Father and daughter standing in the lower owens river while daughter holds up a 14" brown trout. Mountains in the background

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 10.2.20

October 2, 2020
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The Lower Owens River Fly Fishing near Bishop is within reach as the river hits 345cfs! The river held steady at a rate of around 380cfs for a few days and recently has fallen down to its recent flows. Cooler nights will drop temps and drive the wild brown trout to continue feed into this upcoming season. Once the river hits the 280cfs and below mark, it will be time to to start thinking about visiting California’s premiere wild brown trout fishery, the Lower Owens.

Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 9.25.20

September 25, 2020
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The Lower Owens River Fly Fishing near Bishop could be happening soon! The river is getting some positive signals that it may be returning to fishable levels in the near future. it is now down to 470cfs, A few days ago she was flowing 600+cfs. We will closely watch this amazing fishery as the water drops and she reveals what lies below.

Eastern Sierra Fishing

Eastern Sierra Fishing Update. Smoke status – 9.17.20

September 17, 2020
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A fair amount of Fly Anglers have been calling the shop and asking what is actually open for fishing due to the temporary closures and the smoke. For the last couple of days we have seen A good amount of smoke settled in that has not moved much and seems to be lingering in the valley, it’s not awful but annoying. We expect it to move around any day now. It is a nuisance but not a fishing game-changer, you cannot see the mountains but the fishing is still unaffected and very good with the filtered sun.
All the usual Fisheries are open except for the ones in the closed national forest. We still have:

  • Lower Owens River
    -Upper Owens River
    -Crowley Lake,
    -Pleasant Valley Reservoir and mid river
    -The Gorge
    -East Walker
  • Bishop Creek
    So yes, there is smoke, but if you really want to get out and fish it is not stopping you! We have been running scheduled guided trips as normal. Give the shop a call for more info 760-873-0010 or text 661 364 6981.
  • Check us out on Instagram for more amazing photos and up to date content @stm_fly_fishing
  • Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop and Guide Service on Facebook
Upper Owens River

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 9.14.20

September 14, 2020
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The legend of a fly fishing stream, flowing just below Mammoth Lakes, the Upper Owens River continues to fish with consistency throughout the entire system. All sizes of fish have been spotted, hooked, and caught. Streamers and nymphs in the cooler mornings, while continuing on with the terrestrials (hoppers) in the warmer afternoon seems to be the way to a satisfying experience in the Upper Owens River on these smokey days in the first part of September .

  • Check us out on Instagram for more amazing photos and up to date content @stm_fly_fishing
  • Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop and Guide Service on Facebook
Upper Owens River

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 9.12.20

September 12, 2020
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The Upper Owens River Fly Fishing near Mammoth Lakes, CA has changed a bit since the Canadian cold sweep earlier this week. The river still flows at a late summer subtle level. Water clarity is as usual always fishable, and water temps remain within healthy levels. The Hoppers are still there but they struggle to get moving until the sun warms them at a later time depending on the day. Before that anxiously awaited moment we end up going down under the water with all sorts of attractor nymphs and streamers. The entire river holds fish, read the water to appropriate your time wisely and spend it in the fishiest looking holding water. As we feel the cooler mornings rolling in we look forward to the fish of the Fall that come up river.

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing : Bishop, CA – 9.12.20

September 12, 2020
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The mighty Lower Owens River near Bishop, CA continues to flow, for us fly fisherman, far to high at nearly 600 cfs. This must drop soon as we wonder where the water continues to come from to support these crazy flows. For now, we will imagine how the trout deep in the water columns are taking advantage of the larger food volume. Putting on weight for the winter months….

happy lady holds a good sized brown trout above the upper owens river

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, California – 7.29.20

July 29, 2020
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Hoppers! Do I really need to say anything else on this report!? The grassy fields of the Upper Owens River near Mammoth Lakes, California have been full of the leaping insects, and the resident Trout have been taking full advantage of the situation. No doubt putting on some serious yearly mass for the seasons ahead. Windy days? Yes! We love them! In this case many hoppers are blown into the water this making themselves available to feeding trout. All sections of the river have been fishing well. Flows are clear and cool and very manageable at around 65cfs. Normal bug activity is also noted in seams and foam lines. Nymphing various attractor nymphs as usual is very effective. Crowds have been here and there but usually one can find a place to call their own for the time they are on the edge of the unique Upper Owens River just down from Mammoth Lakes.

brown trout held up on the Lower Owens near Bishop California

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, California – 7.29.20

July 29, 2020
, Fishing Reports

The Lower Owens near Bishop, CA has been flowing clean and clear for the last few months. Up to around 330cfs, this amazing river is still being fished successfully in the foam lines, pools, runs, riffles, and of course, drop offs of the clear waters of this flowing Gem. The Lower Owens has proven itself over and over again to the fact that if the water looks fishy, there is indeed a substantial amount of Trout holding there. The high flows make it more difficult yes, but the water temps are moderate, driving the fishes metabolism to consume protein in the form of aquatic invertebrates. As for flies the standby Midge patterns, Caddis Worms, Split Backs and Soft Hackles in Sizes #14-18. For dries; Elk hair Caddis, Blue Duns, Stalcups Caddis, Yellow Sallies and Terrestrials in sizes #10-18. These are only a few of the patterns we have been using to extract fish in the Lower Owens River recently. (and put them back of course)

Angler Holds a fat Rainbow Trout above the Upper Owens River below Mammoth Lakes California

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, California – 2.18.20

February 26, 2020
, , , Fishing Reports

The Fly Fishing on the Upper Owens River just outside of Mammoth Lakes California is still happening for the oversized Trout! Flows are around 100cfs and steady, as they have been the last couple of months. Weather is moving away from the winter feeling and a warm spring has been tempting us in the Eastern Sierras, from the Bridgeport to Bishop area. The Trophy trout of the Upper Owens are spread out along the entire system. Not only confined to the deepest and darkest holes anymore we have been finding them in the usual trout hang-outs as well. Streamers, Nymphs, and Dries can help you get a trout into your hands this February on the Upper Owens River. Snow is almost non existent on the banks of the Upper Owens these days. Watch some spots in the afternoon though, some of the thawed clay ground can be slippery upon melting!

red beard holds a nice rainbow trout above the water of the Lower Owens River near Bishop, CA

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing : Bishop CA – 2.26.20

February 26, 2020
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The Lower Owens, continues to flow, right outside of Bishop California, at a perfect rate of 15Ocfs. This promotes very healthy fly fishing conditions making the entire system accessible and fishable. Nymphs, of course, and even some streamers have been absolutely killing it since my last report. More and more dry flies are being seen on top of the water every day. Fish have been looking up frequently, feeding heavily in some areas, and not surfacing at at all in others. As the new weather rolls in we will see more and more waves of insects coming off the surface of the water. Which will drive the surface activity heating up to an unforgettable climax of dry fly action. Mayflies, Caddis, Stoneflies, and Midges are all playing a vital part in the protein requirements of the Brown and Rainbow Trout of the Lower Owens. Now is time to get up here!

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