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by Kate Howe

Fly tyer and all-around international angler Kate Howe used to live in these parts and provided the information here. She was particularly fond of this small water because of the constant fly fishing challenge and because it always made her want to come back for more. Big Pine Creek’s glacier-fed waters wind 15 miles from lakes at the foot of Palisade Glacier to the creek’s confluence with the Owens River. The creek’s upper reaches are full of Ice Age cobblestone, with waters of a glacial blue-green tint. Down the mountain, small freestone rocks and sand replace the cobblestones. On the valley floor the creek becomes a high-desert meadow stream with undercut banks and a sand-and-rock bottom.

The brown trout of Big Pine Creek are wild and live up to that reputation. Most average around 8 to 12 inches. Daily, some angler is surprised with a 16-inch or better brown. Stocked rainbows and Alpers trout also add to the mix in the creek.

Dry fly fishing on Big Pine Creek can be nonstop in summer, after spring runoff when the water temperature has risen and the hatches stabilize. Nymphing always produces trout and, depending on water depth and cover, usually the bigger fish of the day. A dry fly fished with a dropper is an awesome combination and streamer fishing can be fantastic, giving the angler an opportunity to probe deep pools and undercuts for dominant fish in prime holding water.

Navigating the creek can be tough, with lots of brush to negotiate and rocks to climb over. These areas, however, can produce the best action, since many anglers don’t take the time to investigate them. For the less athletic, there are also easily accessible areas just a short hike from the parking areas.

The town of Big Pine is five hours north of Los Angeles on Highway 395. The fishing starts right in town, with more access on Glacier Lodge Road (going west). Access to the eastern section of the creek is via a dirt road off Highway 168.

Tumbling section of Big Pine Creek. Photo by Don Vachini.

Types of Fish

Wild brown trout and stocked rainbows.

Known Hatches & Baitfish

The standard Sierra smorgasbord of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies, terrestrials, and trout parr.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 2–5 weight, 7–9 feet in length.

Reels: Click or disk to match the rod.

Lines: WF or double-taper floating lines.

Leaders: 5X or 6X, tapered to 10 feet in length.

Wading: Wet-wade in the summer, but wear long pants to protect your legs from the brush. In cold weather, use hip boots or chest waders. Cleated, felt-soled boots are suggested.

Flies to Use

Dries: Elk Hair Caddis, Palisade Special, PMD #14–22.

Nymphs: Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail, and Caddis Pupa #12–22 are all the nymphs you need.

Streamers: Midnight Special, Woolly Bugger, Leeches #8–10.

When to Fish

Fishing is good all day and into the evening.

Seasons & Limits

The general trout season from the last Saturday in April through November 15. Check current California regulations.

Nearby Fly Fishing

Baker Creek offers another quality small-water experience. For bigger water, try the Owens River for browns, rainbows, and bass.

Accommodations & Services

Big Pine has lodging, gas, groceries, and two campgrounds. Fly shops are found in Lee Vining, Bridgeport, Yosemite, and Mammoth Lakes. For area guide service contact Trout Scouts of Sierra Guide Group (760) 872-9836, www.sierraguidegroup.com. Pine Creek Pack Station (800) 962-0775 is available for access to the back country.

Rating

For the small-stream angler, Big Pine Creek rates an 8.