in front of a snowy mammoth mountain a fly angler hold a very large rainbow trout over the upper owens river

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 12.9.21

December 9, 2021
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Three stones throw from Mammoth Lakes, CA, the notorious meadow stream of the Long Valley caldera, the Upper Owens is doing what it does best; supplying fly anglers will very large sized fish. Water is flowing well and very clear. The very large Crowley Lake trout have made their way up the river and can now be found throughout the entire system. Fishing the deepest and darkest places, as well as riffles and deep runs could possibly produce an unforgettable experience with a trout of a lifetime. Access has been open and traction is good. Although, right now we are getting some precipitation so we will update this in the next couple of days. The large trout of the Upper Owens like to eat many different patterns; usually something along the line of steelhead patterns, attractor nymphs, and even micro mayfly patterns. We find ourselves trying out more patterns than usual on the Upper Owens, changing out flies often. Crowds can be anywhere from nobody to slightly annoying. There really is no rhyme or reason or a way to predict how many people turn out for the day. The storm hitting today could possibly move these big guys around or even better, bring more in! Stay tuned!

Fly fishing shop bishop

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 12.1.21

December 1, 2021
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The magical stream of the Eastern Sierra, the Lower Owens River, right outside of Bishop, California has been doing what it does best; Producing some of the wildest and cleanest trout you will ever find! Flows are down to the very low standard winter flows of around 85cfs. This allows for easy wading and access to the river. On most sections you can stay in the river to get around. Hatches of very light colored mayflies come off around noon with some great response from the trout of the Lower. Small Cahill and BWO patterns get the job done for this top water session. In the mornings the nymphing is the way to go. Small Peridons, Pheasant Tail variations, Midges, and Caddis patterns will all take fish for you. Definitely experiment with these combinations on certain days to unlock what the trout of the Lower Owens prefer while your on the water.

Give the STM Fly Shop a call at 760-873-0010 or text 661-364-6981 for more details or to book a guided trip.

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

@sierratroutmagnet on Facebook

Large Rainbow held by tail on the Upper Owens river near Mammoth Lakes California

Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 4.19.21

April 19, 2021
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The Upper Owens River flowing just below Mammoth Lakes is flowing at around 50-60cfs of very low and cool sierra water. Crowds have been anywhere from annoying to nobody depending on the day and time you choose, sometimes we are surprised either way. Water is a bit off colour below Hot Creek confluence and stained a bit above at this time. Random attacks of violence on bugs can been seen by fish of all sizes, this is very hard to predict for casting and presenting while these fish seem not to hit the same area consistently. Big fish are still in the system and are usually staying down deep and out of sight. The Upper Owens is in a transition phase as temperatures are warming up for springtime allowing the fish to return to Crowley Lake to spend another summer eating protein and adding mass to their bodies. A population of large fish are still residing in the deepest and darkest holes of the river. We look forward to the late spring and summer Hopper fishing that we have enjoyed these last few years and hope to see enough moisture via rainfall to sustain this all summer. Fish attractor patterns with some more realistic impressions down below. Streamers you ask? Yes, always!

Check out @stm_fly_fishing on instagram to see recent catches

Call or text the Fly Shop at 661-364-6981

large trout head in a rubber net with a wooden frame

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 4.7.2021

April 7, 2021
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Flowing just outside of Mammoth Lakes, CA, The Upper Owens river remains one of the most beautiful fly fishing destinations in the country. Water is low and a bit more clear above the Hot Creek confluence, with the water having a small off colour haze below the creeks main entry point. Temperatures in the valley have ramped up here this last week, which leads us to think of the soon to come runoff which will bring the river up to a faster flowing status. This can be good or bad for the fishing. Yet, always good for the fish. Right now the large fish are still throughout the entire system and have now had some time in these deeper holes, runs, and riffles. These large and wise Crowley Trout have now seen relentless flies passed in front of them. Now, you need not only to find and fool the trout, you must do it better than all fisherman before you that tried their skills on these legendary fish. Attractor nymphs, Jig-Nymphs, Non- traditional SJ worms, and small midges and mayflies will give you a good shot at these fish. Some random bug attacks on the surface do take place. But do not get to excited about it! There is no rhyme or reason to why or when they decide to come up, but it sure is exciting! A well versed streamer fisherman can also have a great day on this water. A long leader with a heavy fly or a sink tip will fish best in this smaller river. We look for a different run of fish to enter this spring as some leave back to Crowley Lake.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop @ 661 364 6981 for more details or to book a guided fly fishing trip

