Fishing on the Wild Side in California's Sierra Nevada

I call it Fishing on the Wild Side. It is my version ofpoisonous snakes. Rattlesnakes are rare now
adding a little extra adventure to a fishing outing.along the heavily used trails in the Sierra, but as
Fishing the wild side has taken me on somesoon as you start clambering around in country
unforgettable escapades, sometimes incredible,where few others venture, you will almost
occasionally a little frightening, but never boring.certainly encounter snakes.
The first step is to scour a topographical map ofOne consideration with fishing on the wild side is
an area you want to visit. For me that is almostthat you are often making your way over difficult
always California's rugged Sierra Nevada. Beforeterrain. I am not an enthusiastic bush whacker, so
long I spot a lake, or possibly a stretch of river,any significant barricade of brambles is likely to
that matches my criteria of what constitutes aturn me around or send me off another way.
good wild side fishing destination.Often though, you will find yourself in places
My favorite lakes or streams are the ones that,where you need both hands free: scrambling over
because of their location, are overlooked myrocks, crossing a stream, or pushing your way
most anglers. Sometimes they have no name.through pine boughs. As a consequence, I put
Often they are small. They are not on the wayeverything in my daypack, including my fishing rod.
to anything else. Usually they are just far enoughChoosing a Back-country Fishing Rod
off the beaten track that most fishermenAmong the most popular fly rods for off-trail, high
overlooked, dazzled by other, closer, larger, orcountry fishing is the March Brown Baden Powell
more famous bodies of water. Sometimes theyspecial edition. It is a 7-piece, #5, 8'6" rod, which is
are tucked away up a side-canyon only a mileperfect compromise in length for both stream
from one of the big attractions. Every yearand lake fishing. Broken down it is only 17" long.
thousands of anglers toss their hooks into theMany people like its medium-fast action. Another
Virginia Lakes near Yosemite, but how manyrod to consider is Cabela's Stowaway 7. It is an
bother to trek less than half a mile up to Moat8'6" rod which breaks down into 7 pieces, which is
Lake? If they did, they would have a chance atquite convenient for slipping into a daypack.
some golden trout.Another choice, best for streams or small lakes, is
When I am fishing on the wild side I care verythe Fly-Lite Mini Rod and Reel. It is a 2-piece, #4
little about the size of the fish or the number ofweight rod and comes in lengths up to 6'.
fish I catch. Just so there are at least some fish.For those of you who are spin casting, you might
It is the destination that is the real prize.want to look at Eagle-Claw's Pack-it telescopic
Sometimes you will get skunked, but not often.rods. Another choice is the Crystal River
And once in awhile you will make one of thoseExecutive Travel Pack Spinning Combo. This 6'
miraculous discoveries-a secret lake showing norod breaks down into 6 sections. Whichever rod
signs along the shore of previous visitors, while allyou choose, you'll want to get an ultra-light carbon
around the lake, 15-inch rainbows glide about thefiber or plastic case to protect the rod in your
shallows.pack. The cases that come with some of the
A wild side destination need not be far fromrods are usually pretty heavy.
civilization. In valleys with large rivers, try finding aWhere to Fish in the Sierra Nevada on the Wild
safe crossing to the other side of the river whereSide
there is no trail. An example of this in the SierraIf you are already an experienced cross-country
might be Paradise Valley in Kings Canyon Nationalhiker, then spread out your maps and choose a
Park. Or watch for places where a trail divergesdestination that catches your eye. If you are just
from the stream, such as up Bear Creek nearstarting out you might want to choose some
Lake Edison. Three miles from the trailhead thelakes that aren't too far off in the wild and aren't
footpath swings away from Bear Creek. Mosttoo difficult to reach.
yet only a half-mile farther upstream are a seriesIn the Sierra Nevada a great place to begin is out
of great pools with wonderful fishing.of Rock Creek on the eastern side of the
Staying Safe on the Wild Sidemountains. Any easy entry hike takes you up
There is never a trail to my wild side lakes orRock Creek into Little Lakes Valley where you
streams, so I always go prepared forcan wander about all day trying your luck fishing in
cross-country travel. If mountain travel is new toa dozen little lakes. Another good destination is
you, go out with others more experienced untilout of North Lake. With less than two miles on
you learn the art of off-trail route finding. Forthe trail you can be at Lamarck Lake and from
your first outings on your own, choose low-riskthere launch yourself up into the scattered
destinations where you can clearly see the routeWonder Lakes.
back. And take a friend with you.For experienced cross-country hikers there is
While a GPS is a handy tool, I still carry a toponothing to compare with the high country. Once
map and compass. If you are going alone, makeyou are at the edge of timberline, above most of
sure a trusted person knows exactly what routethe annoying thick timber and bushes you find at
you will be taking, when you are expected tolower elevations, you are free to wander from
return, and who to call if you don't show up.lake to stream without hindrance.
Carrying a satellite phone, one of the new SPOTThere is no reason you couldn't try fishing the
Satellite GPS Messengers, or a personal locatorwild side anywhere close to wherever you live,
beacon (PLB) would give you an extra layer ofwhether it is in the North Cascades, the
safety. I always go prepared for inclementAdirondacks, the Great Smokey Mountains, or the
weather, including adding an emergency shelter toRockies. Even if you only venture a few hundred
my daypack.yards from the well-beaten pathways, you will
Along the way I keep a close eye out forfind great rewards.