Beardsley Lake is primitive, but fishing can be exquisite

Posted by mildas moser on March 23rd, 2020

Some people may possibly contact Beardsley Reservoir their personal heaven due to the from time to time good trout fishing. Some may possibly swear it really is the other spot for the reason that of restricted, primitive facilities, a common low water level and afternoon winds. Get much more information and facts about Fun cabin rentals

However of the numerous lakes within the Sierra Nevada, it truly is Beardsley that often supplies a few of the ideal trout fishing in California following first getting opened, in addition to several side trips and nearby cabin-style lodging.

Beardsley is situated east of Sonora, up near Strawberry along Highway 108. This reservoir is set within a deep canyon around the Middle Fork Stanislaus River, some 2,000 feet beneath the ridge. So while the actual elevation at the lake is 3,400 feet, where spring is taking hold, Beardsley has the really feel of a lake set at much greater elevations.

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

Upon arrival, the initial issue you might notice is the fact that the lake is now 55 % complete, which may possibly appear extremely low. Actually, it really is perfect. The lake frequently fishes greatest when it's low, not complete, because it is less difficult to find the submerged ledges and drop-offs where the fish school. Using the snowpack at Sonora Pass now melting, Beardsley is projected to rise over the subsequent two months and present a far more classic setting.

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

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

Numerous side adventures can furnish much more highlights. When Sonora Pass is cleared of snow, which ordinarily occurs in early May perhaps, a must-do could be the trip up Highway 108 towards the Donnells Vista. Given that Donnells Reservoir is set inside a deep gorge and usually is kept pretty low in the spring (now only 18 % full), the view in to the gorge might be eye-popping beautiful. This can be a infant Yosemite Valley with towering granite walls, a miniature El Capitan, and many waterfalls.

There's also access for the Middle Fork Stanislaus downstream of Beardsley Dam, with an unsigned river trail out there. Fly-fishing, catch-and-release, for modest natives is often excellent; the trout season for mountain streams opens April 24.

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