A location has not been secured as yet. The Eastern Sierra Trout season opens a month from now on April 28 and it appears that two popular lakes should be open to ice fishermen. Gary Olson, owner of Bishop Creek Lodge west of Bishop, says winter snows came late in the season and should maintain the ice pack on South Lake, located at an elevation of 10,000 feet. South Lake, and nearby Lake Sabrina are the only two Sierra lakes where opening day anglers can have drive-to access fishing. Snow is now being cleared from the roads and Olson expects visitors will be able to drive to the South Lake parking lot instead of having to park at a lower elevation and hiking nearly a mile.
Weather is always the main factor for opening day success.
Recent openings have seen everything from shirtsleeve weather to blizzard conditions, all within the same day. Look for a more complete and accurate opening day forecast in this column before the opener. Ernie Cowan is the outdoor writer for the North County Times.