Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report

Jim Stimson reports on 4.20.17

April is a month of cool, unsettled conditions and so far it has lived up to its reputation. The ski area, Mammoth Mountain, just passed the 600 inch mark for snow accumulation this season, over 50 feet of snow! When you fish the Upper Owens the view is amazing, the Sierra is blanketed in white to the base of the valley floors. The run off will be amazing this spring. I am looking forward to seeing the waterfalls in Yosemite Valley this year. The question in everybody’s mind is when are the passes going to open this season?

Again, beware. The ground is saturated from the snow and rain of a long winter. Just assume that anything off road is questionable.

Hot Creek

The creek is on the bony side right now as runoff from the high country has not quite begun. With the low, clear water, the fish are very spooky yet lethargic from the cold water. There is a nice lunch time hatch of BWO’s, sized 18’s. Zebra midges, Barr emergers, juju baetis, and scuds will usually elicit a bump.

Lower Owens River

The flows are above 700cfs and have been for several weeks. The river is spilling its banks and there are sections between Chalk Bluff Road and the river that are wetlands and marshes. It is a muddy, goopy, mess. If you are going to wade, exercise extreme caution. With enough weight you can cast into the quiet water along the edges and perhaps raise a fish.

Upper Owens River

The flows read about 80cfs but these are taken well above the Hot Creek confluences, so the actual data is a little higher. The river system below the confluence can be muddy, off color, and full of debris if you wander out there just after a wet storm. It usually takes a couple of days for the river to clear up (as long as another storm does not roll in). The snow has melted out but I would use extreme caution if you plan on driving in. There are some major bogs out there….. keeper mudholes. The main north-south dirt road is passable BUT all of the laterals that gain closer access to the river are like quick sand. Park your vehicle just off the main dirt road, then walk in. Copper Johns, San Juans, egg patterns, and soft hackles work well. You need to make sure you cover the water thoroughly. The trout will grab if you put it on their snouts. There are fewer fish now in the upper section of the river as the fish are heading back towards the lake. The fishing is on the slow side but they are definitely in the river. As the days get longer and warmer, the fishing will only get better. I think we will have a good spring.

East Walker

The flows have been lowered to about 360cfs, which makes the upper part of the river, the Miracle Mile, in the possible realm of fishing. You can fish at these levels however, be aware. If you get dunked, you might be swimming for awhile. Anything below the bridge will be ripping fast as the river narrows and has a steeper gradient. I would stick to the section below the dam. Look for the quiet water along the edges. Watch the flows, they will be fluctuating all spring. Size up on your tippet material, use 3x at the minimum. San Juans, zebra midges, small beatis patterns….

Jim Stimson Fly Fishing
Crowley Lake, CA 93546
760.935.4264 (home)
760.209.4300 (cell)
Email: office@jimstimson.com
Website: http://flyfishing.jimstimson.com/