Pleasant Valley Reservoir / Bishop Area

Lake name: Pleasant Valley Reservoir    Elevation: 4,200

Road condition:   Paved  

Day hikes to fishing: Owens River above reservoir

Region: White Mountain Ranger District      Area/description:  Pleasant Valley

Lake size: 100+ acres    Species: Browns, Rainbows, Sacramento Perch, Largemouth bass

Closest town or supplies: Bishop

Contacts: Bishop Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center (760) 873-8405; Barret’s Outfitters (760) 872-3830; Brock’s Flyfishing Specialists (760) 872-3581; Culver’s Sporting Goods (760) 872-8361; Mac’s Sporting Goods (760) 872-9201

Facilities: Primitive campground at the parking area

Nearest campground: Pleasant Valley Campground

Boating: No boating allowed; no swimming; float tubes are accepted

Fishing season: General        Best times: spring or fall (high summer temperatures)

Tips: Fish the dam area or pack in a float tube for best results

Favorite lures or bait: Kastmasters, Thomas Buoyants, Panther Martins, Power Bait (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Lures and Bait)

Favorite fly patterns: For the best information, contact Brock’s Fly Fishing Specialist in Bishop at (760) 872-3581 (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Fly Patterns and Techniques)

Stocking information: 33,000+; the Bishop Chamber of Commerce also stocks the hefty Alpers Rainbow trout every other Saturday in March to load up the reservoir for their annual Blake Jones Fishing Derby.

Additional information: From the parking area, take the trail approximately ¼ mile.  Many anglers ride bicycles and pack float tubes along the gated road that leads to the inlet.

Nearby fishing: Owens River, Bishop Creek drainage and the Rock Creek drainage

Directions: From Bishop take Highway 395 north for 7 miles.  Turn right on Pleasant Valley Dam Road.  Drive 4 miles to the reservoir.  From the parking area, hike approximately ¼ of a mile to the reservoir.

Map courtesy of mytopo.com.