Our local Department of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Stocking Crew rock - they were up fishing last Sunday - saw the water had come up enough to get the small stock truck down to the water and come Monday morning we had the first stocking of the season - very much appreciated by both us and those that came up to the Lake during the week and weekend. Got some 2 and 3 pounders in with that stocking!


Even with the stocking, catching was hit and miss. Lures, NightCrawlers, PowerBait and Salmon Eggs did well near the dam area (well, that's where they stocked), while just the baits (NightCrawlers, PowerBait and Salmon Eggs) were working on the back natural Lake. Had a fly fisherman out by the DingleBerry Inlet - he saw some big ones, but apparently flies aren't on the Lake Sabrina menu yet! Trolling (YES - WE HAVE BOATS ON THE BACK NATURAL LAKE FOR RENT) has been slow - think the fish have gone a bit deep. Everything is connected so the fish can get from the front to the back - just not yet deep enough for boats.


We've spotted 2 Bald Eagle flying over the Lake - I'm sure they were also very happy with the first stocking. As for Yogi, not sure if it's him, but there are bears in the canyon, luckily, they haven't made it up this far - but keep your eyes open and your food and trash picked up. Speaking of trash - we are not your mothers - please pick-up after yourselves when you're out and about - really don't want it looking like SoCal.


Thought we were being invaded by the army last week, as we had a Deuce-and-1/2 come up to the Lake - now that had the clearance and it was 6-wheel drive - it had no problem getting to the back natural Lake. It's owned by a private individual, gets 9mpg and is totally an awesome machine.


Like I previously mentioned, we do have a few boats for rent on the back Natural Lake - you'll either need to drive (with a high clearance 4-wheel drive short base vehicle) or walk. If you walk, we can take your tackle back to the boats for you. (Liability issues prevent us from taking you!) We did have a private boat go in and try to make it to the back, but alas, he needed a bit more water.


If you're coming to the Lake, don't forget sunscreen and dark glasses - the glare off the snow (not sure how long it will last) is tough on the eyes. And if you have allergies - PACK YOU MEDS - it's tough breathing out there for some - what with runny noses, stuffed noses & watery eyes - believe me I know!


Mother Nature's having some fun again - snow in the forecast for early this week - just a few flurries, but the pesky wind will be in front, during and behind this 'storm' - should come in Monday evening and be out of here by Wednesday night - temps during that time are expected to be in the mid-40s to low 20s. Have no fear, temps are likely to warm to the mid-50s and upper 20's by the weekend. You can also check out www.weather.gov - enter Aspendell, CA (which is the little community right below Lake Sabrina) in the search field and you'll get the forecast for at the higher elevation or take a look at Howard Sheckter, our local weather 'guesser' report at www.MammothWeather.com.


Lake Sabrina Boat Landing will serve Breakfast from 7:00am to 11:00am and Lunch until 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday for Opener after that it will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And, yes, there will be homemade pie and ice cream on the weekends. Our store hours are as follows:


Sunday : 7:00 to 5:00pm
Monday : 8:00 to 5:00pm
Tuesday : 8:00 to 5:00pm
Wednesday : 8:00 to 5:00pm
Thursday : 8:00 to 5:00pm
Friday : 8:00 to 5:00pm
Saturday : 7:00 to 5:00pm
Sure is nice to be back on the mountain - looking forward to seeing you soon!