looking for a fishing base camp in central sierra (Emigrant or above)

[overheadx2]

I've always been a ultralight distance backpacker with daily mileage and some fishing at the end of the day. Last year I tried a different approach. With a little help from HST folks like Giant Brookie, I decided to hike in about 10 miles with a heavy pack full of a float tube and significant fly fishing gear and set up a base camp along the bear creek drainage. I really enjoyed it. Each day I would load up my Float tube, waders and multiple fly rods and hike a mile or so to different lakes in search of theoretical big fish (for the Sierra). Each evening was spent fishing the bear creek for small goldens and camped around a nice campsite with a small fire.

Id like to to do this again this year, but would like to get into some areas I've never been. I've been to most of the area south of Yosemite and would like to explore anywhere north of Yosemite. Any suggestions for a 8 to ten mile hike that would get me into some descent lakes or larger rivers for larger fish, great views for a base camp and low enough for a campfire. Any help would be appreciated Phil

[balzaccom]

The bwest fishing in Emigrant Wilderness seems to be either the Bucks Lakes or Emigrant Lakes. Both are a good long day's hike to get to, but they are not that far from each other, so either one would be a good base camp for both.

Meanwhile, in terms of rivers, I'd look at the Mokelumne from Hermit Valley downstream, or in through Summit City Canyon, or over the ridge from either Bear Valley or Silver Lake. Almost nobody goes down there, and you'd have the place pretty much to yourself.

[Wandering Daisy]

Desolation Wilderness lakes are closer to trailheads, but I have not done much fishing there. Other HST members who have fished there may have suggestions.

I agree that Buck Lakes in Emigrant would make a fine fishing base camp. You can go in from Kennedy Meadow (about 16 miles) or Crabtree (about 12 miles).

[balzaccom]

I've also fished a few lakes in Desolation: Lyons, Sylvia, Twin, Island,etc. I would rate the fishing in Emigrant better, with more chances for rainbows instead of brooks, and larger fish at times.

[mschnaidt]

I'll third the Buck Lakes suggestion. Or the East end of Wood lake.

You have multiple options for day trips from there. Some short and some worthwhile longer ones. There is good fishing in Wood, Upper Buck and Cow Meadow. Huckleberry and the Emigrant Lakes are the best in this wilderness but longer day hikes. Lower Buck has nice fish but there are fewer of them.

Long Lake, Wire Lakes, Karl, Leighton, Red Can, Kole, Letora and Coyote are fishless.

Campfires are prohibited in Desolation and the fishing is spotty being impacted by heavy use.

[texan]

Here's my cents. Emigrant is by far then best wilderness in the sierras for large rainbows and brook trout if that's what your looking far. The best fishing base camp closest to a TH I would go is Emigrant Lake or Emigrant Meadows Lake from Kennedy Meadows(14-15miles) or High Emigrant Lake(9-10miles) from Leavitt Lake. Huckleberry and Emigrant Lakes produce some of the largest fish from a backcountry lake in the Sierras from a self-sustaining fishery too. Good Luck.

Texan