Fishing Update for Mammoth Lakes

Fred Rowe of Sierra Bright Dot guiding services is a true fishing legend in the Mammoth Lakes region. A longtime local and master of the Eastern Sierra’s waters, Fred sat down with Mammoth Lakes Tourism to share his contagious enthusiasm for fly fishing and the deep connection he feels to this remarkable region.

Interview with Fred Rowe of Sierra Bright Dot guide services:

How did you get into the fly fishing industry?

In the fall of 1973, Fishermen’s Spot offered a fly tying class by Jordan Lagman for $250 — about $1,800 today. Membership in Sierra Pacific Fly Fishers was only $25, and included the class for free, so I joined on the spot. Within 18 months, I was tying flies commercially for local shops, including Fishermen’s Spot. I learned to fish in the summer of 1974 with guidance from club members on outings to Sespe Creek, Santa Paula Creek, Malibu Creek, and the west fork of the San Gabriel River. Later, I studied Fisheries Biology at Humboldt State, and in 1979 I was hired by Mammoth Sporting Goods (now Rick’s Sports Center) to teach fly fishing and tying — the start of my Eastern Sierra fly fishing journey.

What do you love about Eastern Sierra fly fishing?

The Eastern Sierra holds endless water to explore, and even after decades I feel I’ve only scratched the surface. Each lake and stream has its own character — they all fish similarly, yet each one fishes differently. I love that fly fishing is a lifelong learning process.

As a teaching guide, my goal is to help clients build techniques that consistently produce trout. Nothing is better than seeing them on the water after a trip, catching fish on their own. A fun day is always the goal — the trout are just a bonus.

What’s your favorite spot?

That’s a tough one, with so many waters producing great trout at different times of year. But when I had a recent day off, I headed to the San Joaquin River. It’s a freestone stream full of wild trout eager to take a fly, and it’s the birthplace of the Eastern Sierra grand slam — rainbow, brown, brook, and golden trout all in one day. This water has consistently produced 100 fish days with a fly and a fly rod.

What’s one piece of gear and/or tip you always recommend?

A drag free drift with a fly that imitates the stage of the insect the trout are feeding on.

Any steward ship tips for fishing and recreating in the Eastern Sierra?

Catch and release is the technique that allows the catching of trout by more than one angler. Proper handling of the trout is key. Land the fish as quick as possible to reduce trout mortality from lactic acid build up. Keep the fish in and or over the water when handling. Turn the fish upside down so they go dormant in your hand making it easier to remove the fly. And when heading back to the vehicle, fill your net with trash left stream side by other anglers and people.