Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report

Lower Owens River

The river has been running steady at 85 cfs, not the optimum flow, but still healthy. The high mountains in the Sierra received about a foot of snow over the weekend and the morning temperatures have dropped considerably. Use some stealth when fishing. Halloween has passed so there’s no need to clomp around like Frankenstein in your wading boots. Approach the water with light feet and watch where your shadow is falling on the water. The trout are a little edgy with the lower, clear water. That said, It is easy wading and the river is “grabby” again. There is about a two hour window, right around lunchtime, that the BWO’s start lifting off the water and the trout snouts start poking out of the water. You want some ridiculous dry fly fishing? Come on over the hill. One of my favorite mayfly patterns, the hackle stacker, works like a charm, sized 18 or 20. 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. Mercer’s micro mayflies are killer along with small PT’s.