Crowley Lake Fly Fishing Report

Jarret Coons of Sierra Mountain Trout Guide Service reports on July 16th, 2026

Crowley Lake

Lake Elev.- 6776.1 Surface Temp- 70*F+-

It’s not a great time to be on Crowley Lake. It’s safe to say the lake is turning over and the algae is out of hand. The vast majority of the lake is pea soup and it is nearly impossible to find water clean enough to fish. It really depends on the wind, what’s clean one day is dirty the next. You can be sure as soon as you find clean water to fish, the wind will change and bring in the algae. On the plus side, Crowley Fish Foundation stocked 1650lbs. of rainbow trout on July 15th!!!

The lake has been dropping. We’re still fishing deep 25-30’ but we have gotten some fish in 20’. You could also go and join the flotilla if you want to go shallow, they are all jammed up in the mouth of McGee Creek. Hilton can be good on the right day and Christmas was good when the wind blows the right way. 

The bite has been goofy and we’ve seen a lot of daphnia in stomach samples. We’ve taken the attractor approach using patterns to get their attention rather than matching the hatch. Oversizing your midge patterns or using bright colors works, damsel nymphs are working. Don’t be afraid to try something weird, it may just work right now.

GUIDE TIP- Going in shallow for perch can be a great alternative right now. We’ve been having a blast getting them on Keiryu Rods. It’s great for kids too!!

FLIES-
If you don’t recognize a fly name it is one of my patterns. I tie all the flies we fish.
Blood Larva #6-12, Snow cone #8-10, Hemogoblin #12-16, Grey/Black Flashback #16-18,
Balanced Leeches #12-16, Balanced Damsel #14-16, Hula-damsel #16-18, Jig Leech #12-16

Crowley Lake is stillwater fly fishing at its finest, call to book your 2026 trip today!!
760-920-0659