>> Sign Up for you and your family

Registration

Registration, weigh-in, and awards ceremony will be at the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds in downtown Bishop.

“The derby is a real family-friendly fishing event.  In addition to the fishing contest, we’ll have information booths, educational displays, kids’ casting games, music, activities, food & beverage vendors and more,” Leeson added. The Blake Jones Trout Derby is co-sponsored by Inyo County and the City of Bishop, plus many other generous sponsors.  For more information, contact the Bishop Chamber at (760) 873-8405.

Everyone Can Win 

One of the unique aspects to the Blake Jones Derby is the idea of the “Blind Bogey” format. Ahead of the tournament, a secret fisherman goes out and catches a fish and then records it. During the tournament, if any registered competitors match the secret fish weight, they win the Blind Bogey raffle. Additional prizes are awarded for early registration, farthest travel, biggest fish, and even no fish for those who choose catch and release. 

>> Don’t Miss Out!

Who Is Blake Jones 

Named after the late Blake Jones, he invented the modern cheese bait like PowerBait back in the late 1950s. With his charismatic personality, Blake Jones became a spokesman for Bishop and the Eastern High Sierra, helping to turn Bishop into a year-round California fishing vacation destination. 

An Eastern Sierra Tradition!

Over $10K in cash & prizes – One of California’s largest single-day trout derbies. Registration, check-in and prize ceremony at Tri-County Fairgrounds.  Blind Bogey format with prizes for all ages.

Since 1968, the event has been a favorite Eastern Sierra tradition.  Last year, nearly 400 registered participants weighed in more than 500 fish. The largest was 5 pounds and most were in the 1-pound range. Lucky winners took home about $10K worth of prizes including float tubes, Yeti coolers, barbecues, rod & reel combos and tons of other great gear provided by the event’s ever-generous co-sponsors.


Bishop Chamber (Updated 2023-08-09)
The giants are biting!


Blake Jones Trout Derby 9/16


Flows are bouncing around, and I expect it to stay that way until probably November


The water is fast but the slow spots have fish


The 2023 Blake Jones Trout Derby – September 16