The Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Report

Jim Stimson, Jim Stimson Fly Fishing

Merry Fishmas! The weather Gods never fail to disappoint us on the fishing opener. You can almost count on the foul weather to arrive in a timely manner and sure enough, the canon boomed over Crowley Lake, signaling the start of the official fishing season, and with it came 12" of new snow. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area enjoyed the best day of powder skiing the entire season while the local anglers had to endure cold, wet, windy conditions. But this is life in the mountains…. enjoy it.

My wife and I spent Spring Break camping out below Dunsmuir along the Upper Sac River. We fished everyday, explored new water, and caught some great, colorful rainbows. It was so nice to “get out of Dodge” and fish someplace new. There’s nothing like a road trip. Cheers! Jim

Upper Owens River

The flows have stabilized on the Upper Owens and fishing has picked up again. Nice rainbows and cutthroats can be found in the deeper pools throughout the river system. Try small pheasant tails, about a sized 18. Make sure you are getting your nymph rigs deep enough. A combination of enough split shot and setting your indicator deep enough will do the trick.

Lower Owens River

The DWP has been ramping up the flows lately. The river is cruising right along at 200 cfs. The lower Owens has been fishing particularly well, mornings to afternoons. It is still fairly easy to navigate around in your waders. The river is forgiving, just make sure every foot placement is solid. Nymphing has been very productive using midges, loop winged emergers, Barr emergers, PT’s, green caddis worms, etc…. just about anything buggy 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 caddis worm off the hook bend. Huck this combo into the shallower, faster moving water and watch what happens. Voilàl! Enjoy.