Editor’s Note Some conversations begin with a question. Others begin with a moment that stays with you long after the weekend is over. Last weekend, my wife and I took our one-year-old grandson on his very first camping trip. Like most grandparents, we spent the weekend watching him discover things many of us stopped noticing … Read more
The Sierra Nevada is one of the most rewarding freshwater fishing destinations in the United States. Stretching across California and parts of Nevada, this mountain range offers crystal-clear lakes, rushing rivers, peaceful streams, and countless opportunities to catch trout and other freshwater species. Whether you are planning your first fishing trip or looking to build … Read more
Turkey hunting season is just around the corner in California. You have got your calls, camo, and shotgun essentials covered. However, many new hunters forget one of the most important items: the vest. It can indeed make or break your hunting day. The right vest is more than just looking the part. It’s about being … Read more
Your passion for hunting will bring you to new places. If you’re planning a trip to California, remember these tips for hunting in the Sierra Nevada.
On most winter mornings along Highway 395, the story is simple—skiers chasing storms at Lake Tahoe and locals making their way between Gardnerville and Bridgeport. But on New Year’s morning, something different happens at the Nevada–California line. Trucks peel off toward a cold blue bowl in the desert, thermoses open, and the first boats push … Read more
Cold weather doesn’t mean that the angling adventures have to end. Collect these six must-have items to wear when fishing in the winter for a great experience.
Back in April, I kicked off Fishmas in the Eastern Sierra, chasing that first bite of the season along with anglers from all over the West. Since then, my summer has been full of backpacking miles, alpine lakes, and high-country trails. But as the air cools and the aspens turn, it’s time to shift gears … Read more
For years, Heenan Lake was just a quiet stop on fall hikes through Alpine County. The aspens out back of the lake turn brilliant in October, mule deer slip through the groves, and the wide bowl of water sits still under the shadow of Monitor Pass. I’d see float tubes dotting the surface and assume … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The Sierra Nevada isn’t just a destination—it’s a legacy. Few people embody that truth better than Brian Martz, this week’s guest on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast. Known to thousands of California students as the Water Guy, Brian’s life story runs far deeper than his classroom mascot role. … Read more
Finding new hunting locations is always exciting. These are some of the best places to check out in the Sierra Nevada during your next trip.
July in the Sierra Nevada means early morning casts, shimmering trout, and a reminder that we live in one of the finest fishing regions in the West. If you’re looking for a reason to grab your rod and hit the water, this month’s prime Lahontan Cutthroat Trout opportunities, upcoming Free Fishing Days, and fresh stocking … Read more
A Journey of Hidden Gems, Remarkable Stories and Healing Landscapes in the Sierra What does it mean to find your true nature in the Sierra Nevada? For author Lisa Michelle, it meant trading the rodeo arena for hidden ridgelines, misty alpine lakes, and the quiet lessons the wilderness is willing to teach those who slow … Read more
The Power of Hex Hatch Fishing By Captain Rob Ayers | Adapted for Sierra Rec Magazine There’s a shift in the air around Lake Almanor this time of year. The warm-up down in the valley sends a steady stream of visitors into our pine-covered hideaway — pulling into lakeside campsites, walking through town with ice … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Every June, just as the last snowfields retreat from the Sierra’s granite shoulders, a quiet migration begins beneath the surface. It’s not elk or birds this time — it’s fish. Big, native fish. Lahontan cutthroat trout, the Sierra Nevada’s historic apex predator, begin their nearshore pilgrimage to spawn, chase … Read more
From Balloons to Bass Boats—A Sierra Weekend That Had It All By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Some weekends remind us just how wide the emotional spectrum of adventure can be. What started as a joyful Friday morning soaring above the Carson Valley in a hot air balloon ended with still water and quiet … Read more
My First Fishmas, a Legacy of Friendship, and the Spirit of the Sierra In Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams’s character, Mr. Keating, famously urges his students to “suck the marrow out of life.” It’s a quote borrowed from Thoreau, and in the film, it becomes a rallying cry — a call to live deliberately, to … Read more
May 17, 2025 — Lake Almanor, CA Looking for something reel-y exciting to do this weekend in the Sierra? Head to Lake Almanor for a splash of high-stakes action and laid-back lakeside fun as the Bass Angler Magazine (BAM) Kayak Series drops anchor for a one-day West Coast Championship Qualifier, hosted by Plumas Pines Resort, … Read more
What It’s Like to Fish Lake Tahoe 365 Days a Year — Captains Zach & Zach Tell All “Some of the nicest days of the year are in the middle of winter. We call it ‘complete glass.’ No boat wakes, no wind—just a mirror.”— Captain Zach Gordon, Tahoe Sports Fishing Lake Tahoe isn’t just a … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, CA — April 18, 2025 Spring in the Eastern Sierra is waking up slowly but surely, and in Mammoth Lakes, that means one thing: the road to the Lakes Basin is finally getting some attention. The Town of Mammoth Lakes announced that snow removal operations will begin Monday, April 21, with an anticipated … Read more
Discovering Greenstone Lake: The Gateway to 20 Lakes Basin Tucked within the Hoover Wilderness just outside of the North East corner of Yosemite national Park, Greenstone Lake is the perfect introduction to the breathtaking 20 Lakes Basin and Eastern Sierra high Alpine lakes. Shadowed by Mt Conness and North Peak int he White mountain Range … Read more
A Podcast Conversation with Andre Nersesian – Owner of Eastern Sierra Sport Fishing Welcome to Season 4 of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast. In Episode 1 of 2025 we delve into the heart of the Eastern Sierra and into the depths of the Owens river with Andre Nersesian, the owner-operator of Eastern Sierra Sport Fishing. … Read more
