: February 2011

Bishop Fly Fishing : Lower Owens River – 2.15.11

The Lower Owens continues to flow at a very fishable 85cfs. The new news here is that the awaited BWO hatch is here and happening! Anglers on some parts of the river will experience lots of topwater action while others will see BWO's floating without getting eaten by wild browns. The action seems to be getting more riverwide as the hatch can be seen from the PV dam down to Big Pine, though not all trout are willing to surface.  Most anglers are sticking above the Hwy. 6 bridge for success.  For fly patterns try:  Crack and Split Back emergers #18-20, Bubble Back emergers #18-20, Pheasant Tails #16-20,  Hares Ears #18,  Barrs Style emergers #18-20.  Zebra and Tiger Midges #18-20, Soft Hackle Peacock #14-16,  Electric Rock Worm #16-18... For the surface try; Extended Body BWO's #18-20, Thorax BWO's #16-20, Etha Wing BWO #18-20 Ect... This should only get better as the hatch seems to be getting generally thicker. Read More

Bridgeport Fly Fishing : East Walker River – 2.15.11

The East Walker has patches of snow here and there adding beauty to the desert/mountain landscape. Flows are healthy and perfect for this time of year at around 112 cfs. Fish are hungry and being caught. Some larger bows and browns have been on the prowl recently! This year sets up to be a great year as a lot of snow runoff is poised above the Walker drainage.  Look for a higher CFS (riverflow) this year..but do not fear it! This will push many baitfish (meat) into the river system allowing the EW residents to grow at higher rates than eating larvae and nymphs alone! As of now the river is fishing great. Patterns to try are: Miracle Nymph #18-20, T-Midge emerger in olive and pearl #18-20, Flash Bang and JuJu Bee Midges in #'s 18-20, Barrs, poxyback, and Halfback Baetis emergers in sizes #16-20.  Different types of San Juan Worms can be fished with success as well.  Streamers will get attention but as spring rolls in we will see more action on our meaty offerings (slumpbusters, double bunnies, rock knocker sculpins, muddlers, Big head todds and Buggers just to name a few)....  A definate fishing destination for any angler no matter where they call thier home water. Read More

Mammoth Fly Fishing : Hot Creek – 2.15.11

Hot Creek continues to flow at a low winter rate.  The recent warmer winter weather seemed to spur the fish on to be less selective about patterns thrown once the bite is on. The half alive weeds have remained and there seem to be a few more than last year. That being said, there is still way less foliage then one would see in the summer months. A baetis hatch can come off Strong on some days anywhere from late morning to late afternoon. This hatch usually lasts 45 minutes to one hour.  Midges will be present most of the day with varied responses from the trout.  Many things can be fished here at this time.  For suggestiong on the surface try: Thorax BWO #18-22, Etha Wing BWO #18-22, Classic BWO #18-20, and CDC BWO #20. Under the water go to: WD-40's #18-22, Tiger and Zebra Midges #18-22, Red Disco Midges #20-22, Half Back Baetis emergers #18-20, Epoxy Back Baetis #18-22, Loop wing Emergers #18-20, T-midge Emergers #18-22, Pheasant Tails #16-20 and even some small green caddis worm imitations will do here. Read More

Mammoth Fly Fishing : Upper Owens River – 2.15.11

The Upper Owens is flowing at 130cfs and the fish are getting more hungry. A few people have been walking up from the Benton Crossing Bridge and getting into some action with very large Rainbows. Access by vehicle is limited for the moment because of the snowy roads conditions. We will see what this next storm will dump to determine when we can enter by vehicle. People have been taking fish of all sizes on: San Juan Worms #12-14, Prince Nymphs (peacock and purple) #14-18, Pheasant Tail Nymphs #16-20,  All sorts of Zebra and Tiger Combos in #'s 16-20.  Emerging BWO patterns (bubbleback, trigger, splitback) #16-20 and Copper Johns in copper, red and greens have all taken fish recently. Streamers of your favorite varitey fished correctly will also do well (large buggers, slumpbusters, zonkers, bunny strips and Grey Ghosts) fish these deep in black holes and close to the deeper undercuts for action.  One must move more when fishing streamers in this water at the moment. Read More