Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report

Jim Stimson, Jim Stimson Fly Fishing

So far the first week of May has brought great afternoon buildup along with some rain and snow showers over the high peaks. You can’t beat the scenic backdrop along the east side of the Sierra. It never grows old. With the opening of Tioga Pass through Yosemite, come on over the hill!

Upper Owens River

The flows have stabilized on the Upper Owens and fishing has picked up again. Nice rainbows and cutthroats can be found in the deeper pools throughout the river system. 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.

Lower Owens River

The DWP has been ramping up the flows lately. The river is cruising right along at 200 cfs. The lower Owens has been fishing particularly well, mornings to afternoons. It is still fairly easy to navigate around in your waders. The river is forgiving, just make sure every foot placement is solid. Nymphing has been very productive using midges, loop winged emergers, Barr emergers, PT’s, green caddis worms, etc…. just about anything buggy will work if presented well. There have been stoneflies and caddis cruising through as well. Try using a golden stone as an attractor then drop a caddis worm off the hook bend. Huck this combo into the shallower, faster moving water and watch what happens. Voilàl! Enjoy.