Thanks for checking in!

Let's talk about the opening of the trout season! We were expecting fewer folks to come up due to the economy and  gas prices, so the crowds that we normally see were indeed thinner. The Big Meadow Lodge was full, however, and we enjoyed the company of those who return year after year as a tradition regardless of weather or other restraints! Our low room rates, super clean cabins and amenities seem to be the reason, but I want to thank my sister, Sheri for her contributions. Sheri is now staying at the Road House and managing the lodge full time. This has made a big difference to our guests. She cleans like nobody else could and her attitude towards providing service is making our little lodge an even better choice for accomodations.

Now, about the fishing. Most of you know that we have a brown trout program that successfully enhances our historic brown trout fishery right here in Bridgeport. The number and size of the brown trout brought to angler's nets on opening day surpassed our most optimistic predictions. Brown trout are wary yet extremely aggressive once they decide to strike. They are selective feeders so it generally takes more than a wad of power bait tossed into the water to score browns in good numbers. There was quite a buzz at Ken's Sporting Goods, the Bridgeport Lake marina, and Paradise Shores RV Park at the end of the weekend concerning the huge number of 2 to 4 pound brownies caught in the lake this year as compared to previous openers. This has motivated our enhancement program to expand and gives the hard working volunteers a feeling of accomplishment.

Throughout the Bridgeport area folks were expressing satisfaction with the overall fishing experience on opening weekend. Upper Twin Lakes enjoyed a particularly good opener with many full stringers reported. The good people at Mono Village have a very successful enhancement program and again the efforts have paid off. The rainbows and browns caught at both Upper and Lower Twin Lakes were averaging two pounds or more and the anglers were reporting some of the best fishing they could remember from these very productive lakes. The area streams such as Robinson Creek, Virginia Creek, and the East Walker River were also very productive. The overall experience was about as good as anyone could have hoped for, and the thinner crowds made the experience that much better for those who drove the extra miles to get here.

Plan a trip soon, and be ready for some brown trout action!

Don't forget to bring a kid!!

Skip Baker