And the trout in Dinkey are anything but, well, dinky. Its remoteness, mixed with rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout are what make this wilderness one of the true gems of the Sierra Nevada.
About the Dinkey Wilderness
The Dinkey Lakes Wilderness, at 6,000 feet, stretches across the western slope of the beautiful Sierra and is among the first couple stops on the forest’s main artery, Highway 168.
The wilderness taps into the heart of the forest’s diverse geography at Dinkey Creek, located 13 miles outside Shaver Lake. The creek offers a pleasant campground and stretch of river where the pools are filled with rainbows and some wild browns.
Type of Fish at Dinkey Creek
Along with numerous trails and gorgeous views, the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness is filled with rainbow, brook and brown trout.
Upper Dinkey Creek mostly consists of browns with some brookies and ‘bows mixed in.
Lower Dinkey Creek near the campground, is stocked weekly with bows, but you’ll find an occasional brown upstream from the campground and a brookie if you are extremely lucky.
Fishing Gear for Dinkey Creek
A basic all-around 5/6-weight fly rod will work fine at Dinkey Creek and the nearby high Sierra lakes.
In the morning and late evening, consider using a floating line for surface action.
At the river, or if the midday bite dies down at the lakes, try switching to a fast, sinking line to get down to the deeper pockets where the larger bottom huggers hide beneath boulders and fallen trees.
Tapered leaders from 4 to 6X and up to 8 or 10 feet are sufficient.
Fly Selections for Dinkey Creek
Additional selection patterns that will work in the Dinkey Wilderness include nymphs like the Prince, Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear and Damsel, dries like the Adams, Black Gnat and the Royal Coachman, or streamers such as a Woolly Bugger and Muddler Minnow, an olive and black Matukas or Marabou Leaches.
Spincasters should think small, especially in the creek, which holds little browns throughout. The bigger rainbows can be aggressive but light tackle and 4-pound test on a 6-foot rod should be sufficient.
How to Get to Dinkey Creek
From Fresno, take Highway 168 east toward Shaver Lake. Turn right at Dinkey Creek Road and continue eastward to the Dinkey Creek recreation area, which offers resorts, campgrounds, picnic areas and plenty of trailheads.
The Dinkey Lakes trailhead is located just outside the Dinkey Creek Campground and requires an additional 12-mile drive on a bumpy, dirt road not suited for small cars.
For More Information on Dinkey Creek
Backpackers are required to obtain a wilderness permit.
You can register and find more information at the Pineridge Ranger Station along Highway 168.
Call (559) 841-3404 for more information.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before making any backpacking trips.
Gas and fishing supplies are available at the campground store or in Shaver Lake.
