The Eastern Sierra holds a special place in my heart. Not only are they rich in beautiful alpine lakes chock-full of trophy trout, but much of my childhood began there. As I arrived in the town of Mammoth Lakes , I couldn't help but notice the shift in the town from ski season to fishing season. All around town, businesses posted signs and sold special merchandise, celebrating Fishmas , while the tackle shops restocked their shelves and welcomed anglers visiting for the opener. Great Sierra Trips Start at Rick's Sport Center If Christmas has Saint Nick, Fishmas has Saint Rick. Rick Flamson has been the owner of Rick's Sport Center , a must-stop for Eastern Sierra anglers since 1991. Not only does the shop have all the tackle you need, but if you're not sure where to go or what to do, the board out front lists conditions and hot baits for nearly all waters within an hour or two of Mammoth Lakes. If you need a guide, the staff are all local experts who run their own services.…