February's Guest Speaker is Ernie Gulley

TROPHY STILLWATER OF THE EASTERN SIERRA

One of the areas that many fly fishers from Southern California go to every year is the Eastern Sierra, which is up the 395 Highway, and is a very good destination to visit the many stillwaters she has to offer.   We will be talking more specifically about three different stillwaters, each having their own unique story and history of fantastic fly fishing experiences.   These stillwaters, Kirman Lake (the best trophy brook trout fishery in California and in the entire west!), Heenan Lake (Lahontan Cutthroat brood stock lake for the California Fish and Wildlife!) and Crowley Lake (hands down the best stillwater in California!) are no strangers to the many clubs in the area that consistently schedule outings every year to these three different stillwater destinations.    All three of these stillwaters will give you the opportunity, while fly fishing, to land fish up and into the 30" range.   Each are unique in the fact that they are all the best of the best when it comes to the trout they have to offer for our fly fishing anglers in the Eastern Sierra.  

I will break down each individual stillwater and show you why you will want to join me on this magnificent journey with the chance to land a fish of a lifetime at each stillwater destination.   I will discuss how to get to each stillwater, by using maps, showing where each individual body of water is located.   Pictures of each individual lake, how and when you should plan your trips in the future and be better prepared for your journey.   I will break down and show pictures of my favorite fly patterns, leader setups and specific techniques that will put you on the fast track to be successful.  Knowing the best times of the year to plan your trips will give you the confidence you need to better enjoy your fly fishing experience.   Would you like to know the finer nuances of each individual stillwater?   If your answer is "yes" to any of the above questions, well then, this is the presentation for you!   Our guide for this knowledge is Ernie Gulley.

 Ernie was born in Southern California and started fishing with his dad as soon as he could walk.  At age seven, Ernie moved to New Orleans where he learned how to fish lake Pontchartrain for Speckled Trout.  Later he moved back to So-Cal and began fishing the Eastern Sierra including Crowley, Bridgeport Reservoir and many lakes in Utah, Idaho and Nevada.   Ernie currently resides in Riverside with his wife Shannon and two children Llogan age twelve and Aidan age eight.  

In 1998, the curiosity about long rods with thicker lines won out and he tried fly fishing.   Well, a love affair was born and he has never looked back.  In 2006 Ernie joined Deep Creek Fly Fishers, where he became a principal instructor for fly tying and provided classes on stillwater tactics.  In 2007 he won the prestigious "Double Hall in the Fall" tournament at Crowley, winning both individual and team division.  In 2008 and 2009 Ernie placed second in the "Stillwater Classic" at Crowley in the team category.   He has served as President and Vice President of the Hi-Desert Fly Fishing club in 2008.   Ernie is currently a professional guide in Southern California and the Eastern Sierra.  His home water is Crowley Lake, but is considered one of the premier stillwater guides in the Sierra.   Come and can see why Ernie has built a reputation as being a stillwater guru and the man to show us how to be successful in stillwater fly fishing the Eastern Sierra!