High Sierra Topix

Hi. We are making our yearly backpacking trip this week and we chose Lillian Lake just south of Yosemite in the Sierra National Forest. We've been to this area before years ago (Chain Lakes) and really loved it. We are starting out on Ferndandez trailhead. Couple of questions:

1. I see there are two routes to the lake. We have 2 boys on our trip that are 11 and 9 so interested in the easiest route. From what I've read the clockwise route is more difficult with a lot of ups and down (Vanderburgh lake route). It looks to be around 6+ miles. Does anyone have information on the distance going the counterclockwise direction? I've read it is easier?

2. We will have two families on our trip so 8 of us. Any tips of where to camp and get away from the masses? With COVID, we want to be as careful as possible in staying away from people. But we always like being isolated as much as possible anyway.

3. How's the fishing? We are bringing the fly rods

4. Anyone been there recently, dare I ask how are the mosquitos?

Any other tips welcome, thanks!

4. Anyone been there recently, dare I ask how are the mosquitos?

You will get your answer here.
http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... 30#p156532

Thanks. Good reminder on report threads. I saw someone on that thread posted this from Chain Lakes which is nearby:

"Mosquitos were out in squadron strength & coordinating attacks!"

Bringing the Ben's deet (!)

Use the HST "search feature", you will find plenty of info on that area, and yes, Chain Lakes has good fishing.

http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... ez#p150559
http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... ez#p141771
http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... ez#p148314

Make your campsite choice when you get there. Find out where the people are and find an alternative. Most of the fish I have caught were fairly deep. Also did well off a raft. All using hardware. Much of the shoreline is wooded making backcasts when flyfishing problematic.

Bummer on the backcasting being difficult. We aren't carrying a raft either. But where there's a will there's a way.

http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... ft#p120912

Raft cache if it is still there.. Chairs were nice as well.

Knew you were going to chime in with the raft, what took you so long Russ.

Priceless information! Thank you!

rlown wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2020 3:39 pm http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... ft#p120912

Raft cache if it is still there.. Chairs were nice as well.

Nicely stored in a blue rubbermaid container just up the hill from the kitchen rock (look for the borscht stain.) 3 years is a long time ago, so, ymmv.