Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report
Sierra Nevada
There is a mixed bag of fishing conditions now. The weather has stabilized and we are having warm, summer-like conditions. I have been wet wading with pants (mosquitos) on the Upper Owens. The initial step into the river always comes with a gasp and pucker as the chilly water hits your skin but in general this is only shallow wading. The warm temperatures also mean a lot of the creeks are starting to blow out with the runoff.
Watch out for deer strolling across the highway, especially in the mornings and evenings. There are some amazing splatter marks on the asphalt from the collisions. Beware!
East Walker
The trout are grabbing black zebra midges (small) in the morning, then as the temperatures warm up look for PMD’s to make an appearance. Rainbow Warriors and Lightning Bugs works well in the faster water. If this isn’t confusing enough, there is the odd caddis and golden stonefly cruising around. With higher flows I like to use attractor patterns like copper johns or prince nymphs for my upper fly, then dangle the bug-du-jour as the point fly. Presentation is everything — if you are not getting a drag free drift you will get rejected. A lot of Sacramento perch get washed into the river from the reservoir above so try hucking some big, light colored streamers into the “toilet bowl.” There can be some mega sized browns lurking in that turbulent water waiting for stunned perch to get washed into the river.
West Walker
This river flows have been fluctuating with the rain, snow, and now warm temperatures from the last couple of weeks. The readings are at 890 cfs. These flows are very high…. I would give the river some time to settle back down.
Hot Creek
The creek is flowing through the canyon at 90 cfs and I would expect this to rise as the warm temperatures start melting the snowpack. Target your casts to the feeding lanes between the grasses and rocks. You may not see fish, but they are there. If you are nymphing, try a San Juan or a Hot Creek caddis. Streamers have also fooled some nice trout. There are lots of hatchery fish cruising around making the grabs, but every once in awhile, you can fool one of the old, wily browns. Keep grinding away.
Upper Owens River
The flows are gradually moving up and sit at 93 cfs but these are readings that are taken high in the river system. Once Hot Creek dumps into the mid-section the flows are closer to about 180 cfs and off color. The entire river system is open now, from Big Springs to the reservoir. The Upper O is fishing on the slow side now especially in the mid-section but we found fish higher in the river towards Longyear. There are still a few, zombie looking cutthroat trout heading down towards the lake. Their spawn is finally over but watch out for their redds when wading.
Lower Owens River
The Lower Owens is still running on the high side. The flows are nearly 500 cfs which makes for “interesting” river crossings. Err on the side of caution when wading and make sure your waist belt is snug in case you go for a swim.
Keep your eyes peeled for a noon time hatch of bwo’s. There is a narrow window of opportunity for hucking dry flies, usually for about an hour or so. Watch for the appearance of birds feeding along the river. They can spot a hatch well before we can. If all goes well, snouts begin appearing along the foam lines in the river. Then, cast away…. usually something sized 18-20, blue-gray in color, in the mayfly family will get some nice splashy grabs. Have fun! With the big brush fire we had a couple of weeks ago, access is much easier. A lot of the tules are gone and the willow have been thinned. The river corridor has an apocalyptic look and feel, but the river itself is running clear and fishy. New grass growth is already appearing, the river should recover quickly.
Jim Stimson Fly Fishing
760.209.4300 (cell)
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