Large brown trout in the lap of an angler on a riverbank near Mammoth Lake California.

Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 7.1.25

July 1, 2025
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The Upper Owens River continues to flow steadily at around 80 cubic feet per second, this fly fishing legend continues winding through a beautiful, open valley just below the town of Mammoth Lakes. With summer settling in, the meadows are green, insect activity is increasing, and water clarity remains good—ideal conditions for those looking to enjoy some peaceful, scenic fly fishing. While the major push of trophy rainbow and cutthroat trout has tapered off since the peak of the spring migration, there are still opportunities to connect with a few of these larger holdovers. Anglers willing to hike and put in the time may find success targeting deeper pools, undercut banks, and faster riffles where these big fish tend to hold as the days warm up.

Fishing remains productive with a balanced mix of attractor patterns and more realistic imitations. Subsurface offerings like midges, San Juan Worms, Pheasant Tails, Soft Hackles, and Parachute Adams in sizes #12–18 are working well. For those looking for surface action, Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), Caddis, and small attractors are pulling in smaller trout that are starting to rise more regularly with longer daylight hours and warmer afternoons. Early morning and evening remain the best windows for dry fly activity, while midday fishing continues to produce below the surface.

Although the spring run of fresh fish has come and gone, anticipation is already building for the next seasonal movement. Traditionally, late April through May we can find large migratory holdovers, even in early summer, the Upper Owens holds a surprising number of quality fish for those willing to explore and fish methodically. The river’s combination of easy access, solitude, and the chance to hook a true Eastern Sierra trophy makes it a rewarding destination even outside of peak times. Be sure to tread lightly, handle fish with care, and enjoy the serenity this special stretch of water has to offer during the early summer season.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop for more info or to book a guided trip 760-873-0010

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Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 2.14.25

February 14, 2025
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As of recent, fly fishing the Lower Owens River near Bishop, California, has seen an increase in activity due to water flow, now rising to 195 cubic feet per second. This increase, thanks to the recent storms, has somewhat revitalized the fishery, making for some excellent fishing conditions.The river’s flow has created perfect opportunities for anglers, especially with the hatch that starts around noon. The BWO (Blue-Winged Olive) hatch is bringing some solid action on some days, with #16-18 BWO’s proving to be the most effective dry flies. If you’re fishing subsurface, the most productive patterns have been Paradons, Soft Hackles, and Midges. These are the go-to flies for anglers looking to target fish beneath the water, as they’re working well in the current.With the recent rise in water and favorable hatches, the fishing has been consistent, and it’s a great time to visit the Lower Owens River for some productive angling.

Call the STM Fly Shop and guide service in Bishop CA for more details or to book a guided trip. 760-873-0010

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Fly fishing the Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Update : Bishop, CA – 10.22.24

October 23, 2024
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The Lower Owens River near Bishop, California: A Post-Flood Fishing Paradise

The Lower Owens River, situated near the charming town of Bishop, California, has finally returned to fishable conditions, marking a significant milestone for anglers eager to explore its pristine waters. After months of enduring high water levels, the river’s flow has subsided to a more comfortable 350 cubic feet per second, very close to providing optimal conditions for trout fishing.

This recent drop in water levels has unveiled a fishing paradise that has been largely undisturbed for an extended period. The prolonged high water has effectively shielded the river from fishing pressure, allowing the trout population to flourish in an environment rich with food resources. As a result, the fish have had ample time to grow and mature, resulting in a larger and healthier trout population than in previous years.

Anglers can anticipate encountering a diverse range of trout species, including brown, rainbow, and hybrids. The larger fish, which have benefited from the abundant food supply and lack of fishing pressure, are particularly exciting to catch. Their size and strength make them a formidable challenge for any angler.

Dry fly fishing is a highly effective technique for targeting trout in the lower water levels. The reduced water flow makes it easier to present dry flies to rising fish, offering anglers a more intimate and rewarding fishing experience. Nymph fishing, of course, is another productive method, particularly in deeper pools and runs. Small nymphs that imitate aquatic insects are often effective in enticing trout to strike.

