Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report
Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report
Well, it is snowing heavily in the Eastern Sierra now. A system of storms have been rolling in off of the Pacific and unloading in the mountains. The first storm was very warm and wet. Now with cooler air moving in, we are getting heavy snow, even in the Valleys. This will make for “interesting” approaches to the Upper Owens River in particular. Beware of the boggy roads. A tow truck will cost a small fortune.
East Walker
The flows are currently at about 25 cfs. This is pretty bony water. Personally, I am going to wait until the irrigation district bumps up the flows again before I fish in the North County. That said, expect the trout to be more lethargic and hanging in the deeper pools. They are sitting ducks now and super spooky with the low, clear water.
Hot Creek
The creek is flowing through the canyon at 47 cfs. Target your casts to the feeding lanes between the grasses and rocks. You may not see fish, but they are there. Try a dry-dropper setup with a caddis or mayfly pattern above and a midge or Hot Creek caddis below.
Upper Owens River
The Upper O is fishing incredibly well. The flows are at 88 cfs but these are readings taken high in the river system. Once Hot Creek dumps into the mid-section the flows are closer to about 130 cfs. More and more trout are spreading out throughout the river system. If you get a hookup, the fish is usually in the 18-22” range, and fat. Try red san juans with egg patterns dropped from the hook bend.
Lower Owens River
The Lower Owens flows are coming down and now sits at 100 cfs. Everything is working: streamers, nymphs, and dry flies. Enjoy!
Jim Stimson Fly Fishing142 Larkspur LaneCrowley Lake, CA 93546760.209.4300 (cell)
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