Sierra Fishing Gear - What's on Your Lis t?

“I remember well a hike in the Sierra's, Cottonwood Lakes it was, and a fine time we had fishing for all manner of Trout. Never a fisherman before this, I was pretty much in the dark about gear, and so, in planning ahead, I did a few right things, and picked up an ultra-light, 4-piece rod, a reel (the functions of which mystify me to this day), several different types of lures (the names of which are equally bizarre and nebulous), and a small plastic case in which to carry them.

It would have been better, I've concluded, to admit my inadequacy as to some of the finer points of preparing for the best potential success while on the trail, and so, once again, I come to you, my fellow (and feline, as it were) TTr's.

What's on your fishing gear list?

What lures, spinners, flies and such do you like, and why? Do you use bait? If so, what seems to be most effective?

What are your tools, common problems, and solutions? What does it all weigh in your pack?

Post pix of your gear, if you have them, and keep in mind I'm a novice. I have what I believe is a reasonable gear list, but if I had it here in front of me, and you asked me what I had in it, I wouldn't know it, even if it was staring me in the face.

Ideally, it would be a good idea to actually spend some time fishing with knowledgeable friends, but I think y'all might be able to offer valuable insight, and so here I look...

Thanks!”

“I don't really do the powerbait thing/bobber thing much, tho some people swear by it. I do mostly lures, all kinds. Panther Martins really spin well, I find. The guy across the street from me is a big fisherman and says that the only lure you ever need for mountain lake and stream fishing is a green panther martin that looks like a grasshopper. I actually haven't found one of those yet, but will before my next fishing jaunt into the mtns. I have an assortment and just cycle through them until I find something that gets strikes. I have a couple of rooster tails as well and have gotten really lucky with them a couple of times, in particular, the one that looks like a little rainbow and the yellow and black one that resembles a bee (sorry, don't know the names). I have a little translucent plastic tackle box that holds them all, I think they are the 1/32 size? My rod is a collapsable $10 rod from sears and my reel is a Shimano something or other that I also paid about $10 for a Sears. I plan on getting a new rod and reel soon, nothing too fancy but a sectional and lightweight. I use 6 lb test. I just have fun and usually catch fish, tho got nothing on my last attempt on a mtn river.

I have a good list from Sierra Mel somewhere that has all of what she usually takes. I'll try and find it and post it.
last edited: 7/15/09 10:22:39 AM”

“I have an old telescoping rod which seemed as flexible as a section rod when I tried to replace it 7-8 years ago. I now use an Adjust-a-bubble, placed about 3.5' to 4' above a fly to get the fly out as I do not have a fly fishing set up. If the fish are biting good, I can clean up. Caught so many at Rae Lakes before lunch a couple years ago, while fishing from one end to the other, that I had to quit so I could get back to camp to eat.

I use an assortment of flies, that trip, a winged red ant knocked them dead in the morning. Backup flies are a black knat (sp), grey mosquito and a red mosquito. An assortment of gold bead headed flies too. The fish can be very picky about which of these they will take. Use four pound test line or lighter. I find the two pound test breaks too easily for me when tying a fly on.

Ask at a local shop before your trip.”

“Hikerduane,
Next time you could try your regular 4 lb. test to the float and pick up some Tippet material to tie on from the float to the fly. It is much smaller diameter for the # test strength. It will help you catch more fish.”

“Cool. I may have to try casting with some flies this time around...”

“Rosey, thanks for looking for Mel's list... I remember it, but failed to save it, and didn't remember until you'd mentioned it... but then, that woulda been one of the things I wold talk with her about, if I could FIND her...

Hikerduane, those are good ideas. Rae Lakes is part of the goal next summer, re: the JMT hike I posted, and if I can work it out (should not be an issue for me, self-employed), then I'll be casting a line there as well.

In fact, I have not a list, but topo maps with waypoints of all the fishing sites Mel had made note of. Not sure how that might translate to how well they fish today, but it's a TOPO! map, and can email it, if that's helpful to anyone...”

“Obiwan, welcome to the HST site. Great info there and even better fishing info for the Sierra, as that is what it is about there. Check out the fishing topics, mo betta info then I can give.

Headed to Yosemite tomorrow after work, then to the west side Friday morning early, for a private trip with a young dude, learn him the ropes a tiny bit maybe or look like the old fool. Should be fun anyway.”

“Sad thing is, the fishing days in the High Sierra are probably numbered since the USFS is no longer stocking the lakes (endangered frog).

But I'll bet the horse packers do anyway...”

“I prefer a lighweight spinning rod and reel with a #2 black Mepps. Yo trout!”

“I was just checking my gear, thought I'd provide an update...

My rod is a 4-piece Daiwa HL-5 Spinning 2-4lb., weighing in at just a hair over 3 oz., with a Shimano reel weighing in at 5 oz.

I also have a small, compartmentalized 4 X 6 X 1.5" plastic tackle box with enough room for, I think, anything I'd need.”