"Greg Aagard" wrote in message
om...
I've seen posts similar to this one, but I haven't been able to find a
whole lot of useful information.

I just moved to San Diego from Utah to take a job. Does anyone know
if there is any decent stream or river fishing for trout within a few
hours of San Diego. I've heard rumors that there might be some
around Julian, Big Bear, or Lake Arrowhead. Are there any good places
in the southern Sierra Nevadas that I might be able to make a weekend
trip to?


First of all, welcome to San Diego. It's overcrowded and overpriced, but I
think you'll find that it does have its charms. As you've probably noticed,
rivers and streams are in short supply around here. Those few secret spots
that do exist are not given up easily by those who know them! Without
divulging anybody's secrets, I can give you a few ideas to consider. North
of us in the San Bernardino mountains (Arrowhead/Big Bear) you'll find Deep
Creek for rainbows and browns, but the creek took a hit from last October's
wildfires. Also in that area are Bear Creek (wild rainbows and browns) and
the Santa Ana river for more of the same. As a rule the fish are on the
small side, but the pools will sometimes surrender a few surprises. The San
Gabriel mountains (north of Pasadena) also hold a number of streams, but
I've not spent much time in that area. Take a look at
http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zeroforum?id=85 for a forum whose members
fish that area on a regular basis. Still farther north in the vicintity of
Piru lake are a number of remote streams containing wild trout. The black
helicopters will come after me if I speak about them in public, but a shop
in the area publishes a map to some of the better known streams in that
region.

The Sierras, 5 to 6 hours north of SD, are going to be your best bet in
terms of variety and quality, not to mention the spectacular scenery. A
weekend trip (leave Friday after work) can put you onto golden trout in
their native range, as well as lots of good fishing for rainbows (both
stocked and wild), browns, brookies and even cutts. Some of the better
known sierra waters (within reasonable weekend range) include the Kern,
Kings, Owens and San Joaquin rivers, Hot Creek and almost any of the larger
creeks tumbling down the eastern slope of the range. Sure, it can get
crowded, but a little hiking will get you away from the worst of it. A lot
of hiking will get you away from most of it. There's really too much water
to cover in this post, and there are many who know the Sierras much better
than I do, but email me if you have a specific area/species in mind and I'll
see if I can help you. Meanwhile, try www.thetroutfitter.com or
www.brocksflyfish.com for current sierra reports.

A last thought: one local guide has been having increasing success for
bonefish in SD bay, and another specializes in mako sharks on big flies.
Just a couple of salty options to consider...good luck!

Cheers,
Bill