Jared Smith operates the lake concession and boat landing. When he's not renting out boats or rooms, he likes to fish. He knows this 166-acre lake intimately and is a good source of information for most Bishop Creek Basin waters.

For the hottest action at South Lake, Smith said to head south, away from the dam. Troll along the west bank at "the Rock Slide." You could land some monster rainbows on flashers or lures. Each season, a few big Alpers trout are taken by trolling but the hawg Alpers are most often taken near the inlets that flow into the south end of the lake.

Along with the Rock Slide, great spots are the Long Lake inlet at the southeast corner, the Treasure inlet at the south end and the Gilbert Glacier inlet to the southwest.

The big fish are looking for food as they cruise the tongue water that flows into the lake. When early runoff is still swift, there can be a feeding frenzy at the inlet creeks, and the angler should work these prime spots.

When it comes to bait offerings, the trout at South Lake don't seem to be particular. PowerBait or worms can be a sure bet for limits of pan-sized stockers, but for those trophy trout, the big-fish hunters use lead-core line and troll deep, especially during the warmer days of midsummer.

BISHOP CREEK'S MAIN FORKS
The main forks of Bishop Creek offer great trout action. The longest portion of Bishop Creek is the south fork running north from South Lake.

If you like to hike and fish, following the South Fork can offer some of the best fishing in the basin. For nearly seven miles, the creek covers a variety of terrain. The trail is rugged in a few places, but the pools along the way will consistently yield fish to a dipped fly or small lure such as a gold Kastmaster, white or yellow Rooster Tail or small Panther Martin.

About a quarter mile below the South Lake Dam, the river flows into a wide flat basin surrounded by pines and aspens. This pool, known as the Weir Pond, produces some trophy rainbows every season.

The pond is popular with flyfishermen, but a fly-bubble combination on a light spinning rig or small lures will also work here.

The secret to big fish at Weir Pond is to find the holes along the reed line. The river flow changes the holes, but once you find them, your chances of nailing a trophy trout increase dramatically.

About halfway down the canyon is Bishop Creek Lodge. Owners Gary and Suzie Olson know the canyon well. In addition to their great restaurant and well-stocked tackle shop, they'll provide insider tips to help you catch fish in Bishop Creek.

Each year, the trout hunters who work this creek take home some of the biggest fish of the season. Along the South Fork of Bishop Creek, there are several campgrounds and an RV park. In addition, both Bishop Creek Lodge and Parcher's Resort offer cabin rentals.

Middle Fork
The Middle Fork of Bishop Creek flows east from Lake Sabrina. Just below the Sabrina Dam is a scenic pool normally filled with small rainbows. But this location is heavily fished. While beautiful, it can be challenging to catch trout here.