BajaNomad

Arroyo San Rafael/Mike's Sky Rancho

John Harper - 3-20-2017 at 03:38 PM

Headed to MSR April 10-12 looking to flyfish and hopefully catch and release a few small baja Nelson trout. Not looking for trophy fish, just a couple to satisfy a goal. Has anyone been there in recent times? I'd love a little info, but I can probably find small fish or two on my own if necessary. Hoping to go into La Grulla this summer, but that's another day.

I've got an INEGI topo and frequently fish backcountry creeks here in San Diego/San Bernardino counties and the Western/Eastern Sierra as well. I am an experienced backcountry "leave not trace" hiker as well. You can PM me. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I always pick up any trash I find in our backcountry lands.

John

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]

mtgoat666 - 3-20-2017 at 04:11 PM

A couple creeks got fish. The creek on mikes, and the one on or just east of meling ranch. I would choose meling ranch of the 2.
meling can horse-pack you into la grulla or encentada, or you can hike (there is year round water)

David K - 3-20-2017 at 04:13 PM

Looking forward to your photos.
With the extra rain this season, I hope they managed to stay up high and not flushed below any waterfalls.

John Harper - 3-20-2017 at 04:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
A couple creeks got fish. The creek on mikes, and the one on or just east of meling ranch. I would choose meling ranch of the 2.
meling can horse-pack you into la grulla or encentada, or you can hike (there is year round water)


I called Meling, they don't guide in anymore, at least last November when I called them. If i'm wrong let me know, I can change plans or make another trip to that area. I talked to Mr. Greg Shoeb (used to guide in there Coyote Meling/Meling?) a couple weeks ago and he told me that a family dispute closed off the area for now. I may hike in with him this summer to La Grulla.

Thank you all. I will treat any fish gently and release quickly, barbless hooks of course! Since the Owens River is flood stage, this will be a great alternate trip to the "real" Southern Sierra. Really stoked to go!

John

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]

TMW - 3-20-2017 at 06:35 PM

When you get to Mikes Sky Ranch talk to Mike Jr as to where to go.

BajaBlanca - 3-20-2017 at 08:42 PM

Please do a trip report when after you take your trip!

mtgoat666 - 3-20-2017 at 08:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
A couple creeks got fish. The creek on mikes, and the one on or just east of meling ranch. I would choose meling ranch of the 2.
meling can horse-pack you into la grulla or encentada, or you can hike (there is year round water)


I called Meling, they don't guide in anymore, at least last November when I called them. If i'm wrong let me know, I can change plans or make another trip to that area. I talked to Mr. Greg Shoeb (used to guide in there Coyote Meling/Meling?) a couple weeks ago and he told me that a family dispute closed off the area for now.

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]

[Edited on 3-20-2017 by John Harper]


That's too bad, the ranch was famous for guiding. Sorry to hear things fell apart. Is the ranch just open for lodging?

Are there fish in la Grulla? I thought all the fishing was down lower.

John Harper - 3-21-2017 at 09:00 AM

What Mr. Shoeb told me was that there were fish at La Grulla. He mentioned making a bp trip into the area and I hope to go along. Not sure the status of any guide trips from Meling. I guess I probably should give them another call and see if I can coax someone into a trip.

Thanks for all the help, and I definitely will post up a TR upon return.

John

ehall - 3-21-2017 at 09:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
What Mr. Shoeb told me was that there were fish at La Grulla. He mentioned making a bp trip into the area and I hope to go along. Not sure the status of any guide trips from Meling. I guess I probably should give them another call and see if I can coax someone into a trip.

Thanks for all the help, and I definitely will post up a TR upon return.

John




Surely one of the cowboys around there could be convinced if the price was right.

John Harper - 3-21-2017 at 11:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
What Mr. Shoeb told me was that there were fish at La Grulla. He mentioned making a bp trip into the area and I hope to go along. Not sure the status of any guide trips from Meling. I guess I probably should give them another call and see if I can coax someone into a trip.

Thanks for all the help, and I definitely will post up a TR upon return.

John




Surely one of the cowboys around there could be convinced if the price was right.


Yes, that's what I figured.

John