California Fly Fishing
There’s no doubt about it that some of the best fly fishing in California is located in the northern part of the state. The Sierra Mountains provide some great scenery as well as some great rivers and streams where the fish are plentiful and the weather is great. Because the California weather is quite static, year-round fly fishing is available to the fisherman.
Located above Crowley Lake, the Owens River is one of the best places to fish for trout in California. The river is one of a kind with a gentle current that flows through a glacial valley between mountains that are 9,000 feet tall or more. At one time, the Owens River provided water and power to Los Angeles. When they converted the gorge, much of the fish died out. With a restoration of the river back to a fly fishing destination, you can now find some beautiful brown or rainbow trout at any time of the year.
The McCloud River is one of California’s premier trout fisheries. This River feeds Lake Shasta and was the breeding ground for rainbow trout that was shipped all over the country to stock other rivers and streams. You can find big brown trout as well as rainbow trout in plentiful supply on the McCloud.
In Northern California, the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River provides some great fly fishing for some excellent trout. This river is one of the few places designated as wild trout waters by the state. This area receives a lot of fishing, so it’s a good idea to get there early in the morning to stake out your spot. Besides the normal species of trout, this river also boasts a hybrid variety of rainbow and golden trout with bright orange sides.
Hat Creek is another great place to fly fish in California. These, too, have been designated trophy wild trout waters, and you will find plenty here. This creek is very well-suited to both beginning as well as experienced fly fishers. The banks are laden with heavy brush that provides some great hiding places for brown and rainbow trout. Much of the creek is heavily stocked, but there is some natural reproduction that takes place making Hat Creek a very easy place to fish.
If you are looking to go fly fishing in California, you have a lot of options available to you. Much of the best fly fishing would be in the northern part of the state, but you can also find many other places where fish are plentiful and challenges about. You can’t go wrong with a fly fishing vacation in California.
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Muir’s March to Restore Hetch Hetchy Grows
The fight led by famed naturalist John Muir about a century ago continues to strengthen with the announcement that the fourth annual “Muir’s March” has expanded to include six stunning guided backpacking trips (including a trip just for families) in Yosemite National Park, from July 29 – Aug 4, 2012. The march, which takes backpackers and hikers into scenic areas rarely experienced by tourists, raises awareness and funds for the campaign to bring the Hetch Hetchy Valley back to life. The treks literally and figuratively follow in Muir’s footsteps, and are open to anyone who can raise a minimum of $90.*
Muir called Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley, “one of nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” Despite his urgent pleas, in 1913 the federal government approved San Francisco’s request to clear-cut and flood the valley for use as a reservoir. The decision horrified wilderness-lovers and helped spur the creation of the National Park Service and the international environmental conservation movement. Prior to its destruction, Hetch Hetchy Valley was one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and home to thousands of plant and animal species. Muir’s March is part of Restore Hetch Hetchy’s ongoing mission to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley to its natural splendor, while continuing to meet the water and power needs of all communities that depend on the Tuolumne River.
“Last year, record numbers of activists participated in Muir’s March, helping to call attention to the devastation of — and the hope for — this rarest of natural treasures,” said Mike Marshall, executive director of the non-profit group Restore Hetch Hetchy. “As momentum grows to restore Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley, we have expanded the number and breadth of routes that follow Muir’s footsteps – from the Tilltill Valley to Muir Gorge to the waterfalls of the Tuolumne River.”
Muir’s March participants can choose from 6 scenic treks, each led by an experienced guide, and varying in length from one to seven days, where they will enjoy stunning vistas, camaraderie, campfires and stories. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to sign up early. The treks will converge August 4th atop the O’Shaughnessy Dam for a rally and celebration. Hikers each raise $90 or more* to participate and the funds will be used to support a campaign to educate San Francisco voters and lawmakers and win their approval for the restoration project. Hikers and backpackers of all skill levels and ages are welcome. Several of the trips are organized specifically for families.
The Muir’s March Guided Treks:
“Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne” 7 days -
This is the most strenuous course and follows the Tuolumne River down into the Pate Valley, up to Table Lake, and then back down to the banks of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. This is a 45.4-mile trek which includes Muir Gorge and Rancheria Falls. Many dramatic waterfalls are found in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne.
Valley to Valley 7 days –
A 42-mile journey beginning in Yosemite Valley. Marchers will experience some of the most scenic parts of the park as they follow the Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and the Middle Fork trails. The highlight of the hike is the spectacular view of the Hetch Hetchy Valley from the top of Smith Peak.
The Backcountry’s Backcountry 7 days -
This is a 46.1-mile trek, which begins outside the park at Twin Lakes. The first day, marchers will climb up over Buckeye Pass and then traverse the most remote section of Yosemite down through the spectacular Jack Main Valley.
