large rainbow trout from Upper Owens River in the snow

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 1.25.22

A quick video update from last week we did on the Upper Owens River for the Backcast; conditions hold pretty much the same as the snow remains along the banks with big fish in the water. Fish are moving around but they generally find the larger and darker runs and holes to reside in for longer periods of time. San Juan worm & egg variations, Peridons, PT,s, and Balanced leeches are just a few flies we have been offering to the bulky fish of the Upper Owens with great success. Give the shop a call for more information and stay tuned; we are up there the next couple of days as well.

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Call the STM Fly Shop in Bishop CA @ 760-873-0010 for more details on how to fish this amazing area

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a beautiful winter scene with the Lower Owens River and the Sierras covered in snow in the background. Near Bishop California

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 1.11.22

The Lower Owens River flows right outside of Bishop California, just a holler and a few stones throw from the STM Fly Shop; this stream has been an absolute Jewel these past few weeks. Flows are down to around to 100cfs of clear and cool water making for some very healthy trout! The usual suspects have been taking fish for those who know how to fish the Lower Owens properly. Mayflies, Caddis, and, of course Midges have been on the menu recently. A stomach sample yesterday confirmed this. Pick your holes wisely, as well as the amount of time you spend in them, this will be key to your success. Mid-morning to early afternoon will be your hot time here to be on the water. Don’t take a break to have a big lunch, this will cut into your quality fishing time! Dry fly action? Yes! Although some days it seems to be much heavier than others. Right around noon you can possibly be in an exciting bubbly hatch and some days you might not even see a fishes head pierce the surface. But, one thing is for sure! They are eating under the water everyday. Peridon patterns, green caddis worms, and all sorts of midge patterns have been taking fish consistently. We hope for even more dry fly activity as the weather warms and the trout of the Lower Owens metabolism forces them to eat even more!

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

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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

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

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.

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fat rainbow held above the Owens River near Mammoth Lakes

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 11.2.21

The Upper Owens river, just below Mammoth Lakes, is dumping into Crowley lake at an even flow rate of right around 120cfs. Hot Creek adds a few cubic feet/second while the East Portal adds 72cfs. These are pretty good flows for the Upper Owens and it has allowed a few large fish to make their way up the river and into our nets. At these flow rates we see the larger trout making their way up the river. These behemoths are not only found in the deeper and darker places but throughout the river system, they will also be in the riffles, foam lines, and some undercut banks. River access is still good as the dusting of snow Long Valley received did not last long. Smaller, average sized fish can be found here and there in the slower holding areas. Some dry fly action can be found with these sparky little resident fish on Baetis and Caddis patterns. But, for the big guys we have to go down under deep to place our offerings right in front of their large faces. Nymphs and streamers are the answer here. Attractors such as; Wolly Buggers, Zonkers, Pistol Petes, and any of your favorite streamer patterns have a chance here. Nymphs such as; SJ Worms of many varieties, PT and Prince nymphs, Peridons, large Midge patterns and similar ties will entice fish here. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with any variations of these patterns. Now, we wait and see as to what nature will bring in the way of precipitation which drastically changes what happens this season on the Upper Owens River.

Call the STM Fly Shop at 760-873-0010 for more details or to book a guided trip in the Eastern Sierra. Text 661-364-6981

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

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 10.25.21

The jewel of Bishop, the Lower Owens River, is now flowing at a prefect flow of right around 150cfs at the time of this report. The LADWP held up to their word of the higher flows until just recently. At this current flow rate the Lower Owens is absolutely perfect for both wading and floating. Hatches can be seen generally around mid-morning throughout the river system. Fish are just now starting to look up and give us fly fisherman some long awaited Lower Owens River top water action! An unusual amount of Rainbow Trout can be found in the upper sections of the river while down below is almost pure wild Brown Trout. The entire river holds fish and one must only read the water to find where to present their hand tied offerings. We are getting some much needed rain with snow in the high country as we speak. Stay tuned for more reports as an exciting new season begins!

Call the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, Ca at 750-873-0010 for more details or to book a guided trip. Or text 661-364-6981 to book.

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Lower Owens River Fishing Report

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA 9.15.21

Flushing flows are holding the Lower Owens River at around 370cfs at the time of this report. Originally scheduled until the 13th we surely should see them drop very soon back to around 200cfs levels to start. After the first few days of the flush the water cleared up enough to drop a fly or two into her clear, and fast flowing waters. Hatches are out in the morning with random attacks on the surface here and there. The fly angler who seeks only surface activity can hunt out a fish to two that is steadily slurping insects off the top. The ultra warm temperatures this summer made the riverside vegetation flourish this year, once in the water you find yourself in a trout anglers paradise. The trend of larger fish continues on as some amazing hookups have been thrilling anglers with the thrill of a large wild trout pulling in the strong current. The river is bug rich and hatches come off thick. Turning over rocks reveals an amazing amount of bio mass hiding under the cool flowing waters of the Lower Owens, Reading the water is key here as usual as we dip our nymphs down deep to pass them within sight of holding trout. Peridons, Midges, and lots of Caddis have been patterns replicating what is on the trout’s menu recently. As the water drops and nights turn cooler the Lower Owens will become a fly anglers paradise for those in search of the wild and beautiful Brown and Rainbow Trout she holds.

Call the STM Fly Shop @ 661.364.6981 for more details or to book a guided trip

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Large Brown Trout in a net is held in the running water next to the east walker river

East Walker River Fly Fishing Report : Bridgeport, CA – 9.15.21

The legendary waters of the East Walker River which flow right outside of Bridgeport, CA are running at a healthy flow of around 150cfs. The only problem is that the water temperature still touches the low 70’s during the brightest parts of the day. This problem should eliminate itself soon! The positive news here is the tepid water will follow the cooler weather and drop its temperature by quite a few points in the weeks coming. We hope the flows will continue to surge near these levels to help the fish get as big and healthy as possible before winter season hits. Stay tuned for more from the once fabulous East Walker River!

large rainbow held above flowing waters

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 9.15.21

The Upper Owens River continues running at a low flow of around 58cfs. Nothing super excitingly new to report here except the fact that the nights are much cooler and soon we will be able to cast our hand tied flies into a hole with the possibility of hooking into a trout that will completely test every fly fishing skill you have. These trout could also possibly be the largest freshwater fish you will hook in your life! For the last few years we have experienced the presence of some very large Crowley trout; Rainbows, Browns, and Lahonton Cutthroat trout will all be making their way up the river to spend the winter season in the amazing and scenic waters of the Upper Owens making nothing short of a fly fishing paradise for us fly anglers. For now, the river is still worth fishing as we get reports from personal experience, and through the shop of random large fish who have decided to take up residence in the Upper O all year long!

Call the STM Fly Shop in Bishop for more details or to book a trip on this unique opportunity. 760 873 0010

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Lower Owens River Fishing Report

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 8.10.21

The California jewel of a wild brown trout stream, the Lower Owens river, flowing just outside of Bishop, California is still in great condition! Yes,it is hot out, but the river has maintained a fishy and cool temperature of around the low 60’s with a perfect flow of 223 cfs. Euro nymphing, as well as the good old indicator have been very successful in hooking and extracting wild trout from the Lower O. Starting early and ending early is the key. Standing in the river without waders is divine as we are some of the most comfortable and cool people in Bishop while the heat sets in around us as the day warms up. Small pods of rising fish can be found in the morning and evening times throughout the system. Small Mayflies, Midges, and Caddis are on the menu during these times. Stomach samples have revealed some smaller specimens being eaten recently. Keep your dropper fly around a size #18-20 for now.

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

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