@stm_fly_fishing on Instagram and Facebook

Beautiful tail and fins of a brown trout over the lower owens river

Lower Owens River Fishing Reports : Bishop, CA – 4.5.2021

April 5, 2021
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The Lower Owens River just outside of Bishop, CA has been more or less fishing great since my last report, not much changed. Flows have remained at the very low 80 cfs level… until now! We have a movement of up to 100 cfs of perfect sierra water to allow a larger volume of food to flow down to our scaly and wild friends. Wading remains very comfortable and pleasant. In the past few days our little buddies the Yellow Sallie Stoneflies have been spotted climbing around the banks and flying over the river. This movement allows us to step up the size of our offerings as well as looking for even more splashy surface eating habits as these larger insects enter the water. We are still witnessing Caddis and Mayfly action throughout the day in the usual parts of the river in the early afternoon and beyond. Euro style, Tenkara, and good old indicator style fishing is super effective as usual. Reading the water is key as success is determined by time appropriation and where you choose to present your nymphs.

Call or text the the STM Fly Shop @ 661 364 6981 for more information or to book a guided trip.

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

@sierratroutmagnet on Facebook

a fly fisherman stands in the Upper Owens River near Mammoth Lakes CA, some snow is around and melting

Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 2.23.21

February 23, 2021
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The Upper Owens River blanket of snow that fell a few weeks ago has slowly been melting away. This has made for a hard packed ground in the morning hours that turns into a slippery clay mess just after noon. Be careful driving in and out of here! The fishing has not changed much since my last writing. Big fish are still found throughout the system and in the right time and place dreams come true. Don’t expect to walk away with numbers of individual fish but instead wondering how many pounds did that fish weigh! Fish the deepest and darkest pools, runs, and riffles. Try to find fresh water that has not been combed over that previous day. Remember, every hit missed here could of been one, if not the biggest Rainbow Trout of your life.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop for more information or to book a guided trip on our Eastern Sierra waters @ 661 364 6981

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram for more recent fish photos and details.

best trout fishing near mammoth lakes

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : 1.23.21

January 23, 2021
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The Upper Owens River below Mammoth Lakes is at its prime time of the year! Water continues to flow clear and cold as the very large fish continue to inhabit the amazing holes, runs, and deep riffles of the Upper Owens this January. Small dustings of snow have been seen upon early arrival in the morning on the river which melts away as the sun rises leaving a completely changed landscape from just moments before. The fish have continued to infiltrate the river system with seemingly new members showing up on each visit. Fish the patterns that I have mentioned in my last post. Do not be afraid to try your own new patterns though, it just may be what these unbelievable fish want in that moment. Upon hooking up be ready for the possibility of a screaming run, just when you think they are done they give that last unexpected run leaving you without a fly and speechless all at the same time.

The STM fly shop staff

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 1.19.21

January 20, 2021
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Last weeks weather casted some lovely weather on the Lower Owens River in the shadow of Mt. Tom, right outside of Bishop, CA. This week we see more typical seasonal style weather with the fish continuing to fill their pretty little stomachs with the local menu ; Midges, Caddis, and Mayflies. The flows are still low and river access is at an all time high. The Brown Trout are as healthy and beautiful as you can find along the 41th parallel. Dry fly action is noted when the sun is highest in the Eastern Sierra sky, although not river-wide, look to the larger and deeper pools to spot some noses piercing the surface as they consume small mayflies and midge adults.

Call the STM Fly Shop @ 760-873-0010 for more details.

Visit us on instagram @stm_fly_fishing for even more current visuals and information.

@sierratroutmagnet on Facebook.

Fly fishing the Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 1.16.21

January 16, 2021
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The Lower Owens remains a dreamy fly fishing destination for the special few who enter her waters. Flows are still typical, low winter flows. This allows for good wading access to most parts of this fertile stream with a very casual approach when the water is read correctly. The usual suspects ; Caddis, Midges, and Mayflies are all still taking the most beautiful brown trout a fly angler can find. Look for the river to give you clues to which one of those they are eating while you are on the water. The entire river from the dam face down as far as you want to explore seems to hold fish. On the Lower Owens, if the water looks fishy, it holds them as fish population here is still very high. Don’t let that fool you though! The fish are highly selective and the reward they provide is great!

Best Trout Fishing In Bishop Ca

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 1.13.21

January 13, 2021
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This amazing trout stream, the main artey of Crowley, just below Mammoth Lakes, known as the Upper Owens remains a puzzle of an amazing trophy trout fishery. Concealing her prizes to only the most persistent and faithful fly anglers. With flows low and clear one day, while off colour the next, depending on what nature throws the previous days, this river is an absolute pleasure to explore and her rewards are great! Not much has changed since my last report ; the snow has come and gone, one day fish are out, another you may question if they inhabit the river. Streamers and Nymphs are the offerings that will bring you success. Small, exact imitation patterns, as well as attractor almost steelhead style underwater flies will get you something unforgettable to the net.

Give the shop as call @ 760 873 0010 or text 661 364 6981 for more details.

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

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