High-Sierra (Mild) Backpacking

Updated 8/1/2017

Mild backpacking to fish beautiful High-Sierra country for Rainbows, Brookies, and Goldens.

Aug 23-27 (Wed-Sun) 2017. Fishmaster - Rich Miller.

Click to download the Fishout Sheet.

The 20 Lakes Basin lies in the Hoover Wilderness just to the NW of Saddlebag Lake (10,000' elevation) and N of Tioga Pass.  There is road access to Saddlebag Lake where there is a NF campground, store, and water taxi available to take us across the lake to an 4 mile loop trail (400' elevation gain) through the basin that leads past 7 lakes.  NOTE, however, that due to snow damage, the resort will not be operating this year, so no store, and no water taxi, and we shall have to walk the trail skirting the east side of the lake (2 mi each way).  A little more climbing gives access to several more lakes.  We shall walk in, set up camp, and fish the lakes.

Great for beginners.  Tons of fish and no waders necessary. The fish are generally small, but occasionally you may be surprised.

GPFF strongly encourages car pooling. Email me to coordinate rides, or, more generally, if you have questions.

Tight Lines!
Rich Miller