South Lake Bishop...Info Needed!!!!

[Smitty]

Calling all Bishop area experts.....

I'm looking for information on South Lake. I haven't fished the lakes above Bishop much since I was a kid, done most of my fishing from Rock Creek north to Bridgeport.

Anyhow...my family is investigating a few properties in the Bishop area and I'm hoping someone here can give me some feedback on how fishing is, specifically at South Lake.

I understand its a reservior but are the water levels relatively stable?
How does the fishing compare with North Lake and Sabrina?
How does that area compare to the June Loop or the Mammoth Basin?
Is South lake deep or shallow?
Is it mostly a trolling lake or does it offer good still fishing opportunities?
Is the shoreline easily accessible?
Does South Lake get much fishing pressure?

Has anyone rented boats from the landing there?
Are they junk? Underpriced or Overpriced?
How is their selection of tackle?
Is the staff there knowledgable?
Is the lake big enough to handle a lot of boats or does it get crowded easily?


How is the creek below the lake?

Are there campgrounds at South Lake?

Any and all input on South Lake would be appreciated....info on the area in general would be welcome too.

peace,
smitty

[Steve K]

Smitty, you sure know how to ask alot of questions. All good ones. Give me a call, I've been fishing South Lake off and on for forty years. PM with phone number.

[paraadventurer]

I hit for 1 day on my way back from RCL a few weeks ago.As you might remember it's a beautiful lake with the boat dock right at the end of the
road/start of lake.There is a tackle shop with a couple of friendly guys
who pointed me in the direction of "the boiler",a short pretty hike at the left
of the docks.The hike continues on to the JMT or what appears to be a
great lake filled,circuitous hike to North Lake;touching Kings Cyn mid thru.
Since I only shore fished,I can't comment on the rental boat condition but
I can say that I didn't see 1 boat on the lake all day(thurs.)while Rock Creek
was PACKED!I caught a few planters on inflated crawlers.The wind blows straight at you from the pass,much like RCL,so I had to use a float to cast
out.They apparently just planted Alpers but they haven't settled down to
bite yet,nor have the brown(still planted occ from my understanding) trout.
As a side note, Bishop canyon is loaded with aspen,meadows and beaver
dams and I suspect it should be quite a show this fall.I hear and saw many
anglers on the creek which also contains some toads.
I look forward to your post/opinions when you get back.I'm fishing Lake
Mary w/trailer this Tues-Fri;might hit South Lake again on the way back-it's
definitely beautiful;maybe more than RCL and Little Lakes Valley Suerte Ken

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by paraadventurer

I hit for 1 day on my way back from RCL a few weeks ago.As you might remember it's a beautiful lake with the boat dock right at the end of the
road/start of lake.There is a tackle shop with a couple of friendly guys
who pointed me in the direction of "the boiler",a short pretty hike at the left
of the docks.The hike continues on to the JMT or what appears to be a
great lake filled,circuitous hike to North Lake;touching Kings Cyn mid thru.
Since I only shore fished,I can't comment on the rental boat condition but
I can say that I didn't see 1 boat on the lake all day(thurs.)while Rock Creek
was PACKED!I caught a few planters on inflated crawlers.The wind blows straight at you from the pass,much like RCL,so I had to use a float to cast
out.They apparently just planted Alpers but they haven't settled down to
bite yet,nor have the brown(still planted occ from my understanding) trout.
As a side note, Bishop canyon is loaded with aspen,meadows and beaver
dams and I suspect it should be quite a show this fall.I hear and saw many
anglers on the creek which also contains some toads.
I look forward to your post/opinions when you get back.I'm fishing Lake
Mary w/trailer this Tues-Fri;might hit South Lake again on the way back-it's
definitely beautiful;maybe more than RCL and Little Lakes Valley Suerte Ken

Thank you for the response paraadventurer...much appreciated!!!!

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by Steve K

Smitty, you sure know how to ask alot of questions. All good ones. Give me a call, I've been fishing South Lake off and on for forty years. PM with phone number.

I was hoping you'd respond buddy....I'll give you call tomorrow! Thanks for responding!