Lower Owens River Fly Fishing : Bishop CA – 5.26.15

The Lower Owens River has been fishing good most days.  Flows are staying cool and reasonably low.  The Dry Fly action remains semi inconsistent, yet happens every day in some part of the river.  In the top of the WTC a noon-time Baetis hatch happens very consistently recently.  A few Grannom Caddis adults are skimming the surface of the water throughout the day.  Today, random acts of top water bug violence were noted with no bug activity until I spotted a yellow Sally crawling on the boat.  If you wanna try this type of dry Fly fishing have confidence, and place your yellow Sally dry in as many places as possible.  Most of the time you won’t be casting to rising Trout,  rather bringing them up to your Fly with a well placed cast.  Fish the same nymphs as my last report with some added Caddis Emergers on the Nymph rig.  Yellow Sally dries in #12-16 of various patterns will bring up wild trout in the Lower Owens.  For the hatch fish BWO patterns in #16-20 depending on the Baetis you see out.  Remember there are 20+ species of Baetis (BWO) alone.  Soft Hackles in green,  Tickets, and various small Mayfly  patterns will most likely be your flies that work.

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Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 5.20.15

The Lower Owens River continues to flow at a clear and cool 125 cfs. Fish are happy and hungry. With these weather patterns passing through Dry Fly activity is erratic in certain areas.. Recently with the overcast weather it has been coming off much more consistently right at noon to around 1-2pm. The entire system is healthy and fishing well. Most of our guiding is happening in the Lower sections of the rived and even below the Quality Water. Baetis Emergers (Bubbleback, soft hackles, ect.) #16-20, Caddis Worms in world style and Soft Hackles #14-18, and various Midge Larvae #18-20. We have been seeing Scattered Caddis activity above the water as well as a PMD here and there. This should be a prelude of great times to come on the Lower Owens very soon.

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Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes CA – 5.19.15

The Upper Owens is sure an interesting place and fishery.  Flows have stabilized while some more Crowley Lake inhabitants have made it upstream to utilize the flowing waters for reproduction purposes.  Any Attractor pattern,  especially those with spawning  colors will get their attention.  Don’t be afraid to use larger size flies than normal as well.  Try not to fish for any paired up fish in shallow water over nests! These fish can be caught but it really doesn’t feel that good to do it.  Fish the pools deep to find the fresh a d healthy fish!

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Lower Owens River Fly Fishing : Bishop CA – 4.28.15

The Lower Owens River is now flowing at an excellent rate of around 200 cfs.  Fish are now feeling like they can move about the river system a bit more freely.  Longline – Czech nymphing  conditions are prime, and we have been teaching a lot of indicator – less fishing.  Drifting is perfect at these flows, and an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the Lower Owens River system.  Caddis and Baetis are really still the main players in the drop offs and under the foam lines. Green Caddis Worms and Emergers in creams and greens in #14-16, Baetis patterns from PT’s to Bubblebacks and Soft Hackles are the popular choice among the scaled crowd right now.  Fish these in #16-20. Dry action can be found periodically throughout the day.  Stalcup Caddis and Thorax BWO patterns are a necessary thing to have in your box as well in the event of frenzied Dry Fly surface action.  We will see what surprises the river holds for us this season!

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Crowley Lake Fly Fishing : Mammoth Lakes CA – 4.28.15

Crowley Lake is now open and living up to its name!  Around opening weekend time fish were caught all over the lake.  Nymphing in the usual depths of 12-18 ft respectively were taking fish.  The dbl ribbed Crowley Buzzers took fish all weekend.  Reds and blacks, and some shades of grey with black ribbing were all getting bit when suspended off the bottom of Crowley Lake.  #12-16 in Bug sizes.  Stay tuned for a great year of big fish on this great piece of water.

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Upper Owens River Fly Fishing : Mammoth Lakes CA – 4.28.15

The Upper Owens River Fly Fishing is consistent and solid as usual…  Flows are up to around 70-80cfs forcing the river is moving a bit quicker than the low winter flow rate. A few stragglers from the winter can still be found.  Many more average sized, clean looking fish seem to be rolling in the system.  A Caddis hatch can be seen throughout the day. Response from the fish to surface bugs varies day to day from very aggressive to very  passive.  Lots of green Caddis Worms #14-18, colorful Baetis Emergers  & Soft Hackles #16-18, and some small well Ribbed Midge patterns #18-20 are all taking fish.  Fish your favorite dry Caddis or Baetis  patterns on top when fish are rising consistently.  Streamers ? Of course!

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Lower Owens River Fly Fishing : Bishop CA – 3.26.15

The Lower Owens River is flowing clear and cool as it has been the last month.  Fishing has remained steady at good- excellent.  As I’ve said before, sporadic hatches come off midday and the Trout respond well in some of the thicker foam lines and riffles.  Have BWO and Caddis dry patterns with you for this event is sizes #16-18. Nymphing, as usual has been great.  All sorts of Mayfly and Caddis  Nymph patterns are taking fish under the water.  There is some stoneflies out here and there do a #12 stone Nymph has been working some days.  A yellow Sally dry will take fish when placed properly… Don’t expect instant results on this though. Overall the river system is healthy and producing so good fish everyday.  As spring rolls in more and more action should develop with stoneflies and type water action!

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