Bishop Creek - Middle Fork - Bishop, CA

The Middle Fork of Bishop Creek, situated west of Bishop, California, represents a highly diverse and geographically varied high-country trout fishery. This lotic system, exhibiting classic freestone characteristics, supports populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), regularly augmented by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), alongside robust naturally reproducing populations of wild Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis).

Fly fishing is the preeminent and most efficacious angling methodology, particularly for wild trout. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., Prince Nymph, Copper John, caddis, stonefly) is consistently productive across its varied hydraulic features. Opportunistic dry fly presentations during active entomological hatches (e.g., Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, terrestrials) demand precise, drag-free drifts. Spin anglers can achieve success with diminutive artificial lures. Optimal fishing periods span from late spring through autumn, post-snowmelt. Accessibility varies from roadside to wilderness sections, facilitated by Highway 168. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current CDFW regulations concerning bag limits and any area-specific gear restrictions, ensuring adherence to established conservation protocols for this significant Sierra Nevada trout resource.