Photo of Fourth Recess Lake, CA

Fishing Gear

Dave's Sierra Fishing


Fishing Gear

Dave's Sierra Fishing

Before you set out on your Sierra fishing adventure, check out Dave's Fishing and Camping Equipment reviews to learn about my choices for everything from the newest fishing tackle to the best sleeping pads.

  • The latest and best fishing tackle on the market
  • The best camping equipment for the Sierra
  • The most comfortable outdoor clothing for Sierra climates
  • Safety equipment that could save your life
  • My ten favorite flies for High Sierra lakes and streams

Fishing Tackle

Fly Fishing Rods and Reels

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

The 9' Orvis Clearwater 4-piece rod is a great choice for Sierra fishing. It's light weight and well-balanced, making it easy to use on Sierra lakes. It makes a great all-around rod, and with Orvis providing a 25-year guarantee, you need not worry about breaking it while packing in to a remote mountain lake.

The Clearwater comes in a range of lengths from 8'6" to 10', in either 2-piece or 4-piece in line weights from 4 to 6. Users report that it loads and unloads smoothly, easily casting up to 60 feet.


Orvis Mirage Reels

Orvis reels are popular choices among anglers. The LA II is designed for line weights 3-5 while the LA III is for 5-7. Using a carbon to stainless drag, the reels give smooth, consistent, and infinitely adjustable stopping power. The best part is a sealed, maintenance-free drag system which keeps out all the little grit and grime that tries to mess up reels. Strong, lightweight, with quick-release spools that change from right to left-hand retrieve.

Abel TR Trout Series fly fishing reel

Since I am always looking to save weight without sacrificing quality, I was pleased to find the new Abel TR Trout Series reels back in production. They use a click-pawl drag which is great for trout, protecting a light tippet. This reel is for 3 - 4 wt. line. It's priced on the high end range for me, but with only two moving parts and smooth feel, I expect it to last for years. The only thing I've heard is that it's important to keep it away from sand and grit.



Bear Creek, Fresno County, CA

Bear Creek

Spin Casting Rods and Reels


Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

A 5-piece, 6-foot rod and a 20 size reel, the Okuma Voyager Travel Spinning Pack is great for packing into the back country. The graphite composite rod casts well and the ball bearing reel makes for a smooth return. The well-padded case protects the rod when traveling, whether by air or car.

KastKing Centron Spinning Reel - Fishing Rod Combos

Fishing rods 6' - 8', 2-piece, stainless Steel Guides w/O-Rings - Strong and durable stainless-steel guides, Centron Spinning Reel. The KastKing Centron features a 5.2:1 or 4.5:1 gear ratio, 9+1 Maxi-Dur ball bearings, anti-twist line roller, light weight graphite frame and aluminum spool.


Flies

My Ten Favorite Flies for High Sierra Lakes and Streams

  • Royal Trude - high-floating, low-profile, match hatch of caddis and stoneflies
  • Elk Hair Caddis tan - floats well in rough water
  • Adams - mayfly imitation, one of my most reliable all-around flies
  • Red Quill - I got hooked on red quills fishing New York's Neversink. Mayfly imitation
  • Black Gnat - dark color especially good for early morning and evening - I use it all day long
  • Kings River Caddis - a dark colored caddis, great on slow water, western slope of southern Sierra
  • Ant - great at the beginning of the swarm and the end, good on streams where trees overhang water
  • Woolly Bugger a wet fly most often fished near the bottom, good in low-light
  • Griffith's Gnat - best when midges are hatching - my go-to when nothing else is working
  • Grey Wulff - a bushy, high-floating fly, good on a rough mountain stream

Shop Amazon:
Fly Fishing Flies


Weir Pond, Inyo County, CA

Weir Pond near South Lake, Inyo County

High Sierra Trails

A Backpacker's Guide to the Most Amazing Trails in the Sierra Nevada

Float Tubes


Goplus Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Capable of carrying 350 punds, the Goplus Foat Tube has great bouyancy, allowing you to fish safely and smoothly in the lake. Made from premium polyester and PVC. The inflatable fishing boat comes with a pump that allows you to quickly inflate the tank. Includes a storage bag, which can be used to place cell phones, fishing bait, water cup and other items. When you catch a huge fish, measure it with the fish ruler in front of the seat. The float tube has adjustable shoulder straps making it easy to transport.

Teton Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Weighing only 8½ pounds, the Teton Float Tube is easy to tansport, even to lakes a few miles from the end of the road. Its hydrodynamic hull shape makes for easy tracking and steering. A comfortable backrest allows hours of fishing, and multiple pockets are available for storage. The Teton can carry up to 250 pounds.

Classic Accessories Float Tube Fins

Classic Accessories' high-quality Float Tube Fins are a great economical choice. They make it easy to maneuver in a float tube or to hold your position in a light wind. You can slide them over neoprene footware. One size fits all.


Dave's Featured Camping Equipment


Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad

Everyone is switching to Big Agnes because of the comfort. Enough of those quarter-inch thick foam pads! 2.5 inches of insulated comfort keep you warm and comfortable all through the night, even on lumpy ground. It comes in various sizes. You won't believe how small it becomes when you deflate it and roll it up to stuff into your pack.


REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent

Generous head and shoulder room for 2 people. Two doors provide easy access. Two vestibules provide space to store gear. Ceiling vents provide good air flow. A good 3-season tent. Weight: 4lbs., 14 oz. complete with rainfly.

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Again, I picked mine up at REI after a week-long trip with a friend who had one. The speed of ease of use make the Jetboil a hands down winner. It weighs only 15 oz. and uses a butane/propane fuel canister which stores inside the pot when traveling. A liter of water will boil in under 3 minutes. If you camp a lot, a good stove is worth the investment.


California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds around Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake and Bear Creek, see

California's Best Camping website logo