Beardsley Lake is primitive, but fishing is often exquisite

Some people could possibly get in touch with Beardsley Reservoir their personal heaven because of the from time to time terrific trout fishing. Some may well swear it really is the other spot because of restricted, primitive facilities, a typical low water level and afternoon winds. Get more data about Fun cabin rentals



But from the hundreds of lakes in the Sierra Nevada, it truly is Beardsley that often gives many of the greatest trout fishing in California soon after initial being opened, along with a lot of side trips and nearby cabin-style lodging.



Beardsley is located east of Sonora, up near Strawberry along Highway 108. This reservoir is set in a deep canyon around the Middle Fork Stanislaus River, some 2,000 feet below the ridge. So although the actual elevation at the lake is 3,400 feet, where spring is taking hold, Beardsley has the feel of a lake set at significantly larger elevations.



This can give rise to a fish-catching phenomenon that a lot of may dream about. I've had numerous April days at Beardsley exactly where the trout seem to shout, "Catch me!" -- like brown trout within the 15- to 22-inch class. Following the lake has been closed for 5 months, the trout normally look to forget about the wiles of anglers.



Upon arrival, the first factor you can notice is that the lake is now 55 % full, which could possibly seem pretty low. Essentially, it really is excellent. The lake often fishes finest when it truly is low, not full, because it is easier to find the submerged ledges and drop-offs exactly where the fish school. With the snowpack at Sonora Pass now melting, Beardsley is projected to rise over the subsequent two months and present a extra classic setting.



The facilities are restricted, the services nonexistent. There is a boat ramp, parking area in addition to a primitive Forest Service campground (still closed earlier this week) that consists of places to park self-contained RVs or pick- up trucks with camper shells, or pitch a tent.



One more issue would be the late-afternoon wind, with a westerly breeze that whistles up the canyon in spring. Some loathe it, nevertheless it can unlock the bank vault: With a compact boat, when you let the wind push you over the submerged ledges, your speed will match that of food drifting by. We've tested this with dozens of offerings: The top strategy should be to thread a night-crawler on your hook and line so it lies completely straight, after which trail it 17 inches behind a set of hammered brass/silver Cousin' Carl Half-Fast flashers.



Various side adventures can furnish additional highlights. When Sonora Pass is cleared of snow, which typically happens in early Could, a must-do will be the trip up Highway 108 for the Donnells Vista. Because Donnells Reservoir is set in a deep gorge and generally is kept incredibly low within the spring (now only 18 percent complete), the view into the gorge will probably be eye-popping gorgeous. This can be a infant Yosemite Valley with towering granite walls, a miniature El Capitan, and various waterfalls.



There is also access towards the Middle Fork Stanislaus downstream of Beardsley Dam, with an unsigned river trail offered. Fly-fishing, catch-and-release, for modest natives is generally superior; the trout season for mountain streams opens April 24.



The resort at small Pinecrest Lake at Strawberry provides further nearby options for boating, fishing and lodging, together with the marina opening April 23.