Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report
We have some welcome, hopefully wet weather rolling in Thursday. The forecasters are hoping for 1-2 feet on the Mountain. It has been weeks since we have had any significant precipitation. We have had lots of wind but no moisture. We can use some new snow for the ski area and the spring runoff. The fishing is solid on the Upper Owens, not great numbers of trout, but the fish that are actively feeding are large and fat. The Lower O has been great. It is nice to be able to fish down in the valley again.
And finally, I recently ordered some new waders and a jacket from Patagonia. As a guide and rabid angler, I spend a lot of time in and around water and the elements, therefore I need equipment and clothing that can stand up to the toils of time and abuse. If you are in the market for a comfortable, warm jacket, take a look at their Tough Puff Hoody. Then the waders…. I am now sporting the brand new, off the shelf, Swiftcurrent Expedition waders. They are a work of art. They are simple in design, fit well, and are super durable. I look forward to many years of use whether it be on my home waters or steelhead fishing to the north.
Enjoy!
East Walker
The East Walker is still flat lining and dribbling below 20 cfs. Until the river flows pick up, I recommend giving this fishery a rest…..
West Walker
The river has dropped considerably thru the canyon and is at perhaps 31 cfs. The river is looking very boney up high but as you drive down the canyon, there is more water as side streams add to the flow. Try patterns like zebra midges and small mayflies. Dry droppers work really well at these flows. May stealth be your guide as the river is not only low, but gin clear. Keep a low profile… if you can spot fish in the river, they can certainly see your movements.
San Joaquin
The road to Devil’s Postpone is closed for the season.
Hot Creek
The creek is flowing through the canyon at roughly 44 cfs. Target your casts to the feeding lanes between the weeds and rocks, plus the overhanging grasses along the margins. You may not see fish, but they are there. Try a dry-dropper setup with a caddis above and a midge or small mayfly below. Hot Creek is always a fun place to fish especially now that the crowds have gone home.
Upper Owens River
The flows are dropping and sit at about 73 cfs high in the river system. Once Hot Creek dumps into the mid-section the flows are closer to 120 cfs. More and more trout are pushing up into the river system from the reservoir. There are some really nice fish to be had with SJ worms, small baetis, and balanced leeches. Work the deeper buckets relentlessly…. they are in there. Currently, the driving approaches to the river are fine with only a few icy puddles to worry about but beware of any new snow.
Lower Owens River
The river is cruising steady at roughly 150 cfs and is fishing well with all of the traditional patterns; PT’s, Hare’s Ears, midges, caddis worms…. Thank God for Bishop. It is a nice break from winter when you need to see some dirt again and feel some warmth.
Get out there!
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