Lower Owens River Winter Fishing Update

The Lower Owens River outside Bishop continues to fish exceptionally well this winter, with flows holding steady at 100 cubic feet per second and a return to unseasonably warm daytime temperatures making for some of the most comfortable winter fishing conditions of the season. The river remains wide open, highly wadable, and in excellent shape.

Clear, cold water combined with stable releases has trout well distributed throughout the system. Fish are set up in soft edges, shallow riffles, tailouts, and structure that was too fast or too deep earlier in the year. With flows at 100 cfs, anglers can comfortably access water that’s often difficult to reach during higher seasonal releases.

Nymphing continues to be the most consistent approach, with both indicator rigs and tight-line techniques producing steadily throughout the day. Covering water and focusing on softer seams and transitional water has been key to finding fish.

We’re also seeing consistent BWO (blue-winged olive) hatches as well as caddis beginning around noon Depending on where you are positioned on a particular bend or stretch of river, the hatch can last anywhere from 15 minutes to well over an hour. As bugs come off, look for rising fish in foam lanes, back-eddies, and softer seams typical of classic Lower Owens water. Calm conditions paired with the warm temperatures are helping extend the hatch window and improve dry-fly opportunities.

With light winter pressure, steady 100 cfs flows, dependable midday BWO and Caddis activity, and unseasonably warm weather back in the forecast, this remains one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the Lower Owens. Hungry trout, excellent access, and multiple productive techniques make this a prime winter fishing window.

Plan your trip to take advantage of the Lower Owens and the Eastern Sierra this winter — call or text 760-873-0010, visit sierratroutmagnet.com, or follow on Instagram @stm_fly_fishing 🎣

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