Flowing around 200cfs the Lower Owens River continues to be the best choice for some of the most consistent, wild brown trout fishing around(some nice Bows too).  Early and late Fly Anglers will be able to find Dry Fly action visually seeing Trout  eating mayflies and caddis.  Throughout the day nymphing dark corners of the Lower Owens whilst stand wader-less in the cool water is an amazing way to spend part of the hot Bishop summer days.  Think late and early to maximize success.  Fish all sorts of Caddis Worms,  mostly in greens.  #14-18  Mayfly Bubbleback & Cased Emergers #16-20, and of course well Ribbed Midge Emerger patterns #18-20.

Photo by Jim Stimson

Photo by Jim Stimson

Photo by Jim Stimson

Photo by Jim Stimson

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

Flowing at around 55cfs the Upper Owens is green and slimy down low below the Bridge – but moving upstream it disappears to a clear River more or less above the Hot Creek confluence. Because of the low flows the fish are obviously podded up below oxygenated water and dark runs and against the banks.  Nymph deep with  forementioned  patterns such as Robo PT’s,  Ribbed Midge patterns, Green Caddis Worms,  and various Copper Jons.  #16-20. Throwing and moving along the rivers edges with leggy Hoppers and other Terrestrials simulating a bug that found his way into the water has also produced some great action.  Don’t expect a ton of action fishing like this though!  The
thrill is in the hunt!

Posted by STM Fly Fishing – Bishop CA

The Lower Owens River continues to flow at a healthy flow of around 220cfs. Water is clear and water temperature is perfect and fluctuating in the 50’s. Fish are active on the surface on Stimulator patterns, beetles and other various Attractor patterns.  Caddis and PMDs can also be found throughout the day on various sections of the river.  Fish are  responding well to most of the bugs hatching in the Lower Owens River surface.  Nymphing always works here and the patterns mentioned above fished in nymphs and emerger patterns  styles will take fish all day long. Make sure to use enough weight to get your flies down to the fishes face.  Fish all these patterns in sizes #16-20. The Lower Owens River is shaping up to be a great place for a angler to enjoy himself fully this summer.  Wet wading has been comfortable and a pleasure. 

Success! Husband and wife dbl hookup.

Photo by Jim Stimson Photography - STM Fly Shop

Photo by Jim Stimson Photography - STM Fly Shop

The Upper Owens River continues to flow at a healthy flow of around 150 cfs.  Fish have entered the system from Crowley Lake providing us with some good solid fishing with the lake run Trout and the residential fish of the Upper Owens.  Fish seem to be spread throughout the system residing equally in riffles as deep holes and runs.  Hoppers have not started happening quite yet but the nymphing and streamer fishing will put a smile on the Fly Anglers face.  Attractor nymphs fished with a caddis larvae pattern is one Avenue for success.  Move around this river system frequently at the fish are not quite as concentrated as the  Lower Owens. 

Crowley Lake has been fishing absolutely great!  Most areas of the lake continue to give the experienced angler good numbers of Rainbow, Brown, Lahonton Cutthroat, and throw a few Sacramento perch in there as well.  Flies are the same as the last report with some more emphasis on Black/Grey and Copper, Silver/Black.  The last few days we have caught fish in Ten to 23 feet of water.  The leader can be a pain when fishing over 15 feet,  but he the payoff is large  Trout of all three varieties.

The Lower Owens River continues to flow at a healthy 200+-cfs.  Water is clear, and  temperatures are conducive to feeding Trout.  At these flows  fish are spread out and eager to eat and not stacked up on top of each other as much like during low winter flows. This makes them less spooky  allowing you to catch more out of any given run Most of the time. Some small PMDs have begun hatch early – mid morning inducing most Trout in their area to come up and partake the floating protein snacks above.  Small PMD and Baetis emerger designs fished with a caddis or Midge will take many fish under the water.  These flies range in sizes #16 – 20.  Guided trips here have been excellent for clients and Guide alike with good sized fish to the net, and some of the most beautiful fish and scenry we have ever seen. 

Crowley is fishing hot with most known areas producing fish in anywhere from 9 to 15 or more feet. The morning bite does not start super early so no reason to beat the sun up. The bite continue throughout the day unless the wind pops up forcing you off the lake. Recently wind has been relatively calm and not that bad. Fish the usual patterns of black and red combos, black and white copper combos, black and silver combos, and grey with black. Putting a white ice cream cone head on top of the Chironomid pattern is also worth having in the Crowley box. We have been having success with patterns in sizes number 12 thru 16.  We have been seeing Browns, Cutts, and Bows of all sizes at the end of our lines.  The one below is a Lahonton Cutthroat. 

Crowley Lake is fishing great!  The opening of the season is showing us fish fed well throughout the moderate winter.  Water is a deep green colour and the system is healthy.  Most of the main fish holes are letting go if their fish.  From Leighton Springs over to McGee and the shoreline in between anglers are extracting good amounts and sizes of Brown, Rainbow and some large Sacramento Perch. Fish in water from 9-16 feet deep.  The usual suspects for flies are doing the trick.  Copper/black, red/black,  red/red and silver/black in sizes #12-16. Set these guys a few inches to a foot or so of the bottom and don’t look away!

Since the writing of my last report the Lower Owens river has come up to a healthy flies of 200cfs. This really does not change much expect the fish are not quite so isolated and stacked in certain areas.  Some claim 200cfs is optimal for fisherman and Trout alike.  Wading is still a cinch as the flow is still relatively low.  Caddis are starting to make an appearance in the late evenings once again right in time with the re-occurring warm weather.  The same patterns still hold as my last report.  Some. Anglers have put their waders away and are wet wading only now.  Come and see what the Lower Owens has in store for you.  Our
guide trips run every day.  If you would like to experience the Lower Owens River with a professional to see what it’s capable of call us at the STM Fly Shop (760)873-0010