Jim Stimson, Jim Stimson Fly Fishing
Upper Owens River
The fishing has slowed a little, especially after the President’s Day Weekend. With anglers flogging and caning the water for several days, the trout are getting wise to the commotion, plus, the larger fish seem to be headed back downstream to the lake. The river is low and clear but fish are lurking throughout the system. Most of the fish are hanging out in the slow, deep, dark pools. With the low water, 50 cfs, use a little caution approaching the water. If you stomp up to river’s edge, the trout will feel those vibrations and dive for cover. Use some stealth and walk with light feet. Nymphing tends to be the best and most consistent tactic. With the cooler water the fish tend to be a little more lethargic. So, it may take many casts and the perfect drift to get a fish to make a commitment. Keep at it, they’re in there. Pink San Juans, Copper Johns, PT’s and roe patterns have been working well.
Lower Owens River
This
particular section of the river has been fishing particularly well,
mornings to afternoons. Nymphing has been very productive using midges,
loop winged emergers, Barr emergers, PT’s, drowned spinners, etc….
just about anything baetis 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 mayfly emerger off the hook bend. Before
you wander back to your car for lunch, you might want to stick around
and check out the BWO hatch. It occurs around noon,
you can almost set your watch to it. First the flurry of mayflies, then
the rise forms. The trout start looking up and getting in on the
surface action. If you enjoy fishing with dries, the time is now. The
hatch lasts approximately an hour. Postpone your lunch….. you will be
glad you did. Small baetis patterns work well (#18-20) such as an Adams,
hackle stackers, etc. And keep your eyes peeled for trico hatches.
Griffiths Gnats work well for these tiny little guys. Nice fish are
coming up to enjoy the feast. Enjoy.
Read more
While at Playa Blanca Fly Fishing Lodge, I was able to try out a variety of different lines designed for fishing for Permit. I tried the Hatch Tropical Floating Line, SA Grand Slam Line, and The Ri...
Steve Santucci, Steve Santucci Guide ServiceStriper fishing is great for numbers including some decent size. We caught many fish in the 5 to 7lb range this week. Fishing should remain strong thru...
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.