For those seeking a more aggressive challenge, streamer fishing can be a rewarding option. Larger streamers that mimic baitfish can be used to target the larger trout in the river. However, it is important to be patient and present the streamers carefully to avoid spooking the fish.

As anglers explore the Lower Owens River, it is essential to respect the river and its resources. Practicing catch-and-release will help to preserve the fishery for future generations.

With the recent drop in water levels and the thriving trout population, the Lower Owens River near Bishop, California, offers an exceptional fishing opportunity. Anglers who are willing to put in the effort can experience the thrill of catching large, healthy trout in a picturesque and unspoiled setting.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop CA for more details or to book a guided trip. 760-873-0010

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www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Brown Trout on the Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 7.31.24

July 31, 2024
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It’s the beginning!! Just outside of Bishop the fabulous Lower Owens River has been dropped to a beautiful summer flow of around 300 cfs which is a very nice seasonal level to maintain cool sierra waters throughout the summer. At this flow the Lower Owens is still considered somewhat high, yet very wadable for an amazing summertime fly fishing experience. The Lower Owens, the jewel of a river of the Eastern Sierra, will be showing us some amazing trout this season and year.

The combination of the over the top water year last year combined with the healthy flows of 2024 will have the river spewing out nutritious biomass helping to feed our lovely trout a variety of larvae and nymphs forcing them to grow much larger. Dry fly action is noted in various parts of the river where the floating adult mayflies and caddis collect. Fish the usual Mayfly and Caddis patterns normally on 5x tippet in this situation.

Fish the appropriate attractor and imitation nymphs in the summertime as well. The Fly Angler can now fish some bigger patterns as we have larger caddis and stoneflies moving about the system. Soft hackles, Peridons, Pheasant Tail variations and patterns, Caddis Worms and large Midges are the patterns to present with either an indicator or high sticking euro style. Streamers can be attempted at any time in the Lower Owens system. As fishing goes, the trout can be madly aggressive for the streamers or give them little attention in the form of a follow and swipe at your fly. For best results throw your streamer to the opposite bank, toss in a mend upstream, mend up giving the fly time to sink while starting to retrieve when the line has straitened out and the fly had a few seconds to sink.

We expect this to be an amazing fishery from now until our next high water cycle next year as summer rolls on and cool water flows.

Give us a call up in Bishop at the STM Fly Shop for more details or to book a guided tour. 760-873-0010

rainbow trout of the lower owens river

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 5.1.24

May 1, 2024
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The fly fishing report for the Bishop area including the Lower Owens River is experiencing its stage spring time runoff as of this last weekend. Flows have been pumped up rather quickly to a high stage of 471 feet per second. Water is running almost clear and fast! This is absolutely normal throughout the west as May and June can be typically considered high water months throughout the west and is considered very healthy for the Owens river system. Spots can still be found to fish for the experienced Lower Owens angler. Before that we were enjoying the fruits of the astronomical water year we experienced last year with healthy, wild, and very large trout! With the snow pack lower than an average year, we believe this amount of runoff should not last long. Of course, that could all change if storms continue to roll through dropping precipitation in the mountains of California.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop California at 760-873-0010 for more information or to book a guided trip.

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East Walker river fly fishing

East Walker Fly Fishing Report : Bridgeport, CA – 10.10.23

October 10, 2023
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The Bridgeport area East Walker River fishing report is finally worth taking a look at. Flows have settled down from 1000+ cubic feet per second discharge a few months ago to a new October 2023 flow of 207 cubic feet per second. Fishing on the East Walker has been picking up to a good status with the chance of a trophy trout still in the cards. These appropriate flows, along with recent solid fishing, and legendary river status, bring crowds of anglers from the Tahoe areas, as well as the usual traffic from the Mammoth and Bishop side. The East Walker can be crowded at times. The flows are ideal for the fish and angler alike. Adequate flows allow the fish to roam freely allowing them to thrive and consume the protein the East Walker is known to produce. Large streamers patterns are always on the true East Walker anglers mind; Crawdad patterns, Zonker type rabbit strip streamers, and Clouser Minnows are only a few suggestions. Small midge, caddis, and mayfly patterns will always take fish here when fished appropriately. Don’t be afraid of trying larger nymph patterns here as well! The East Walker has about one month left of being open. We could see some amazing fish coming from her Nevada destined waters in that time.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA at 760.873.0010 for more details or to book a guided trip on this amazing water.

