Found via those industrious types at MidCurrent, the San Diego Union is reporting that Alpers Owens River Ranch is being sold, and that fly fishers will no longer have access to this pay fishery once the sale is final.
For those not familiar with the California fly fishing scene, the Owens River Ranch was a famous private stretch of the Owens River where a dry fly/wet fly fishing ethic was strictly enforced by the owners.
Owned by the Alpers family, who will continue to operate the Alpers rainbow trout hatchery, the Owens River Ranch featured some cool rustic cabins and some fairly educated trout.
A mainstay among many Sierra anglers — some of whom had been fishing the thing for 30 years or more — the closure is the result of the sale of the ranch to neighbors.
So long Owens River Ranch. It’s been a good run, and a lot of us will miss you.
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The question stands though- who bought it? It smells like a dirty Beaver maybe in the background somewhere
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I admit it, the Beaver angle occurred to me too. Turns out it was bought by the neighbors — the same folks who bought the nearby Arcularis Ranch.
Looks like this one’s going, going…
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Three families started going 24 years ago when it was $25 each/nite and we were the kids. Now our kids have enjoyed the place at $70 each/nite and they’re closing the place to the public.
The fishing was never that great but the place was unbeatable on all levels.
It’s a shame someone finally had to “kiss the beaver” and ruin it for the rest of us.
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John: Your sentiment mirrors of a lot of others; it wasn’t that the fishing was all that monstrous (though it could be good, and it certainly was challenging), but the place occupied a regular, recurring home on a lot of calendars for many, many years.
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You are right…there have been times when the fishing was extremely good on the Owens. And Cabin 7…how do you even explain it to someone who has never been?
I’ve stayed at the Lodge at Pebble Beach overlooking the 18th hole, and I still prefer Cabin 7.
Any thoughts on alternatives, realizing that the charm of Alpers will not be matched?
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I don’t know. Having been going there for 20+ years, I’m going to miss it.
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what!!!!!! thats my favorite place to fish!!!! i guess money is better than the joy of landing a Huge trout. wow im sixteen and my grandparents took me up there 5 years in a row. i was planning on doing it for my grand children but i guess thats gone….. its sad
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Luke,
Your grandpa had the right idea. Make sure you find another place to give your kids and grandkids the same opportunity. It my take years but do it.
I started taking my son up there 3 years ago and it’s truly the highlight of our year.
Final Thought: I have no recollection of anyone ever being rude or out of line at Alpers. Nothing but great memories with my very best friends and family.
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It’s tough to top repeat family vacations for memory value.
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Its funny though i met the young dude, (who lived there) that would come out and fish with me and my cousins. he was the nicest man i have ever met. i just dont get why you would sell such a cool place to the uptight next door neighbors. they are only a private cabins! thats just a horriable mistake on Tim. p.s. i like cabin 5 the best. or whatever was the biggest one. My favorite and it also had the best spot on the river 20 steps away
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Well, recognize that Tim and Pam Alpers are very good people. They understand better than anyone the position they were in. And I know it wasn’t a casual decision for them. As I understand it, Tim could have taken 3 times more money by a commercial developer. Instead, he opted for the single buyer helping to guarantee the land wouldn’t be developed.
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anyone remember Larry? with Scotty the Wonder Horse?
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