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!
