How long is the trip?

The outing is approximately eight hours from saddle to return; exact times depend on trail conditions and group speed.

What is the weight limit to ride?

The operation enforces a 225-pound (102.58 kg) weight limit to protect rider safety and animal welfare.

What species of fish will I catch?

Expect trout—commonly stocked rainbows and brook trout in these alpine basins; some waters hold wild populations.

Is prior riding experience required?

No expert skill is required, but basic horseback comfort is helpful; guides will match riders to appropriate stock.

Are children allowed?

Yes: the minimum age is 10 for full rides; children under 10 may be limited to shorter rides at the guide’s discretion.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, anglers must carry a valid California fishing license for the water bodies you fish; check current regulations before your trip.

Pack-Mule Fishing to High Sierra Lakes: Full Day Trip from Bishop, CA

Full Day Fishing Trip offers an eight-hour escape into the backcountry east of Bishop, California, where horseback and pack mule access open high mountain lakes that feel like a private stretch of alpine water. Guides from rainbowpackoutfitters saddle sturdy stock and lead small parties through sagebrush flats and granite ridgelines to reach lakes rimmed with talus and wind-polished rock. The day is equal parts low-stress travel and focused fishing: guests ride in, drop a line, and let the guides handle camp chores while you chase trout. The setting changes with elevation. Lower approaches move through high desert with bitterbrush and sage, giving way to Jeffrey pines and granite slabs as you climb. Lakes visited are commonly small, clear basins carved by glaciers and backed by exposed granite and metamorphic banding; anglers should expect native and stocked trout—rainbows and brookies among them—found in shallow coves and undercut shorelines. Wind off nearby Sierra ridges can make casting a technical challenge, but it also concentrates fish along lee shores and behind submerged structure. Guides provide pack animals, saddle animals, and local knowledge: they read water, manage stock, and tailor the route to the group's skill and weight considerations. Parties of one to ten are common; groups of four or more enjoy both a saddle and a pack animal. The operation enforces a 225-pound weight limit for rider safety and horse welfare, and riders are asked to supply height and weight in advance so guides can match mounts appropriately. This trip is unusually accessible for families and mixed-ability groups because the heavy gear stays with the animals and guides handle the logistics. It’s a superb choice for a corporate outing, a multigenerational family day, or a compact group of fishing friends. The combination of animal-supported access and hand-tended water means you reach quieter coves that are off-limits to motorized craft. Practical notes: the run time is roughly eight hours and includes guided riding and fishing time; reservations are required. Bring layered clothing for rapidly changing mountain conditions, sun protection, waterproof footwear, and a functioning fly or spin rod. There’s a 10-year minimum age and a sensible approach to safety: children under ten may be limited to shorter rides at the guide’s discretion. Full Day Fishing Trip ties into the broader outdoor fabric of the Bishop and Eastern Sierra region - an area shaped by glaciation, dramatic granite, and long cultural ties to Paiute peoples. The use of pack stock reduces trail impact, preserves remote shoreline habitat, and keeps this kind of wilderness fishing available to future visitors. Book with advance notice, respect weight policies, and arrive prepared for a full day: your reward is quiet water, attentive guides, and lasting high-country solitude for years to come.