beautiful brown trout held above the flowing water of the Owens River outside of Bishop California

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 10.11.26

October 11, 2026
, , , , , , , Fishing Reports, Posts

Fall Fishing Is Here!

As promised, the Lower Owens River outside Bishop is finally down to wading levels, and the river is in great shape for the rest of the year! After months of sustained high flows out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the drop has opened up miles of fishable water, giving anglers the opportunity to get back on the river and enjoy some outstanding fall fishing.

The fishing is great, and the river is in amazing condition! The trout have had months of high water and abundant food, and now that flows have dropped, anglers can once again access the productive seams, riffles, deep pools, and classic willow-lined runs that make the Lower Owens such a special fishery. Wild brown and rainbow trout are feeding well, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with quality fish throughout the river.

Expect productive subsurface fishing with nymphs imitating midges, Baetis, and other aquatic insects. Streamers are also worth having in the rotation, especially around deeper pools and current seams. As cooler fall weather settles in, keep an eye out for Baetis and midge activity that can provide some excellent dry-fly opportunities.

From the Wild Trout Section below Pleasant Valley Campground down through the valley, this is a fantastic time to get back out on the water. With manageable flows and excellent fishing conditions, the Lower Owens is set up for a great fall and winter season.

The wait is over—grab your waders, dial in your fly boxes, and get out there! The Lower Owens is fishing great, and we look forward to seeing you on the water.

Call or text STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA, for more details or to book a guided trip for individuals, couples, or groups.

760-873-0010

WWW.SIERRATROUTMAGNET.COM

lower owens river brown trout held up by a lucky young angler out of Bishop California.

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report – Bishop CA , 9.22.26

September 22, 2026
, , , , , Fishing Reports

A massive shift is right around the corner for the Lower Owens outside Bishop, and the stage is set for what should be an exceptional fall and winter season. Throughout the sweltering summer months, the river has been roaring at a sustained 500 cfs out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir. While flows at that volume make wading impossible and bank access exceptionally tough, it was precisely the silver bullet the fishery needed during the peak high-desert heat. That heavy, continuous volume kept bottom water temperatures cold, oxygen-rich, and well out of the danger zone, insulating the wild brown and rainbow populations while surrounding low-elevation waters felt the summer strain.

Even better, running 500 cfs meant the Lower Owens saw virtually zero fishing pressure for months. With unhindered access to an endless conveyor belt of drifting midges, caddis, and aquatic biomass across flooded gravel bars, the trout have had uninterrupted months to gorge, pack on shoulders, and grow noticeably larger and stouter without ever seeing a fake bug. These fish haven’t been educated, hooked, or pressured since spring, leaving a healthy, thriving population that has quietly flourished in high water.

The big news now is that the summer release schedule is winding down, with the river slated to drop within the week. Once the flows drop out of the 500 cfs bracket into manageable wading territory, an incredible amount of prime water will instantly open up—from the Wild Trout Section below Pleasant Valley Campground all the way down through the classic willow-lined bends and tules of the valley. As the water recedes and concentrates those well-fed, undisturbed trout back into primary seams, deep pools, and defined riffles, expect explosive streamer bites and eager subsurface feeding, followed by dependable midday Baetis and midge hatches as cooler autumn weather settles in. Get your boxes dialed and your waders ready—this drop is going to kick off some of the most anticipated, productive fishing of the year.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop CA for more details or to book a guided tour for individuals, couples, or groups.

(760) 873-0010

Large Upper Owens Rainbow in the water of the river - STM Fly Fishing BIshop CA

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report for Mammoth Lakes CA – 9.22.26

September 22, 2026
, , , , , , , , Fishing Reports

Autumn has firmly settled across Long Valley, bringing crisp Eastern Sierra mornings, bright bluebird skies, and textbook transitional conditions to the Upper Owens just below Mammoth Lakes. Flows throughout the meandering meadow sections are running skinny, low, and clear. We are officially in the waiting window for the first substantial push of Crowley Lake’s trophy migratory browns and rainbows. While a few eager scouts may begin nosing their way past the monument as overnight temperatures plunge into the thirties and forties, the primary run is still on deck. For now, the game demands stealth and technical presentations, focusing on the river’s spirited resident population tucked tight against sod cutbanks, deep corner pools, and darker runs.

