The crowds of summer have gone, and there have been some dramatic changes in the weather, including more that two inches of snow at the upper elevations. What this means is in general the fishing should pick up as the fall feeding frenzy kicks into high gear. We can also expect the return of mild weather, and even periods of “Indian Summer” well into mid-October. Fall color has also begun to tint the aspens, but high winds this week may put a quick end to the leaves. Check out the color report on the Bishop Chamber of Commerce web page at www.bishopvisitor.com/.

Lone Pine - As temperatures cool, don’t pass up the portions of Lone Pine Creek that flow down from Whitney Portal and through the Alabama Hills into the Sand Trap just west of Lone Pine. This is also a great time to hike into Cottonwood Lakes from the Horseshoe Meadow Trailhead for some late season Golden Trout. Don’t make this trip without checking weather forecasts and taking enough equipment to meet sudden storms that can blow in very quickly.

Bishop Creek Basin - While fishing was slowed here when the snow hit, the traditional activity of late season brown trout has not started, but should begin at any time, according to Gary Olson at Bishop Creek Lodge. He said cooler weather has also brought a lot of bigger fish up toward the surface, and those who have been out report lots of limits of stocker-size trout and a few larger fish. Fly fishermen at the Weir Pond on Bishop Creek have been doing well with Green bodied mosquitoes, bead-headed Prince Nymphs, and olive Matukas.

Lake Sabrina - Repair work continues in the dry bed of what was once the lake. There are now two tiny natural lakes behind the dam because of the lowered water levels, but that does not seem to have slowed down the good fishing.

North Lake has been slow, but tubers should be able to find some nice fish as fall weather moderates. Shore anglers should work the rockslide area on the northeast side of the lake.

Intake II is closed to fishing at the present time as repair work continues.

The Owens River - Cooler weather always means good fishing on the lower Owens River. Flows are still high, so it can be a bit difficult fishing the swift currents, but the fly fisherman will find good action in the late afternoon with caddis fly patterns. The Upper Owens remains good, but beware of the New Zealand Mud snails. Make sure if you fish these waters that you clean or freeze your wading gear to avoid spreading these pesky snails to other waters.

Convict Lake was slow like most places this week because of the winter-like conditions, but look for Convict to be a great place for trophy trout as the season winds down. The beautiful lake is always a scenic fall fishing location, and the fact that it’s been stocked to the brim with monster Alpers trophy trout is why it is such a popular place.

Mammoth Lakes - If you will be heading to Mammoth Lakes for a fall fishing trip, you can check the stocking schedule for Alpers Trout at http://www.visitmammoth.com/stockschedule/stockschedule.html. Your best is to hit the lakes that are being stocked, but those who are tube fisherman should not overlook the possibility of nailing a nice hold over Alpers in almost any of the Mammoth Lakes. Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Guide Service suggests using a Spruce-a-bu pattern he has nick-named “dumb Blonde,” or “Kelly Bundy.” The flies are available at the Crowley lake Fish Camp, The San Diego Fly Shop, The Troutfitter in Mammoth Lakes, Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego, Malibu Fish’N Tackle in Thousand Oaks and the Crowley lake Store and Deli.

Crowley Lake - This hallmark trout lake always has the potential of producing some awesome trout. Wind might be your biggest enemy as fall weather develops, but when it’s nice, a boat or tube should allow you access to some great fishing.

Rock Creek - Small wild trout are putting on a great show in the ponds below Rock Creek Lake. For those who prefer the lake, try the inlet for easy stringers of stocked trout, with the chance of the occasional big boy.

The June Lake Loop The fall color here has developed early, especially around Rush Creek and between Silver and Grant Lakes. Snow was falling early this week, but not sticking. The browns should begin moving up the creeks to spawn.

Tioga Pass - Weather was severe here last week, but as things return to a more normal pattern, look for some nice fishing opportunity. This is one area where you can easily bag a Grand Slam in a single day, heading into the Twenty Lakes Basin behind Saddlebag for Golden Trout and brookies, then hitting Saddlebag or Ellery Lakes for rainbow trout and Saddlebag Creek for browns. Be prepared for weather when fishing in this area…anytime!

Virginia Lakes and Trumbull Lake - Another good place for fall color, along with great fishing. The combination of Big and Little Virginia Lakes, Trumbull, Red, Blue and Coony Lakes make this a great place for what ever kind of fishing you like, from boat to tube and bait to fly.

Catch all you can, but release everything you don’t need!