Thanks for you video. I was raised in Rovana Village. Pine Creek is home. Have explored this area. Will be there again this summer! Can’t wait to go home!
It looks like you were there at the same time I was up in the Kuna Crest area. As I was headed back south out of Yosemite I camped just below Donahue Pass in a spot that I thought had good drainage. I was really worried as it was easily the worst storm I have ever camped in, and possibly the worst storm I have ever been in. I was genuinely worried; the floor of my tent was floating starting with the second wave. It just kept coming in waves until it finally broke just before sunset. The mountainside on the other side of the Lyell Fork where there was no visible water before was a raging waterfall. I went for my 2nd hike of the summer starting at the Pine Creek TH in late August. It was much nicer than the storm fest. I totally think you did the smart thing hiking to French Lake the first day given that you started in the morning. Plan to go back in 2022 and do some fishing in the "French Lakes", Humphreys Basin, and Granite Park. Looking forward to the rest of your series. Thanks.
Great video ! When I was there a couple of years ago, it was blue skies everyday. You got a real treat with those massive thunderstorms. The dark blues and grey of the clouds in that amazing plateau , with the sun bursting out from time to time. Makes for great video and pics. I'm enjoying the series , thanks !!
I love that area. Fishing aside, there's some epic beauty to be had. The traverse you're taking from French Lake to Puppet Lake is simply stunning. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the content. If you haven't, you should check out the Sunol Wilderness. It's amazing! ruclips.net/video/WpV2MmVZGdM/видео.html
Hi Jim, great video. I’m planning on heading up the next couple of weeks. Curious to what you’re using for wader shoes? I’ve been binge watching a lot of your videos, and I must say I truly enjoy and respect your perspective of the high country. Listening to your analysis of the fishing has taught me a few things. Thanks for taking us along
Hi and thanks! Glad you are enjoying the videos. I wade in Crocs. Out don't think they're special but they were touted as "Outdoor Crocs" and sold by Bass Pro probably over a decade ago. Not sure how they compare to what they have now. My fishing buddy has what looks like a newer pair and they rolled on him over this last week. Not sure what to make of that (too big?) but I've used them for wading and frankly hiking out when I'm too lazy to change my shoes without issue.
@@highcountrychronicles Thanks for the reply. I've never been a croc guy and have said some choice things about them lol, but it looks as tho I may have to reconsider if they allow me to wade in the back country. I'm sure you know waders are a complete game changer when flyfishing the back country lakes. Lake Virginia over duck pass is a prime example. How are they hiking say compared to a pair of the standard 3 strap sandal or tevas? I'd assume they wouldn't be as secure. Thanks again for the response bud
@@chowboy44 I get you re: Crocs. Way too expensive for what they are. I got mine for like $15 on bass pro clearance and I balked then. Now I wish I'd bought two pair. LOL. I've never had too much of a problem hiking with them but I'm usually using them to hike out. Not as a primary shoe. Mine have an adjustable strap at the back. I have had the strap disengage, which essentially renders them useless...
When you said “that wasn’t the pass” pretty much confirmed I’m not going up this way haha. Even though it’s longer, wonder if going over carol col would be less demanding and can fish some humphreys and back end French canyon lakes
It might be the way I compartmentalize but I would do Humphreys and French as two separate trips or one long 14 day-ish trip. And of course, off trail is going to take 1.5 to 2X longer.....
Unfortunately, I can't. I've been using prescription lenses for several years and I won't go back. Whichever brand you choose, make sure the lenses are glass. I prefer an amber or light brown color.
I learn so much from your videos, thank you for sharing your adventures.. do you recommend a 4 wt or 5wt rod for the back country? Medium or fast action?
I’m glad to hear that. I think it really depends on skill level and preferences. I personally fish a medium action 4wt. I just enjoy how it fishes. That said, my recommendation for most people would be a 5wt and medium or fast based on casting skill. Most people would do best with a fast action 5wt when dealing with wind but in my opinion fast action rods play fish like a pool cue. :)
Thanks for the reply. I was planning to purchase a Sage Foundation outfit in 9ft 5 wt... It’s fast action so maybe I will keep searching for something a little less stiff.. in my price range of course. Thanks again.
@@jsierra8455 Sage does a pretty good job with their rods. Have you checked it out in person? I would do that, put some load on the tip, see how it feels before you decide to move on.
Good advice. I haven’t checked them out in person yet but I should. I tend to just buy things online based on reviews. I had narrowed it down to the sage foundation and redington field kit. But since you seem to have mastered fishing I thought I’d pick your brain before buying.
Hardly a master but FWIW, I am a fan of Sage and not a fan of Redington. I just watched one review of the Sage where the guy described it as "medium" fast and looking at the sage site it looks like the tip and mid are more on the medium side of things as opposed to "powerful".
Thanks for you video. I was raised in Rovana Village. Pine Creek is home. Have explored this area. Will be there again this summer! Can’t wait to go home!
@@lucindalaree9265 You're welcome! Thanks for watching and have fun!
Really excellent photography and narration. Quite the uphill that first day.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I really dig these videos thank you !
Cool! Glad to hear it!
It looks like you were there at the same time I was up in the Kuna Crest area. As I was headed back south out of Yosemite I camped just below Donahue Pass in a spot that I thought had good drainage. I was really worried as it was easily the worst storm I have ever camped in, and possibly the worst storm I have ever been in. I was genuinely worried; the floor of my tent was floating starting with the second wave. It just kept coming in waves until it finally broke just before sunset. The mountainside on the other side of the Lyell Fork where there was no visible water before was a raging waterfall.
