Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report

Jim Stimson Reports on 11.19.2015:

First off, we send our thoughts and condolences to France after the horrific attacks that occurred in Paris. My heart is heavy. I just don’t understand the hatred….. 

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 transitioning from summer to winter modes. The water temperatures are dropping so the fish are seeking the quiet water along seams and the deeper buckets below tail outs. There are a potpourri of aquatic bugs cruising around. For indicator nymphing, tie on black zebra midges in the mornings then make a bug adjustment as the temperatures rise. The browns have been sucking down BWO’s like there’s no tomorrow. 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 but the big rainbows have yet to make the migration into the river system from the lake. It shouldn’t be long though…. 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 will do the trick.