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Lower Owens River Fly Fishing

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 9.17.23

September 17, 2023
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The Owens fly fishing report on the Lower Owens River just outside the outdoor town has been shaping up very nicely. The high flows this summer have done no damage to the river leaving it in great condition with great fish numbers. The entire system seems to be fishing well even though the water was recently raised back up to around 400 CFS. We don’t look for this to last long as cooler temperatures are coming in the High Country to freeze everything up and subsequently drop the flows to a slightly more comfortable fishing level. More rainbows have been noted near the dam, as you go downriver you find yourself in complete wild brown trout territory with random rainbows coming to the net here and there. As always this river is extremely easy to access and wading is always a pleasure. As usual Dry Fly action is noted here and there but is not river wide or any specific time. Euro style high stick nymphing or good old indicator nymphing absolutely guarantees the extra experienced fly anglers wild fish on the end of the line. We look for this fishery to improve dramatically in a very short time. We will also reap the benefits of the amazing flows that nature granted us this year.

call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop at 760.873.0010 for more details or to book a guided tour for individuals or groups.

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Lower Owens River Fishing Report
Crowley lake Fly Fishing angler holds a large fish over the boat on Crowley Lake

Crowley Lake Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth, California – 5.25.23

May 25, 2023
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Crowley Lake fly fishing report for the famous Crowley Lake, just down the hill from Mammoth, CA has started off its season doing what it does best ; producing large and hard fighting trout! Browns, rainbows, and cutthroat are all on the menu on Crowley lake. Water elevation is still on the lower side as the LADWP is planning on massive runoff once temperatures sustain the 90’s to 100 degree zone. The trout have been pretty spread out from Hilton by to Six bays while fishing depths have been between 10-20′ deep. Of course , moving around the lake is key to finding a batch of will fish to make a successful day, on the other hand we have dropped anchor and not had to move all day whilst landing a variety of trout all day long. All sorts of flies have been bringing fish to the net, some larger sizes, and some smaller. Balanced leeches, buggers, and chironomids is sizes #12-16 have been successful for the start of the 2023 season.

Call the STM Fly Shop at 760-873-0010 or text 661-364-6981 for more details or to book a guided tour for individuals or groups.

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Mammoth Lake Fishing

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 5.23.23

May 23, 2023
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The Upper Owens River fly fishing report has changed a good amount since last time. Between here and Mammoth Lakes the snow has melted and created sloppy, and muddy conditions which have taken over the area as expected. Be very careful if you drive in there for an exploratory fishing trip. Flows are high, as in around 100cfs of semi dirty water. As usual the confluence below Hot Creek gives us the dirtier water as Hot Creek spews in sediment and mud from the field is crosses to arrive at the Upper O. The famed cutthroat trout seem to have not have entered the Upper Owens system quite yet. There is still some large lingering rainbows here in there that are either staying for a while or on their way back to Crowley lake. www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Give us a call @760-873-0010 or text 661-364-6981 for more info or to book a private guided trip for individuals or groups .

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beautiful brown trout held above the flowing water of the Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 5.23.23

May 23, 2023
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The Owens River fishing on the Lower Owens River, near Bishop California, is at a standstill as it continues at a flow in between 700-800cfs (cubic feet per second) this is usually what we witness during the height of runoff. We have to expect it to go even higher once we sustain 95-100 degree days in Bishop. It takes very hot weather down low to let us know its melting off in the high country. The Lower Owens could be a totally different river after this is all said and done as it is a natural occurrence in nature that can wipe the river bottom clean of silt and debris. This will expose more riverbed rock which give shelter and life to more insects and in turn a more nutrient river river system to support more and bigger trout! Weather forecast shows this happening within the next few weeks as we are already experiencing 80-90 degree temperatures daily here in the Eastern Sierra.

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