Tilltill Out’n'Back 4 days -
This is a 20-mile trip from O’Shaughnessy Dam, along the north end of the Valley, past the waterfalls, through Rancheria Falls to Tilltill Valley, and back along the same scenic route.
The Kids Trip 4 days -
This 15 mile trip is especially designed for families with young kids. We’ll begin at White Wolf and hike a short distance to Hardin Lake. After an afternoon swim and overnight stay, the trek meanders to Smith Meadow, where the intrepid drop their packs and hike to the top of Smith Peak to watch the sunset. The final day will require an early rise for the scenic trail to the O’Shaughnessy Dam.
Camping and One Day Hike August 3 and 4
This is a guided or self guided 3 mile roundtrip stroll out to Wapama Falls. Join marchers for 2 nights of camping, including “Muir’s Feast” on Friday night and the Restoration Picnic on Saturday to greet all the other hikers as they converge on O’Shaugnessy Dam.
Prospective participants can register or get more information by visiting http://www.muirsmarch.org or by calling 415-956-0401.
*Fundraising requirements vary according to hike length, from $90 to $2100. Hikes are 1, 4 and 7 days in length.
ABOUT RESTORE HETCH HETCHY: The mission of Restore Hetch Hetchy is to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to its natural splendor while continuing to meet the water and power needs of all communities that depend on the Tuolumne River.
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Sierra snowfall changes everything at Yosemite National Park, adding scenic drama as it opens up an entire new playground of winter sport options. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite has 48 acres of fun activities on site at the lodge, and lodging packages that create the perfect “conditions” for a winter getaway.
Yes, it was a historic treat to mountain bike and hike a snowless Sierra National Forest, drive Tioga Road and up to Glacier Point, walk through the Mariposa Grove and skate on Tenaya Lake the past few weeks. But get your skis, snowboards and sleds ready; winter’s first snowstorms are finally here.
Sierra snowfall changes everything at Yosemite National Park, adding scenic drama as it opens up an entire new playground of winter sport options. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite has 48 acres of fun activities on site at the lodge, and lodging packages that create the perfect “conditions” for a winter getaway.
Snow play options include the resort’s own sledding hill (enhanced by Tenaya Lodge’s new snow making capability), ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoe hikes and kids’ snowmobiling. Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area is just 45 minutes away via forest-lined highway; it may be the Sierra’s best place to learn how to ski and snowboard. The midweek Yosemite Stay N’ Play Pass makes it even more affordable and fun – the pass is only $50 each for adults and $30 for kids, valued at up to $175! Available to all Tenaya Lodge guests, Stay N’ Play includes an all-day Badger Pass ski lift ticket and equipment rental, group ski or snowboard lesson, snow tubing session, a ticket for the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, and an ice skating session at Curry Village.
Stay N’ Play passes are available to March 29, 2012. Each component of the pass may be used once on the same day and this deal may be combined with any other Tenaya Lodge offer or package. Blackout dates include February 17 – 24, 2012 and all weekends.
Tenaya Lodge welcomes winter guests with some of the best lodging values of the year. Tenaya Lodge’s Skate the Sierra Package offers an ice-skating session and skate rentals for two at the resort’s own rink from just $169. The Bed and Breakfast Package puts breakfast for two in play at Sierra Restaurant, starting at $155.
After a full day of snow play, recharge and renew at Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge. Starting at $245, the all-new Ascent Sports Spa Package includes a 60-minute “Sports Relief” massage and 30-minute “Skier’s Delight” foot treatment, plus a voucher for 10% off all spa products. The WinteRx Spa Package features a one-hour, antioxidant and phytonutrient-rich body renewal treatment and a voucher for 10% off spa products – it’s the perfect prescription for cold-weather skin and available through March 31, starting at $205. The Snow Time for Romance Package features chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, s’mores, chocolate kisses and artfully-strewn turndown rose petals, all starting at $189.
When winter arrives, so do natural phenomena that make Yosemite National Park a year-round wonder. There’s frazil ice, radiant Horsetail Fall, and the first flower blooms peeking through winter’s cracks. Capture this pristine wonderland with Tenaya’s Yosemite Photography Package, starting at just $379.
Dogs have at least as much fun in the snow as people do. Tenaya Lodge turns them all into sled dogs with its Fido Friendly and Deluxe Pampered Pet packages, starting at $205 and $235/night. Fido Friendly includes a plush dog bed and water bowl for use during stay, tips on great canine activities at and around the resort, and complimentary treats. Deluxe Pampered Pet adds a gourmet dog bone baked fresh by Tenaya Lodge’s Executive Chef and pet-sitting time for guests to enjoy a spa package or romantic dinner.