Because the water is so low and clear, heavy wading or careless footsteps along the fragile grassy banks will send shockwaves through an entire bend before you even make a cast. Keep your profile low, off the skyline, and approach each pool with deliberate caution. Subsurface tactics remain the most productive way to consistently bend a rod through the middle of the day. Rigging small, dense beadheads—such as #16–18 Perdigons, Flashback Pheasant Tails, and #18–20 Zebra Midges—on long, fine 5X tippets ensures your bugs drop quickly into narrow holding zones without spooking wary fish. An adjustable indicator or a delicate Euro nymphing rig works wonders in picking apart the deeper tail-outs and gravel transitions.

For anglers looking to trigger a violent reaction strike from an early-run lurker or a territorial resident predator, working streamers through the deeper buckets and undercut walls is well worth the effort. Covering water with down-and-across presentations using #6–10 Slumpbusters, Woolly Buggers, or compact sculpin patterns on light sink-tips or long leaders on a floating line can produce some violent takes, especially around dawn and dusk. Meanwhile, surface enthusiasts will find dependable dry-fly sport during the morning to midday window. Hatches of #18 Baetis (BWOs) alongside lingering late-season terrestrial patterns—like low-profile foam ants, beetles, and Parachute Adams—can offer dry-fly action on smaller wild browns and rainbows eager to capitalize on the hatch. Keep a close watch on incoming weather fronts, as the first sustained cold snap or low-pressure cloud cover will likely sound the opening bell for the lake-run trout.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop California for more details or to book a guided tour on the scenic Upper Owens River.

760-873-0010

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report – Bishop CA – 3.30.26

March 30, 2026
, , , , , , Fishing Reports

Fishing on the Lower Owens River is starting to feel a lot like early spring. Flows have come up recently and are now hovering around 280 CFS, adding some push to the river but still leaving it in very fishable shape. Even with the bump in water, the river is running fairly clear, as 280 CFS is still well under half of the river’s flood-threshold potential, so visibility has remained good. The added current has shifted many trout into softer edges, seams, and slower pockets where they can get out of the heavier flow. Fish are holding along undercut banks, deeper riffles, and inside bends where they can feed comfortably while conserving energy.
The main hatch right now continues to be the Baetis hatch, with activity typically building from late morning into the early afternoon, especially on cooler or overcast days. When fish are looking up, small BWO dries in the #16–18 range can bring some quality trout to the surface. Outside of the hatch window, nymphing has been the most consistent approach. Baetis nymphs, Pheasant Tails, and Hare’s Ears in the #16–18 range have all been producing when fished deep through seams, drop-offs, and softer transition water. A few early caddis hatches are also beginning to show, so keeping a couple caddis pupae in the rotation can pay off.
With California’s snowpack sitting around 20% of normal, it’s unlikely the river will push dramatically higher or sustain elevated flows for a long period this spring. At the moment the river is still very manageable to wade with some caution, and if flows stabilize around this range while temperatures continue to warm, the Lower Owens should keep producing steady Baetis activity and solid midday dry fly opportunities in the coming weeks. 🎣

Lower Owens Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 3.16.26

March 16, 2026
, , , , , Fishing Reports

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 🎣

WWW.SIERRATROUTMAGNET.COM

large upper Owens rainbow down the hill from mammoth lake ca

Upper Owens River Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 11.30.25

November 30, 2025
, , , , , Fishing Reports

Winter temperatures have settled into the Upper Owens, and conditions have up for a classic big-fish season. The early snowfall has long since melted off, leaving the Long Valley meadow dry and wide open while cold nights should continue to push more lake-run trout into the system. With the river flowing at an average of 100 cubic feet a second the annual Crowley Lake trophy run is pretty mcuh fully underway, with fresh fish showing throughout the river.

