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

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

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

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
, , , , , , , , , , Fishing Reports

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

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

@stm_fly_fishing on Instagram

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes CA – 4.1.25

March 31, 2025
, , , , , Fishing Reports

As spring sets in, the upper Owens River above Benton Crossing Bridge and down the hill from Mammoth Lakes offers some challenging but rewarding fishing conditions. Recent rains and melting snow have left the dirt roads leading to the river in a muddy state once the day warms the frozen roads. For anglers planning to access the river, a 4×4 or all wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. It’s easy to get stuck in the mud if you’re not mindful of the slippery conditions to come when the sun gets high, so make sure to pay attention to where you end up parking.

While the height of the trophy rainbow trout run has long passed, anglers may still encounter a few giants. To increase your chances, focus on deep holes, cut banks, and fast-moving runs where larger fish tend to linger. We also look forward to the next run of spring fish which swim up the Upper Owens late April on into May.

Fish the usual flies mixing up attractor patterns with more exact imitations: Sizes #12 – 18 in various Midges, San Juan Worm variations, Soft Hackles, P-Tails, and Paradons. For adults on the water fish BWO’s, Caddis and a few small attractor patterns will cover the small fish rising to the surface.

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

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes CA – 1.29.25

January 29, 2025
, , , , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens River is experiencing an unseasonably dry January with no snow on the ground, making access easier than usual for this time of year. Mornings remain cold, but temperatures warm up in the afternoons, keeping water temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s. Despite the changing conditions, some big migratory trout from Crowley Lake are still holding in the system, particularly in deeper pools and undercut banks. While their numbers are beginning to thin out, the fish that remain are impressive, with some reaching the mid to high 20-inch range. Resident fish are also active, though feeding is sporadic throughout the day.

Anglers are finding success with nymphing techniques, using patterns like gummy San Juan Worms, Prince Nymphs, Zebra Midges, and Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails in sizes 14-18. Streamers such as small Sculpin patterns, Olive or Black Woolly Buggers, and Zonkers fished low and slow are also producing solid results. While dry fly action is minimal, occasional Blue-Winged Olive style hatches can occur during the warmest part of the afternoon.

For the best chances at landing a trophy fish, focus on deep runs and slower-moving water, where migratory fish tend to hold. Euro nymphing and indicator nymphing have been particularly effective. Given the clear water and low flows, a stealthy approach is key to success.

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

WWW.SIERRATROUTMAGNET.COM

@stm_fly_fishing on Instagram

Mammoth Fly Fishing : Upper Owens River – June 2, 2010

June 2, 2010
, , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens lies about 35 minutes north of Bishop just short of Mammoth. As stated before a few fish seem to be arriving every day, some are very big fish! Some anglers are doing well and some come back with fishermans tales of the big one that got away. With this weather the flows have increased some 30% in the past two days possibly allowing for some numbers of trout to roll up the Upper Owens from the famous trout infested Crowley lake. For bugs try; Prince Nymphs, Robo Pheasant Tails, Pheastant Tails, and Copper Johns in #’s 16-18 Ice Cream Cone Midges and Chironocones in red, olive and black and in #’s 18-20 are also prime bug choices. Large streamers fished correctly by undercut banks can also bring out the meat! Fish your favorite streamer and get it down to them! I will be on the Upper Owens in the next couple of days and I will update here if things drastically change.