I went for my 2nd hike of the summer starting at the Pine Creek TH in late August. It was much nicer than the storm fest. I totally think you did the smart thing hiking to French Lake the first day given that you started in the morning. Plan to go back in 2022 and do some fishing in the "French Lakes", Humphreys Basin, and Granite Park. Looking forward to the rest of your series. Thanks.
Thanks! Sounds like quite the adventure. I definitely wouldn't want to be up on the Kuna Crest during a storm.
Great video ! When I was there a couple of years ago, it was blue skies everyday. You got a real treat with those massive thunderstorms. The dark blues and grey of the clouds in that amazing plateau , with the sun bursting out from time to time. Makes for great video and pics. I'm enjoying the series , thanks !!
Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Yeah. The storms make for some dramatic backdrops!
19:06....hahahaha....Jim, you are a funny guy, you don't even know it, but your funny........LOL Great video, so informative, and much appreciated!!!
LOL. Thanks!
Awesome first half of the day, I got tired just looking at it! Bummer about the storm though
Thanks. Yeah, gave the trip character but made me a little gun shy for the next couple of days....
I really enjoy the pace of your videos. Nice trip so far.
Thanks! I appreciate you saying that.
I love that area. Fishing aside, there's some epic beauty to be had. The traverse you're taking from French Lake to Puppet Lake is simply stunning. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching. In the 3rd video I forgo fishing Puppet super hard to do some site seeing of the lower lakes and canyon. :D
Phenomenal scenery. Nice camera work.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Excellent upload! really looking forward to the rest of the trip
Thanks!
Tough 1st day hike but you made it! Looking forward to seeing more Jim!
Thanks! Yeah, it was tough but I was expecting much worse given what I'd heard.
Great video. My lady found your earlier video with Vita in Briones, it inspired us to go check it out for a nice weekend trip. Thanks!
Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the content. If you haven't, you should check out the Sunol Wilderness. It's amazing! ruclips.net/video/WpV2MmVZGdM/видео.html
Hi Jim, great video. I’m planning on heading up the next couple of weeks. Curious to what you’re using for wader shoes? I’ve been binge watching a lot of your videos, and I must say I truly enjoy and respect your perspective of the high country. Listening to your analysis of the fishing has taught me a few things. Thanks for taking us along
Hi and thanks! Glad you are enjoying the videos. I wade in Crocs. Out don't think they're special but they were touted as "Outdoor Crocs" and sold by Bass Pro probably over a decade ago. Not sure how they compare to what they have now.
My fishing buddy has what looks like a newer pair and they rolled on him over this last week. Not sure what to make of that (too big?) but I've used them for wading and frankly hiking out when I'm too lazy to change my shoes without issue.
@@highcountrychronicles Thanks for the reply. I've never been a croc guy and have said some choice things about them lol, but it looks as tho I may have to reconsider if they allow me to wade in the back country. I'm sure you know waders are a complete game changer when flyfishing the back country lakes. Lake Virginia over duck pass is a prime example. How are they hiking say compared to a pair of the standard 3 strap sandal or tevas? I'd assume they wouldn't be as secure. Thanks again for the response bud
@@chowboy44
I get you re: Crocs. Way too expensive for what they are. I got mine for like $15 on bass pro clearance and I balked then. Now I wish I'd bought two pair. LOL.
I've never had too much of a problem hiking with them but I'm usually using them to hike out. Not as a primary shoe. Mine have an adjustable strap at the back. I have had the strap disengage, which essentially renders them useless...
Jim's back
We missed you
Thanks! See you Thursday night!
When you said “that wasn’t the pass” pretty much confirmed I’m not going up this way haha. Even though it’s longer, wonder if going over carol col would be less demanding and can fish some humphreys and back end French canyon lakes
It might be the way I compartmentalize but I would do Humphreys and French as two separate trips or one long 14 day-ish trip.
And of course, off trail is going to take 1.5 to 2X longer.....
Hi Jim, can you recommend a good brand for polarized sun glasses for fishing?
Costa is the best
Unfortunately, I can't. I've been using prescription lenses for several years and I won't go back.
Whichever brand you choose, make sure the lenses are glass. I prefer an amber or light brown color.
I learn so much from your videos, thank you for sharing your adventures.. do you recommend a 4 wt or 5wt rod for the back country? Medium or fast action?
I’m glad to hear that. I think it really depends on skill level and preferences. I personally fish a medium action 4wt. I just enjoy how it fishes.
That said, my recommendation for most people would be a 5wt and medium or fast based on casting skill. Most people would do best with a fast action 5wt when dealing with wind but in my opinion fast action rods play fish like a pool cue. :)
Thanks for the reply. I was planning to purchase a Sage Foundation outfit in 9ft 5 wt... It’s fast action so maybe I will keep searching for something a little less stiff.. in my price range of course. Thanks again.
@@jsierra8455 Sage does a pretty good job with their rods. Have you checked it out in person? I would do that, put some load on the tip, see how it feels before you decide to move on.
Good advice. I haven’t checked them out in person yet but I should. I tend to just buy things online based on reviews. I had narrowed it down to the sage foundation and redington field kit. But since you seem to have mastered fishing I thought I’d pick your brain before buying.
Hardly a master but FWIW, I am a fan of Sage and not a fan of Redington. I just watched one review of the Sage where the guy described it as "medium" fast and looking at the sage site it looks like the tip and mid are more on the medium side of things as opposed to "powerful".