Bridgeport Reservoir
The Bridge once held the California state record
for a brown trout. Something like 27 pounds! Bridgeport can
get lost in the shadows of Crowley Lake, but those that frequent this
fishery know that at times this is by far and away the best still water
trout fishery in the Eastern Sierra. Bridgeport has an elevation
of 5600 feet and is much lower than Crowley. It is a shallow lake
and it suffers during the dry seasons. During periods of back to
back wet years this area has unsurpassed growth rates and incredible
callibaetis, chironomid, and damsel fly populations that stuff the trout
into “football” shaped blimps that concentrate near the inlets of the
East Walker River, Robinson and Buckeye Creeks.
Still water nymphing techniques using chironomid
and callibaetis patterns can be incredible in Buckeye Bay during the
spring turnover when the fish migrate to the cooler water flows that the
creeks provide. The fall streamer fishing can provide float tubers
with the opportunity at a double digit brown or rainbow trout.
Sacramento Perch thrive in the lake and provide the big predators with a
substantial meal.
There is a well operated Marina and boat launch
located off Hwy 182 just past the airstrip. There are excellent RV
parks are along this shoreline also and an adequate public launch ramp
is available towards the dam (north) end of the lake. The Bridge
has far less visitors that Crowley and you really need to visit this
beautiful lake to appreciate it and the stellar fishing it can provide.
Take Hwy 395 to Bridgeport CA and turn on Hwy 182
towards Hawthorne Nevada immediately after you leave town heading south.
You can’t miss it!
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