EASTERN SIERRA FLOAT TUBE TRIP MAY 10-12

This trip is designed for beginner to intermediate fly anglers interested in float tube fishing in waters around Bishop and environs with a few experienced club members helping as guides to get you started.  This is a good opportunity to learn where to go, how to fish various waters in the area, and enjoy the company of other Club members, and maybe find fishing buddies, all at low cost.  Fly Fishing from a float tube is very peaceful, relaxing, and a great way to improve your casting skills - it can also be very productive.  You can learn a lot by being at the water surface, looking down at the bottom, watching insect activity, and maneuvering your tube to the perfect position for a cast.

You will need to arrange transportation, including to the local lakes. Carpooling is recommended and also fun.  We will meet in Bishop late afternoon Friday.  You will arrange their own lodging, but we will arrange a block of rooms at Elms Hotel in Bishop - about $100 a night. Rooms have a single or double bed.  There are also other clean and affordable motels in the area we can recommend.  Meals will also be “on your own” but we can all go to local restaurants as a group and share ice chest lunches.

We will take groups to a convenient local lake, where you will get some help with your tube and other equipment. On the water there will be some help and advice.  In the early evening, we can meet on a large grass area at the Elms Hotel for cocktails and snacks or hors d'oeuvres, then walk to a local restaurant as a group or individually for dinner.  Depending on the size and preferences of the group, maybe we could BBQ burgers, etc on grills at the Elms.

You will need to provide your own fly fishing equipment, waders and warm undergarments, boots or water shoes, and fins that fit over them.  We have a few extra float tubes, fins, and waders to loan, so sign up early to reserve them.  A 5wt or similar rod with a floating line is fine, but if you have a sinking line or sink tips, bring them.  Closer to the trip date, when we can assess conditions, we can give advice on flies and other equipment.

We highly recommend practicing casting while sitting in a chair - casting from a tube means less space for the line to fall on the backcast, so increasing your line speed and avoiding slack in the backcast is important.  You are both mobile and stealthy in a float tube, so will not have to cast long distances - 30 ft is fine.

If you have questions or would like to be included, please contact Alan Vlacich (avlacich@gmail.com) or Jim Sadd (jsadd@oxy.edu). 

We will also have a pre-trip meeting at the Clubhouse on April 14 at 2pm to discuss the trip - offer advice/practice on casting while sitting, casting sinking lines or sink tips,