Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report
Jim Stimson reports on 11.25.2015

A cold, blustery storm front has arrived in the Eastern Sierra. It is snowing lightly in Crowley Lake and the ski area is reporting over a foot of new snow. Mammoth Lakes will have a very nice holiday season. I spent the last few days cruising around the Reno-Truckee areas prospecting for trout. I managed to land some nice fish up in the mountains but then got blanked at Pyramid Lake. Stillwater fishing…… argggg. I was treated to an incredible sunrise at the lake which was followed by a day of casting without even getting a bump. Oh well, it’s not always about catching fish, right?
Here’s to a safe and sane Thanksgiving! Give your friends and family a big hug. Cheers!
Lower Owens River
The flows have been lowered to about 85 cfs. It is easy wading and the river is “grabby” again. The trout are settling into their winter habits and habitat. The water temperatures have dropped, so the fish are seeking the quiet water along seams and the deeper buckets below tail outs. For indicator nymphing, tie on black zebra midges in the mornings then make a bug adjustment as the temperatures rise. Go for something in the baetis family next. Right around lunch time look for rises along the foam lines. The browns have been sucking down BWO’s. Keep your eyes peeled for these mayflies as they start lifting off the water surface. The swallows start swooping down along the river competing with the trout for this bounty of food. Anticipate the hatch…. Small Adams patterns, hackle stackers, anything sized 18-20 that sits on or within the film will trigger a response.
Upper Owens River
The
flows have stabilized on the Upper Owens (42 cfs) and fishing is on the
slow side. You can get fish here and there. The big rainbows are
beginning to make the migration into the river system from the lake. As
the water temperatures begin to fall, you may find nice rainbows,
browns, and the odd cutthroat in the tail outs. Try small pheasant
tails, about a sized 18. Make sure you are getting your nymph rigs deep
enough. A combination of enough split shot and setting your indicator
deep enough is the trick.
Leave a comment