Upper Owens River fly fishing !

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing : Mammoth Lakes CA – 9.22.23

September 22, 2023
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The Upper Owens River fly fishing report is getting better and better as flows are now down to a manageable 75 cubic feet a second. Below the Hot Creek confluence we are looking more at around 100 cubic feet a second. Water is clearing up nicely and as usual, above Hot Creek one can find some clearer and lower water conditions depending on the weather and recent storm activity.

Hatches are coming off here and there with Caddis and Baetis (Blue Winged Olive) patterns being the staple dries in the Upper Owens River box. These are usually isolated events at this point, nevertheless its always worthwhile to be ready for some surface activity.

As the nights get cooler with the onset of fall water temps lowering we will see the large trout we all dream of making their way up from Crowley Lake. Streamers of all sorts will be a very good option at this point and are actually not fished enough on the Upper Owens, as most fly anglers opt for spawning style patterns fished below an indicator that the fish see often.

Not extremely flashy but solid Wooly Buggers, Rabbit strip style streamers, Sculpins, and Zonker patterns are all styles of streamers that will take fish on this piece of water. As for nymphs we will be fishing various types of San Juan Worms, Peridons, Pheasant Tails, Prince nymphs, and various patterns we tie here in the shop.

We always are happily anticipating this time of year as its hard to find a river this small with such large fish anywhere in the realm of trout fishing. We are definitely extremely lucky to have this quality fishery right here in the Eastern Sierra just over 30 minutes from the STM Fly Shop.

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 .

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

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.

Upper Owens river near Mammoth Lakes California lined with snow

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing : Mammoth Lakes CA – 4.11.23

April 11, 2023
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The Upper Owens had been closed with a sign right at the intersection of 395 for most of the month of March. As of a few days ago the sign was moved down to within a mile of the Benton Crossing Bridge a few days ago. Snow is still at a see it to believe it level with the tops of the fence posts hardly visible through the top layer of snow. Access is possible with a good walk in or a difficult snowmobile ride. We expect this to change soon as temperatures are rising and snow will be melting very soon. Historically this time of year we see some Mayfly action even though the banks are snow covered. Small Baetis will start to appear on the edges of the river and stick out like a June bug in buttermilk against the white snowy banks. The large trout of the river can respond to these bugs on the surface in certain areas of the river. But, we know that they are definitely eating the nymphs under the waters surface!

Upper Owens River Rainbow. Mammoth Lakes California
Large Rainbow Trout held over the cold water on a snowy landscape near mammoth lakes california on the upper owens river

Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 2.8.23

February 10, 2023
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Upper Owens fly fishing report for Mammoth Lakes California. The Upper Owens is not far from the year around resort town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Meandering through Long Valley Caldera, void of trees or shrubbery, the Upper Owens is worth it based on it amazing scenery alone. As you can imagine, after all the snow Mammoth Lakes received the banks of the Upper Owens river are snow covered with some deep drifts over its vast meadows.

Access, for the moment is limited to; cross country skies, snow shoes, and snowmobiles. The last round of storms has pushed a fresh run of very fresh and large trout up from the famous Crowley Lake. This indeed places it worthwhile for any angler to navigate her snowy banks in search of the trout of a lifetime from a smaller river. Its no secret the fish are found in the deepest and darkest of places of the curves, riffles and runs of the Upper O.

A good variety of flies can be fished down to these beasts from large San Juan Worms to smaller Midge patterns, Rubber Legs to Pheasant tails and Soft hackles and a little of everything in between. Sometimes a bright colored bead or a hint of flashy spawning colors can help induce a strike on slower days. Streamers fished down and deep disappearing down into dark waters can provoke an unforgettable hook-up. We mostly utilize darker colors for tugging our streamers. Streamer fishing with a fly rod ends up being a lot more work and requires patience and precise casting along with an understanding of what your presentation is doing while down in the water. But the payoff of the strong tug is a heart stopping experience!

Bishop fly fishing

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 11.28.22

November 28, 2022
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The legendary Lower Owens River, just a stones throw outside of Bishop, California, is at the lowest flows of the year. Right now the LADWP gauge is screwed up, the flow is actually right around 80cfs of crystal clear flowing water. Pressure has been minimal, and the river is full of willing and wild trout that love to take well presented fly patterns. Wading is at its easiest point and the entire river is accessible to the inquisitive angler. Nothing more than finding a place to enter the riverbed and explore is required to put yourself over some amazing fishing areas. Around high noon a good hatch of mayflies comes off to put a lot of trout on the surface actively eating these bugs. Bring a different rod to be used as a dry fly rod or be ready to strip off the nymphs and change over when this event starts. Some large trout of the Lower Owens have been popping their noses up to take advantage of this floating protein. Euro nymphing, tenkara, and good old indicator nymphing have all been very successful recently. Mayfly Nymphs, and Midge larvae have been our man patterns of success recently. Peridons in #14-18 and different types of midge larvae in #16-20 have been proven to be some of the most successful patterns recently.

upper owens river below mammoth lakes carves though a snow covered meadow with mountians in the background.

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 11.28.22

November 28, 2022
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Just a few steps down the mountain from Mammoth Lakes, California, the Upper Owens River has reached its yearly apex as the trophy trout from Crowley Lake make their way upstream. Spending energy in order to throw a broadcast spawn to the fittest female trout around and continue their legacies. Water is low and clear at 80cfs give or take a few. Fish have been migrating into the Upper Owens since early October this year. Without any more major storms to bump up the flows the water remains clear and low. This, of course, makes it very difficult to find and effectively fish to these big bad dudes without them sensing your presence. Pressure can be good or bad on any given day, lots of people are stopping to fish around the bridge so make a decision from there. Access is limited to a snowy wonderland as some are taking snowmobiles in, some drive in a short way and then walk. Although there is some dry fly action on the Upper Owens it will usually limit you to the smaller fish in the river. Nymphs and streamers will get you down to offer something worthwhile to these jumbo sized trout. Various attractor, and more natural nymph and streamer patterns placed correctly by the cautious angler can result in the trout of the year! Stay tuned for more updated details as more storms are forecasted later in the week which could turn conditions in a different direction.

young man holds a fish above the Lower Owens water near Bishop california

Lower Owens Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 9.22.22

September 22, 2022
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The wild trout waters of the Lower Owens River have seen its water levels fluctuating up and down recently. Flowing at a very fishy flow of 155cfs with cooler nights, dropping water temperatures, and lots of bug activity, the local Bishop, California stream is fishing consistently well. Caddis are noted over the water with random hatches of Baetis floating in the air above the river. Small rises can be seen throughout the river system throughout the day. These are mostly random attacks on the recently hatched bugs and no real rhyme or reason to their methods. A dry fly purist can have some success if he sticks the fly in likely spots throughout the day, and stays attentive to the trouts behavior. Euro nymphing and good old indicator nymphing methods take most of the fish right now on the Lower Owens River. Peridons, pheasant tail nymphs, caddis emergers and caddis worms, various soft hackles, frenchies, and various midge larvae imitations are taking fish right now. Fish these in sizes #14-#18. For dry flies we can fish patterns similar to; Elk Hair Caddis, Stallcup Caddis, Para Adams, Purple Haze, Beetles, Ants, and other similar atrractors can be worth a toss out. Streamers? Always worth a try! Fishing is definitely picking upon the Lower Owens River, right outside of Bishop, California.

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