Pressure has been day-to-day—some mornings you’ll find long stretches of river almost to yourself, while other days the fish barely get a break from a hook drifting past them. Regardless, the quality of the trout in the system makes every session worthwhile.

Daytime highs are hovering around 50 degrees, but don’t let that fool you—mornings remain well below freezing, keeping the water cold, clear, and perfect for sight-fishing. Visibility is great both above and below the Hot Creek confluence, but that clarity combined with pressure means fish are on high alert. Stealth continues to be one of the biggest keys to success: slow movements, low profiles, and precise presentations.

Fishing Overview

Lake-run rainbows and a few browns are holding in the classic winter structure—deep bends, undercut banks, soft dark edges, and any bucket that offers depth plus cover. Fresh fish are filtering in steadily, and the consistent cold has them settling into the river in decent numbers.

Low-light windows remain best for approaching the biggest trout in the skinniest water, while midday sun creates difficult conditions.

What’s Working Now

Nymphs & Streamers:
Pheasant Tail variations, Perdigons, midges, Soft Hackles (#12–18), San Juan Worms, and attractor nymphs like Lightning Bugs.
Streamers cand draw big reactions, especially when fished slowly and deliberately.

Techniques:
Indicator and tight-line nymphing are producing steadily. Euro-style rigs and classic indicator style nymphing excel in the low, clear flows. Streamers can be a reliable option when fish refuse smaller patterns.

Surface Action:
Minimal, but occasional BWOs and small caddis show throughout the day. Expect mostly smaller residents responding on top.

With the big-fish migration in full swing, cold clear water, and fluctuating angler pressure, this is prime time to fish the Upper Owens. Conditions will only improve as winter deepens.

📞 For the latest intel or to book a guided trip call or text: 760-873-0010
🔗 http://www.sierratroutmagnet.com
📸 Follow updates on Instagram: @stm_fly_fishing

Lower Owens River brown trout held by and angler

Lower Owens Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 11.29.25

November 29, 2025
, , , , , , , , , , , Fishing Reports

The Lower Owens River outside Bishop, CA has shifted fully into its late-fall mode, with flows continuing to drop and now settling around 90 cubic feet per second. This is classic low-water season on the LO — the river is wide open, extremely wadable, and offering access to water that’s been unreachable for most of the year. With clear, cold flows and steady insect activity, the fishing has been nothing short of excellent.

Wild trout are spreading out across the system, taking advantage of softer edges, shallow riffles, and structure that was too fast or too deep earlier in the season. While nymphing remains the most consistent method — both indicator and tight-line setups are producing all day — anglers are now seeing the first reliable windows of dry-fly action, especially during calm mid-mornings when blue-winged olives begin to trickle off. Expect rising fish in softer seams, back-eddies, and the classic Lower Owens foam lanes.

With crisp late-fall air, and the river in prime shape for exploration, this is one of the most rewarding periods of the year to fish the LO. The combination of light pressure, hungry trout, and a variety of effective techniques makes this an ideal time to get out and cover water.

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

two people wade in the upper Owens River near mammoth lakes California after a recent snowfall

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes CA – 10.17.25

October 17, 2025
, , , , , Fishing Reports

Upper Owens River Fishing Report – Mid October

It’s starting to feel like fall for real on the Upper Owens, and everything is lining up for a stellar season. Flows have bumped up to 99 CFS, adding depth and energy to the river, and the first snowfall of the season dropped about 6 inches across the Long Valley meadow. While most of it will melt off in the coming days, it’s a sign that winter is knocking—and with it, the highly anticipated run of Crowley Lake’s trophy trout.

The water is running clear both above and below the Hot Creek confluence, offering excellent visibility—but that also means the fish are on high alert. In these conditions, a stealthy approach is critical. Anglers need to move slowly, keep a low profile, and make precise casts to avoid spooking both resident trout and early-arriving migratory fish. The payoff is worth it—these are prime sight-fishing conditions that reward patience and finesse.

