The Fly Fishing on the Upper Owens River  continues to be a wintertime Jewel for any Fly fisherman any where in the world.  Large fish continue to run through the system  showing us different fish each day, even in the same holes.  A good mixture of Bows and Browns are now being seen and caught regularly! After a good wet storm and melting the river below the Hot Creek confluence can be off colour.  This can help unless it’s too off colour.  If it is murky just head North until the water clears up! Stick to similar patterns as my last report and don’t be afraid to try new patterns of you own keeping in the #10-16 hook size range.  Stay tuned for more to come from this world class wintertime fishery. 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

The Lower Owens River system continues to flow low, clear, and steady.  Wading continues to be possible for all skill levels in these great conditions.  Fall/winter conditions continue with a Baetis hatch starting around 11-12 and lasting until around 2:30-3pm is some areas.  Fishing similar patterns as our last report with a few more dries mixed in will bring success to Fly Anglers blessed enough to wade the banks of this unique desert river system.  Down under try ; Caddis Worms #14-18, Mayfly Emergers #16-20,  Midges #18-20 On Top stick to ; BWO patterns #16-20,  Midge dry patterns #20-24 all depending on the day and area. 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

It’s Christmas which means Big Fish time for the next few months and steady Dry Fly action!  The best gift possible for yourself or your beloved Fly Fisherman is a DISCOUNTED gift certificate for a guided trip with the pros at STM Fly Shop! 

Check out our current reports and view the certificate on our homepage and click the Christmas Special link.

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

The Upper Owens continues to be a absolute gem of a stream! It’s amazing having a river this close to home for all of us that provides us with the opportunity of extremely large fish!  Snow fell and pretty much melted leaving complete access to the river.  Water is low and clear with many runs, undercuts, and dark deep turns.  Copper Jons, SJ worms, Robo PT’s and various other well placed Attractor patterns will bring 20“+ inch to your hook and then hopefully fish to your net. 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

The Lower Owens River is at its winter time status; clear, wadable, and low! Fishing has been good and steady. Mayfly hatches continue to come off the during warmer part of the day around high noon. Access is very good for the fly angler that enters the river and uses the river bed to travel up and down the river.  There is definitely some light areas in the gravel where fish have spawned or attempted to spawn. Definitely try not to step in these areas as there is always plenty of room to avoid them.  We are fishing pretty much the same patterns with a few variations.  Soft hackles have been producing well as well as traditional and modern patterns that imitate Caddis and mayflies.  Fish sizes #16-20. Of course small Midge patterns also come into play this time of year. 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

Upper Owens River continues to be an incredible fishery! Running low and clear this is truly a special place in the Eastern Sierra during the cool winter months.  Very large specimens of Bows and Browns are residing in the river in most deep holes, runs, and dark deep areas.  Larger Attractor patterns around #14-16 seem to be what the oversized fish want to eat.  Streamers fished correctly will also take fish but requires much more movement that meticulously nymphing each hole where a good time awaits under the water! 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

The Lower Owens River is now becoming the dry Fly fishery we all love it for this time of year! A solid Baetis hatch comes out right at lunchtime and fish gorge for a full hour.  This makes the day absolutely fulfilling when fished successfully.  Nymphing as usual is great throughout the day.  Some dry patterns are dropping down to size #20’s but mostly we are fishing #16-#18 sized patterns under the water and above.  RS2’S,  Caddis Worms and all sorts of emerging Mayfly patterns fished down in the right places with get you fish every time. 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA