: April 2011

Mammoth Fly Fishing: Upper Owens River – 4.16.11

The Upper Owens is still running at a low flow of around 70cfs. At this flow it is very easy to get around to the larger holes where you can still find some big trout. Trout seem to be throughout the river all the way up to the private water boundry. Browns and Bows have been caught recently of all sizes. Snow is gone and some places are muddy.. be careful where you drive!  Access is unlimited when simply avoiding the mud. For flies try: Chirionocones in red and green in #'s 16-18, Robo Pheasant Tails in #'s 16-20 , Sparkle Trigger nymphs in sizes #16-20, Prince nymph patterns in #14-18, and Z and T midge emergers and larvae in #16-20. On the surface some smaller fish have been slapping the top of the water for smaller Mayfly and Caddis patterns. Thorax BWO's and Extended body BWO patterns in sizes #18-20 with work for these fish. A small Elk Hair Caddis will also get some action when fished at the right time. Streamers on a sink tip or other sinking method in the larger holes will also get some big tugs. A big black wooly bugger is a good place to start with streamers. Read More

Bridgeport Fly Fishing: East Walker River – 4.16.11

Back down to a very fishy flow of 230cfs the East Walker is showing us what it is capable of.. Big Trout! ..  Fish are out and about and ready to eat the properly presented pattern. Snow is mostly all gone except for a few shaded snow drifts.. Streamers and nymphs are working with most of the usual patterns taking fish...  #12-16 SJ worms patterns, #18-20 T-Midges in olive and Pearl, #18 Flash Bang Midges in Cream, Biot Midges in #16-20 in grey and black, Caddis worms #16-20 and other similar patterns. For dries the occasional mayfly patterns will work when you find a pod of rising trout.. generally, you will not get the larger trout out of the East Walker using standard dry flies.  Streamers of your choice will also do the trick.. We prefer large bunny streamers in a range of colours fished down deep or near the surface depending on what the fish are showing you..  An excellent choice for the Eastern Sierra fly fisherman. Read More

Mammoth Fly Fishing: Hot Creek – 4.16.11

Hot Creek, of course, is fishing great with great fish and a satisfying fishing experience being delivered as usual..  The gate is open and acess is back to usual status. From what we have seen and have been hearing Hot Creek is getting a lot of pressure. Nevertheless big fish are around and being caught. Mid-day fish are on the surface usually on Midges and Baetis. Fish BWO emerger and nymph patterns is sizes #18-22: Split Case Caddis, Bubble Back BWO, PT's, WD-40's, Soft Hackles in green and orange, and small caddis worms. For Dries try: Ext Body BWO's #18-22, CDC BWO's #18-20, #22 griffiths gnats,  Henry's Fork Caddis  #10-20 and other variations of these suggested patterns will get you fish on Hot Creek when fished correctly.. Read More

Bishop Fly Fishing: Lower Owens River – 4.16.11

Running at a very high level of 480+ cfs the Lower Owens is very difficult to fish for most and harder for some.  That being said there are some places to catch fish, especially when they are on the surface eating caddis that have continued to emerge during the DWP water release..There are a lot of places to fish from the bank ..  Only enter the river if you know exactly what you are doing.  There are only a handful of areas you can enter the water and nymph effectively on the Lower Owens at this moment... For dries, an Elk Hair Caddis #16-20 has been doing great..also Tent Wing Caddis patterns and larger CDC patterns are also getting attention in the same sizes. For nymphs try a Purple or standard Prince #16-20, Caddis Worm patterns #14-16(electric rock worm), Baetis Emerger Patterns #18-20 (bubble back emergers, sparkle trigger nymphs) and other various attractor nymphs. Look for foam and slower pieces on this fast running river if you dare ..... Read More