The all-new Tenaya Top Chef Package gives guests a chance to savor a unique food experience that includes a Friday night stay, hands-on cooking class and lunch with Tenaya’s Executive Chef Frederick Clabaugh. The Tenaya Top Chef package starts at $279.
All winter lodging packages include one night deluxe accommodations plus package-specific extras. For more details on Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite winter lodging packages, please see http://tenayalodge.com/Specials or call toll-free, (888) 514-2167.
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Image via Wikipedia
Plan a Northern California Skiing Adventure With Amazing Ski and Lodging Deals and a Variety of Yosemite Winter Activities
YOSEMITE, CA, Oct 24, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite announces the anticipated opening day for Badger Pass Ski Area for Friday, December 16, 2011, with conditions permitting. Eager Northern California skiing enthusiasts will be able to enjoy an array of activities for beginner to intermediate and advanced levels, all while taking advantage of unbeatable ski lessons and deals on lift tickets and season passes.
Badger Pass at Yosemite National Park has been operating as California’s original ski area for family fun since 1935. With 10 slope runs and five convenient lifts, families can enjoy stress-free skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, all at a fraction of the cost found at other ski resorts. This year’s ski deals offer a wide variety of ways to save for the day and the entire season.
Deals for Lift Tickets and Season Passes:
-- From December 16 - 23, 2011, adult season passes can be purchased in
person at Badger Pass for $159 and children's for $139.
-- To honor the 77th anniversary of Badger Pass, the 77th skier to
purchase a season pass in person the opening week through December 23
will get their season pass for free.
-- "Two for Tuesday" - Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy midweek
Yosemite skiing with Badger's new "Two for Tuesdays" deal, which
offers two adult lift tickets for the price of one at $42. This offer
will begin on January 10, 2012.
Ski and Stay Offers:
-- "Stay N' Play" - Looking for a weekday getaway? Get the full
experience of Badger Pass and Yosemite with the "Stay N' Play" add-on
package for $50 per adult and $30 per child in addition to the room
rate. This package valued at $153 for adults is valid for mid-week,
non-holiday stays at all DNC in-park lodging and blackout dates apply.
Stay N' Play includes:
-- All-day Badger Pass lift ticket and equipment rental
-- Group lesson
-- Snow tubing session
-- Ticket for the two-hour Valley Floor Tour
-- Ice skating session
"Stay N’ Play" passes are available December 16, 2011 – March 29, 2012. Each component of the pass may be used once on the same day and this deal may be combined with any other in-park DNC lodging offer or package. Blackout dates include December 26, 2011 – January 6, 2012, January 16, 2012, February 17 – 24, 2012 and all weekends.
-- "Stay N' Play" Opening Week Special - DNC is pleased to offer a "Stay
N' Play" special opening week December 16 - 22, 2011. "Stay N' Play"
passes are valid all week and weekend and are offered at a low rate of
$35 for adults and $20 for children. Reservations must be made in
advance to receive this special offer.
-- Curry Village "Winter Kick-Off" - Curry Village, located in the heart
of Yosemite Valley with views of iconic Half Dome and Glacier Point,
is celebrating the opening weekend of Badger Pass with a "Winter
Kick-Off" $77 package rate for a heated canvas tent cabin and two
adult lift tickets. This package valued at $185 is only available on
stays December 16 and 17, 2011. Please mention promo code WINTER77
when making a reservation.
For images of Badger Pass Ski Area or video footage of Yosemite skiing experiences, please email Lisa Cesaro at lcesaro@dncinc.com. For information on lodging, reservations and other park activities, contact Reservations at 801-559-4949 or visit www.YosemitePark.com .
About Badger Pass Ski Area Founded in 1935, Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area enjoys the distinction of being California’s first ski resort. Badger Pass is the gateway to some of the most beautiful vistas in the High Sierra, offering five convenient lifts and spacious groomed runs for downhill skiers and snowboarders, in addition to snowshoeing, snow tubing and cross-country ski trails. The Yosemite Ski School was established in 1928 and has trained generations of first-time skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers. Msnbc.com listed Badger Pass Ski Area as a "Top Ten Ski Resort Perfect for the Entire Family." Badger Pass Ski Area is operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite (DNC), an affiliate of Delaware North Companies and the authorized National Park Service concessionaire responsible for lodging, dining, guest recreation and transportation in Yosemite. For online lodging reservations and details regarding Badger Pass Ski Area, visit YosemitePark.com or call 559-253-5676.
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This was taken at Bass Lake, California. There have been several sighting of the while deer.. We just hope some deer hunter never gets this animal in their gun sights.
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