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

The Upper Owens is flowing low and clear and if you come upon a deep hole a horse of a Trout is near!  As my little rhyme implies  the horses have spread out thru the entire system and the weary and patient angler will be able to extract the possible Trout of a lifetime!  Hard to land these fish will test every bit of fish fighting experience the fly angler has!  Look for dark parts of the river and place your offering over and over to see what comes out to eat.  We are using basically similar patterns as my last Upper Owens River report.  Come on up and test your skills! 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

The premiere Wild Brown Trout fishery of California, the Lower Owens River is now fishing like we are used to seeing it in the fall and winter months!  Flows are low and clear!  Some mornings can be better than later in the afternoon but the persistent angler will always find a reward here!  Dry Fly action can be ravenous in some areas and has been happening right around lunchtime.  Refer to my posted video below!  Mayflies seem to be the main prey floating on top the water at this point.  Various Baetis patterns in sizes #16-20 have been taking fish of all sizes.  This should only get better as the hatch becomes Riverwide and predictable! 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

The Upper Owens River is flowing clear and low!  The water is absolutely gorgeous and the oversized fish are spooky.  Throughout the system very Large fish are collecting in various pools, deep runs and riffle laden drop offs.  One day they are out the next they are stuck next to the bank.  Fish for them with various solid proven patterns in greens,  Browns,  and pinks/orange.  Once hooked be ready to move the rod tip against the fish no matter which way he goes.  One of their tricks is to wedge themselves in any crevice on the deep shadowy banks.  Sometime you might even have to run to keep the advantage in your favour! 

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA