Eastern Sierra Region 4 – A Fly Fisher’s Paradise

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Steve’s presentation, “Eastern Sierra Region 4 – A Fly Fisher’s Paradise,” offers an overview of a region that many fly fishers know and love. While he doesn't promise to reveal new secret spots or revolutionary techniques, the evening will be an enjoyable exploration of the many superb fishing locations this region has to offer. Most anglers have a favorite stream or lake they return to year after year and may even come to know an area through the changing seasons. However, no one has fished every corner of the region in every season—and that’s where the fascination begins. Audience participation is encouraged, as attendees are sure to share great memories of their own. The presentation will cover key areas including Mammoth Lakes and the Backcountry, Hot Creek, Upper Owens, Crowley Lake, McGee Canyon, Fish Creek/Cascade Valley, Rock Creek Lake, Little Lakes Valley, and Pine Creek. With so much to cover, Steve will focus on the highlights of each location. With a background in Forestry from UC Berkeley and a Botany education from UC Santa Barbara, Steve brings a unique perspective that connects fishing with the natural history of the region. His career in reforestation led to the establishment of nurseries across California, Oregon, and Washington, where he grew over 45 million tree seedlings. In addition to pointing out prime fishing locations, Steve will delve into the natural features of the region—glaciation, volcanic activity, fish migration, species introduction, and population adaptation—as well as the cultural impact of timber, mining, fishery management, and water use. By the end of the evening, attendees will come away with a renewed appreciation for this remarkable region of the Sierra Nevada—a place that truly is a fly fisher’s paradise.

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Steve's Bio

 

Steve Schalla has been a Southern California fly fisher since the early 1980s. Many club members may recognize him from his long-standing involvement with the FFI Southwest Council, where he has served as Fundraiser, Treasurer, and President over the past ten years. He is also highly active in his home club, Sespe Fly Fishers, currently serving as President. Since 2002, Steve has maintained a website, Fly Fishing the Sierra, which provides detailed maps of fishing locations throughout the Sierra, along with a wealth of information on fly fishing techniques, including rigging, casting, and reading the water. The site has grown to over 2,000 posts and pages, a reflection of his passion for sharing knowledge with fellow anglers.