This TR has piqued my interest in the Saddlebag area:
http://calipidder.com/wp/2014/09/north-peak-12242-tioga-lake/We would probably stay near the Conness Lakes. I found the same page you're using, and interpreted it the same. I've tried calling the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center several times, with no answer. I want to ask them about the air quality with all the smoke, if it's bad, how far north do they suggest going, likelihood of getting walk-ins, etc...
For N. Fork Big Pine Creek are you going to try for walk-ins?
