Bishop Fly Fishing: Lower Owens River Update- Nov.22 2009
Since my last post the Lower Owens has dropped to a perfect flow of 126cfs. The drift boat has been out and roaming the waters of the Lower O. Fish have been more than responsive with many holes holding incredible numbers of fish and some holes having a few.. Overall the fishing has been great! Small baetis and midges are bringing fish up to the surface for some dry fly action. Nymphing small PT's, Tiger and Zebra Midges and small Soft Hackles will get you into fish all day long #'s 16-20.!! Streamers are also on the menu.. Fish your favorite streamer pattern here to feel many 30+ft handshakes...Also getting many good reports from anglers coming in the shop off the water here... A++ winter trout river!
Bridgeport Fly Fishing: East Walker River Update- Nov. 22 2009
Photos taken on 11/20
Unique spots of the the Brown above
The East Walker remains at a very cool 19cfs.... The water temps waiver around mid to high forties making it a safe temp for any trout.. The spawning action I have been witnessing has seemed to stop with no spawning action spotted as of 11/20..The nests are not clean looking anymore, although I would not step anywhere near these until the river has filled them in. Very light nymphing is what is needed to be successful here. No lead needed!.. . All small Midge patterns, PT's and Robos in #18-20 are working well....Lots of midge and small mayfly surface activity for decent sized fish as well. The fish are also obviously eating perch (streamers are getting more attention now)as you can see in the photo of the much over eager brown I came across below. He really makes the phrase "biting off more than you can chew" come to mind...
Bridgeport Fly Fishing: East Walker River Nov. 11, 2009
The East Walker is down to a low flow of 19 cfs.. When you first walk up on the river you say "wow" when you realize how little water is in there. In spite of this the water remains at a great fishing temp and condition. Risers are everywhere eating midges and the fish are competetive and hungry! Few spots will now require you to use lead on your nymphing rigs. Just a handful of Large fish can be seen spawning in very certain areas of the river. (not M-Mile section) PLEASE DONT FISH TO THESE GUYS and let them do their thing.Fish small Griffaths Gnats for the rising fish and watch for some Baetis emergence as well.. for underwater your favorite midge larva, PT,or WD-40 all is sizes #16-20 will work fine. Try a SJ if you are inclined. Your favorite streamers big and small will also cause big browns to move on your offerings.. I prefer a streamer with some white or lighter colours in it...
Bishop Fly Fishing Report: Lower Owens River Nov. 11 2009
ALMOST TIME TO FLOAT!!
The Lower Owens still produces fish to the die hard Lower Owens angler.. As of today the flow is 269 cfs, which is way down from last week and actually very fishable... Wait another week or so for the flows to drop below 200 cfs and it will be on even more!!. Fish midges, Hares Ears and caddis in #16 -#20..Streamers always get attention here.
Mammoth Fly Fishing: Upper Owens River Nov. 11,2009
(Fish caught on November 10th, 2009 by B. Priest)
The Upper Owens is flowing at a steady 58 cfs and has for some time... The BIG Crowley fish are still in and can be found in any pool or foam seam that has substantial depth to it. Though not every hole holds a trophy fish, one must move around from hole to hole to seek out these trophys fishing it correctly. Streamer action can still be found but the colder water has slowed the streamer bite down recently. Nymphing is the way to go with small black and red Poxy or Tigetr and Zebra midges #18 or so, and some SJ worms, hares ears and Small Pheasant Tail type stuff in midge sizes.