This site is dedicated to the fly fishermen that fish the Sierra Nevada Region of California. This site will assist in locating the necessary information to locate sites to fish, what flies to choose, and how to tie them. I've included maps of the region along with links to those fly shops and guides who serve the area. There is a Fly Fishing Club link page with fly fishing clubs throughout California.

I started this web site in 2002 with the intent to retain information about Fly Fishing the Sierra for my personal use. The internet allows you to easily share this information and, over time, it has morphed into something that I am proud to share. To help cover costs, I have included an online store for Fly Tying Materials and Tools. In 2012, I have also enlarged the store to include tackle items such as Fly Lines, Leaders, Tippets, and indicators. This site is not sponsered in any way. I have no commercial advertising. The graphics are simple and the content allows for quick viewing. For 2013, I will be introducing a new line of fishing maps that I have been working on for the past two years.

I hope you enjoy this site. Please feel free to contact me with any comment you have pertaining to this site. Since I use many links to other sites, many links can get broken and lost over time. Your feedback will assist in keeping the information current.

Fly Fishing Maps

"The Kern Series "

• 13 High Resolution maps showing stream details
• Scaled in miles and feet.
• 40 foot contours.
• Road Access.
• Hatch Chart with Insect Identification
• Suggested Flies
• Fishing Season and Regulations
• Stream Etiquette
• GPS Longitude and Latitude
• Trailheads and Trails
• Wilderness and Forest Boundaries
• Historical Background of the Region
• Fish Identification
• Nymph Leader construction
• Printed on Rite-in-the-Rain Paper, Waterproof and writeable
• Only $12.95 per map.

Online Store

An Online Store is provided to obtain the flytying materials listed within the fly patterns. For every pattern shown within the flybox, the online store has the necessary material to complete that pattern. Just click the item shown within the material list.

Over 1700 fly tying materials on sale at competitive pricing. Get Top Quality materials from J. Fair, Whiting, Hareline, Umpqua, Spirit River, Trout Hunter, Cascade Tools, Mad River and more. Expect 3-5 day delivery. Purchase securely through PayPal. US Domestic sales only.

Fly Fishing the Sierra Blog

Aug 4, 2011: Big McGee Lake Hike, topic: Destination Hikes
Try a day hike to escape the crowds and find the fish.

May 10, 2011: June Lake 2011, topic: Spring Openers
One of the best "Openers" in years. Eastern Sierra.

April 3, 2011: Pacific Fishers, topic: Wildlife
An article on the largest Weasel in the world that lives within our Southern Sierra.

Free Native Trout Guide

PDF created by WildTroutStreams.com in partnership with FlyFishingtheSierra.com.  Provides illustrations and descriptions of 24 of the most sought after species of trout in the lower-48 United States.

Some Interesting Facts about the Sierra:

• There are 20 major Rivers, 14 on the West Side and 6 on the East Side. These are within over 24 watershed areas.
• Historically, there were no trout in the Sierra above 6000 feet. Except for Goldens in the Upper Kern and Lahontan Cutthroats within the Carson, Walker, and Truckee River Drainage.
• Starting in the mid 1800's, trout have been stocked into 85% of all the lakes in the Sierra over 2 acres in size.
• There are 649 lakes in Inyo, Sierra, and Toiyabe National Forests of at least 25 acres between 10660' and 11,480' elevation. 85% of these lakes contain trout: (Christenson 1977)
  • 60% Brooks
  • 36% Rainbows
  • 32% Goldens
  • 5% Browns
• There are 1,404 lakes above 7,900' elevation within the Sierras. Of these lakes, trout are in 63%, the rest fishless: (Jenkins 1994)
  • Goldens are in 36% of all lakes
  • Rainbows are in 33% of all lakes
  • Brookies are in 16% of all lakes
  • Browns are in 8% of all lakes
  • Lahontan Cutthroats are in 1/2% of all lakes
• Fish Planting ended within most of the Sierran National Parks beginning in 1970. Today, Sierran National Forests have 85% of their lakes with fish and the National Parks have 40%.

Favorite Links:

California Freshwater Fishing Regulations
California Flyfishing
Charlie's Fly Box
Dave's Sierra Fishing
Danish Fly Design-Tommy Olinsson
Fly Fishing Addicts Forum
Fly Anglers Online
Fly Tiers Bench
Fly Tying Bug
Fly Tying Club
Fly Tying Forum
Fly Tying World
Global Fly Fisher
Hans Weilenmann's Fly Tier's Page
High Sierra Topix
Kern River Forum
Kiene's Fly Shop Forum
North. Calif. Fly Fishing Forum
Sexyloops
Southwest Council Fed of Flyfishers
The Itinerant Angler
Westfly
Washington Fly Fishing
Wild Trout Streams

Source Material: Library

Mountain Top Bed & Breakfast

Situated above the Forks of the Kern at 7,200 feet, is a great B & B in Ponderosa, CA . This is at the top of the Great Western Divide Highway 190. John and Alvie Kracik are your hosts serving Danish Pancakes, Cheese Blintz Souffle, and Ahwahnee creamed bananas. Nearby is the Ponderosa Resort with a full bar and dinners. It's about an hour drive to the Forks to enjoy some excellent flyfishing. Visit their web site at: mountaintopbnb.com

Golden Trout Wilderness Packers

Ever thought about becoming a wrangler angler? The Golden Trout Wilderness Packers can bring you to some of the best fishing sites in the Sierra. Visit the Upper Kern River at Big Kern Lake, Grasshopper Flat, or Hole-in-the-Ground. Your hosts, Steve and Rinda Day can provide a home cooked meal and lodging at the Pack Station. Kern River Flyfishing Guide, Guy Jeans, is available for group excursions. Visit their web site at: goldenpacktrains.com