Winter in the Sierra Nevada transforms the region’s shimmering lakes into icy arenas for anglers eager to catch trophy trout and other cold-water species. As a seasoned snowshoer i am often walking near frozen lakes admiring the courage of Ice fisherman setting up camp on the ice. Ice fishing in California offers an exhilarating way … Read more
“Nothing better than a long beard in a sack.” Martha Washington, 1762 The Chevy Silverado’s air conditioning had stopped working, so the windows were down, and warm October air gushed through the cab at sixty miles per hour. I had the grill pointed north on Highway 395. Out my left side window, I passed the … Read more
Brave the Cold, Catch the Prize: The Ultimate Fishing Challenge of the Sierra As November casts its frosty veil over the Sierra Nevada, a distinct allure draws the seasoned angler to the water’s edge. This month marks a shift from the bustling fishing season of summer and early fall to a tranquil, introspective pursuit. November … Read more
Lake Tahoe on High Alert Lake Tahoe, Calif. – Last week California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discovered golden mussels that could significantly damage the ecology of waterbodies in the Bay-Delta near Stockton, California. Lake Tahoe is now on high alert, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). It is the first time the … Read more
In this week’s episode of Sierra Rec Now, we’re excited to feature Luke Johns, the 2024 Bam Trail Pro Bass Tournament Champion! Fresh off his championship weekend, Luke joins us to share insights into his journey through the Bam Trail, an inaugural pro bass series making waves in competitive fishing. Luke is one of the … Read more
Folsom’s Own Overcomes Challenges to Claim First-Ever BAM Title For Western anglers and their fans, the BAM Pro Tour Championship at the California Delta was an event for the record books—and with a youthful tenacity and some carful strategic adaptability Luke Johns, a young angler from Folsom, Calif., became the first inaugural Bass Boat Technologies … Read more
The Truckee River, a historical lifeline for Nevada’s native fish, is seeing a groundbreaking project that promises to restore habitats and aid the recovery of two species central to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s cultural heritage: the Lahontan cutthroat trout and Cui-ui sucker. For decades, these fish populations have been affected by water infrastructure developments, … Read more
We weren’t exactly Romulus and Remus—that is to say, we weren’t raised by a she-wolf— but close. Transplant two boys from the concrete subdivisions of Southern California into the strange, hot, dry sage covered desert of the Eastern Sierras with minimal parental supervision and see what happens. My grandparents brought my brother and me here … Read more
Pro Bass Fisherman Mark Pilgrim Talks First Year on the BAM Pro Tour and Fishing Lake Almanor | Sierra Rec Now Podcast Episode 33 In the latest episode of Sierra Rec Now, we welcome professional bass fisherman Mark Pilgrim from Lake Almanor, CA, for an insightful and entertaining conversation about his first year on the … Read more
There’s something magical about the Feather River in the fall. Nestled in the northern reaches of California, it’s a place where crisp autumn air meets the sound of rushing water, and where anglers like me are drawn by the siren song of steelhead. The Feather River is renowned for its fall-run steelhead, offering a unique … Read more
There’s a magic that descends on the Sierra Nevada every autumn, and nowhere is it more enchanting than along the winding banks of the Truckee River. As the leaves turn gold and crimson, and the crisp air begins to bite at the morning hours, the Truckee River becomes a mecca for those who seek the … Read more
The BAM Pro Tour is heading back to the Sierra foothills, with anglers set to compete at the Thermalito Afterbay in Oroville, California, this weekend. This marks the final stop on the pro circuit before the much-anticipated 2024 Tournament of Champions (TOC), making it a crucial event for competitors seeking to secure their spot in … Read more
A weekend in the Chocolate Lakes with new friends The Invite was for a quick trip into the John Muir Wilderness. The Chocolate Lakes off the Bishop Pass trail at South Lake near Bishop. This 6.6-mile loop trail is generally considered moderately challenging by visitors, but it is often completed as a day trip that … Read more
The recent euthanization of a well-known bear named Victor in Mammoth Lakes has sparked a wave of outrage across the community and social media. Victor, a beloved and familiar figure often seen in the area, met a tragic end this past week after an unfortunate encounter with campers. The incident has ignited a broader discussion … Read more
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Press Release Excerpt: “Free Fishing Days for 2024 are Saturday, July 6, and Saturday, August 31. On free fishing days — which land on Saturday, July 6, and Saturday, August 31 — the public can fish throughout the Golden State without a fishing license. This is a fantastic … Read more
The Sierra Nevada’s. Think granite mountains scraping the sky, carved-up valleys thick with pine trees, and – for us fishing fanatics – a whole lotta hidden gems. This ain’t your typical tourist playground. We’re talking secret stashes that aren’t on any map, perfect for the angler who wants a little adventure with their cast. Think … Read more
A Rookies View from the Sidelines of The West Coast Premier Professional Bass Tournament Lake Almanor stretched out before me, a mirror reflecting the scenic beauty of Plumas County. Picture perfect, except for the knot of anxiety twisting in my gut. For three days, I was glued to the sidelines, a world away from my … Read more
Day One at the Bam Trail Pro Bass Tournament At Lake Almanor The Orange sherbet glow over the east mountain range, draped still in midnight black, stirred the crowded bay with palpable anticipation. Thirty Professional, single riders in their fancy Bass fishing boats came to attention as the American Flag trolled past them to the … Read more
Attention all fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers! This weekend, Lake Almanor is the place to be as it hosts the much-anticipated BAM Trail Fishing Tournament. Whether you’re an avid angler or simply looking for an exciting weekend activity, this event promises a thrilling experience against the backdrop of one of Northern California’s most beautiful lakes. … Read more
