fun launch maybe

 This is the "put in" at Helen Lake in the 20 lakes basin. I didnt have a yak with me but it looked like it would be a very exciting entry. The snow chute goes all the way to the water and is definately doable if you can get your boat back to this lake. Not very realistic but I can dream.

Packing an inflatable is the easy part - getting out of the lake looks like the tough
part, considering the steep sides of the shoreline.

Terry are there any fish in there I fished for 6 hours and got no takers

 Mike,
We have fished there quite a few times and I cant recall ever having any success at Helen. We go to the basin trying to get a grand slam or super slam so we dont spend too much time at any one lake, except the real lung burners looking for goldies.   I have never got "the slam", but friends have.  Seems like that the brooks have taken over the lakes up there, but it could just be me.

Sky,
We typically paddle/troll across saddlebag lake then stow the boats and start our march into the basin.  We are all hard shell SOT and we have considered using carts to get the boats to lakes like Shamrock, but we struggle just trying to walk with pack and pole at that elevation. Sad but true.

It does seem like the brookies have taken over most of the little lakes back in there. I remember catching some bigguns at steelhead. I think that was the one. So many lakes...so little time (and lungpower!).

Is the grand slam a rainbow, brooke, brown, and golden? Or is that the super slam?

I've seen guys snowboard there during heavy snow years. Packing their gear all the way up to that ridge across from the campground. Looked pretty gnarly. And FUN!

PK

Terry, is this in Bishop? It looks familiar.

Kayak my eye. I'm thinking snowboard+drysuit+neoprene hood and gloves. Oh yeah baby!!!


Scott

East side of Yosemite, Mooch. Look for Saddlebag Lake on a map. Its one of the highest drive-in campgrounds in CA, at like 10,000 feet elevation. Great fishing in Saddlebag or any one of the many lakes above.

PK

PK,
The grand slam in the basin is rainbow, brown, brookie, and golden, then add the cutthroat for the super. We catch the occasional hybrid too.
Mooch,
 PK is right on the directions. Here are a few more pictures from some past years adventures.
dont forget your inhaler.

  WOW - VERY NICE