Fishing Overview
Resident and migratory rainbows and a few browns are active and holding in deeper pools, undercut banks, and along soft dark edges—especially in lower light parts of the day. While the first wave of lake-run fish is trickling in we can see them settling into any deep and dark area the river offers. It’s a possible slow start compared to stronger years, but the rise in flows and cold weather could trigger additional movement.

What’s Working Now

  • Nymphs and Streamers: Pheasant Tails variations, San Juan Worms, midges, Soft Hackles (#12–18) Peridons, lightning bugs, ect. Attractor nymphs of any kind are worth trying.
  • Techniques: Indicator nymphing and tight-line nymphing are the most consistent producers. Streamers? Always
  • Surface action: Sporadic, but small Blue-Winged Olives and caddis are starting to show throughout the day with only small fish responding

With clear water and light pressure, now is the perfect time to plan your next fishing trip to the Eastern Sierra to experience the Owens River system. Both the Lower and Upper Owens are premier fly fishing destinations during the winter.

📞 Need the latest intel or want to book a guided trip? Call or text STM Fly Shop: 760-873-0010
🔗 www.sierratroutmagnet.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram for updates: @stm_fly_fishing

group of fisherman on the lower Owens river outside of bishop California

Lower Owens River Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 9.22.25

September 22, 2025
, , , Fishing Reports

The Lower Owens River, just outside Bishop, CA, has entered a classic early fall transition, with flows dropping significantly over the past week to around 180 cubic feet per second. This shift has opened up the river in a big way, creating highly wadable conditions and access to prime water that’s been out of reach for much of the summer. The cooler, clearer water has wild trout active and spreading into new lies, while the first signs of fall—crisp mornings, golden cottonwoods, and changing leaf colors—set the scene for some of the most scenic and productive fishing of the year. Anglers are now able to cover much more water on foot, with excellent opportunities using classic nymphing setups as well as tight-line nymphing throughout the day. Fish that spent summer in deeper slots and slower seams are now redistributing across riffles, pockets, and softer edges, offering fresh chances at quality wild trout. With low pressure, beautiful weather, and the river in ideal shape for exploration, this is the window many have been waiting for.

Plan your trip to take advantage of the Lower Owens during this dynamic and rewarding fall season—call or text 760-873-0010, visit www.sierratroutmagnet.com, or follow along on Instagram at @stm_fly_fishing.

large trout head in a rubber net with a wooden frame on the upper Owens river near mammoth lakes ca

Upper Owens Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 9.22.25

September 22, 2025
, , , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens River is entering a transitional phase as late September sets in, with flows holding steady around 65 cubic feet per second and the river winding through golden meadows under crisp morning skies. Water clarity remains best above the Hot Creek confluence, offering great sight-fishing opportunities, while the water below is more stained but still productive for anglers using flashier patterns and a stealthy approach. Resident fish are holding in undercut banks, deeper pools, and riffles, especially during the early morning and evening hours. Subsurface flies like midges, Pheasant Tails, San Juan Worms, Soft Hackles, and Parachute Adams in sizes #12–18 continue to be effective, with dry-dropper setups and tight-line nymphing producing the most consistent results. Surface action is still slowly picking up during low-light periods with Blue-Winged Olives and caddis beginning to appear. Most notably, anticipation is high as the first signs of Crowley Lake’s migratory rainbows and browns have started to show, with a few early arrivals moving into the system. These trophy fish will continue to push upstream in greater numbers with each passing cold front, marking the beginning of one of the most exciting times of year for Eastern Sierra fly fishing. Now is an ideal time to scout water, fine-tune your approach, and enjoy the last quiet days on the river before the fall run kicks into full gear.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop for more info or to book a guided trip: 760-873-0010
www.sierratroutmagnet.com
@stm_fly_fishing on Instagram

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