Beryl shows a hard-pulling pointy finned trout taken on a recent drift.

In Spite of what the CFS readout says at 255cfs the Lower Owens REMAINS low and fishable. Around 130-160 cfs is my best guess!!  We are still putting on dry flies here to fish the Lower Owens for a good part of the day. Most who come in the shop are getting into great nymphing and really enjoying the pods of dry fly action that they come across when spending the day on the Lower Owens. Fish continue eating midges and BWO’s and will take Griffiths Gnats, Tricos, Thorax BWO’s and various other midge and very small mayfly patters on the surface. Fish most all these in sizes #20-22. When the hatch quits nymphing small BWO and Midge emergers will get you into fish consistently. CDC BWO Emerger #18-20, PT’s #18 -20 and most sorts of midge emergers #18-20 will consistently take fish under the water. Like I stated last time a Trouts metabolism operates on a lower frequency in the winter, you will find trout in the slower foam lined water.

Its a great thing that the BIG fish are still to be found in the meandering bends of the Upper Owens River. Once hooked they pull hard and break the peaceful serenity of the flowing waters of the Upper Owens with leaps above the surface of the water ! These pointy finned trout continue to be caught on a variety of Attractor patterns including Nymphs and Midges, and Streamers. Variations of the Pheasant Tail (Trigger Nymphs, Emergers, Robos ect.) in sizes #16-18. Standard and Wire San Juans #16-18, and various streamer patterns dead drifted and stripped will take these world class fish. This can not go on forever so don’t miss out!!

Mike Mc. stuck with it and was paid off with this chrome winter Rainbow Trout.

Kern River Fly Fisher Sharon R. gets Double Digits on Lower Owens - Winter 2012

The long awaited dry fly action is finally here with fish responding heavily to millions of midges over the water! For the last two days we have been fishing the Lower Owens without putting on a nymph! Fish are vigoursly eating midges and will take Griffiths Gnats, Tricos, Thorax BWO’s and various other midge and very small mayfly patters. Fish most all these in sizes #20-22. When the hatch quits nymphing small BWO and Midge emergers will get you into fish consistently. CDC BWO Emerger #18-20, PT’s #18 -20 and most sorts of midge emergers #18-20 will consistently take fish under the water. Trouts metabolism operates on a lower frequency in the winter, you will find trout in the slower foam lined water. Look for this action to go on for the next month or two!

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Eastern Sierra Winter Fly Fishing 2012

The Upper Owens has still been showing us Steelhead looking winter trout to most all who put their time in. Spread throughout the entire upper river system these fish are wild and willing to take. Once hooked they pull hard and dart for the dark bank even if it is 70′ away! Be prepared to run!The only momentary setback was the quick two feet of snow that was dumped and is now almost gone. Caution is advised when crossing possible snowy/muddy areas, even in 4-wheel drive. Sometimes walking a few more minutes in necessary. These fill finned trout can be caught on a variety of Attractor patternes including Nymphs and Midges. Variations of the Pheasant Tail (Trigger Nymphs, Emergers, Robos ect.) in sizes #16-18. Standard and Wire San Juans #16-18, and various streamer patterns dead drifted and stripped will take these world class fish. This is too close to home not to miss out on!!

Solitude and Snow with Big Fish - Winter 2012

Typical Wild East Walker Brown Trout - February 2012

In spite of its low flows the East Walker is fishing very well. Fish are fat and hungry for small midges and some baetis. Streamer fishing has not been exceptionally great, although, if you stick with it all day you will see some large fish responding to your tugged bug throughout the day. A mid morning Baetis hatch will bring up some of the mid-sized and small trout providing action throughout the day. #18-20 Thorax BWO’s, Extended Bodies and Etha with BWO’s will all take fish on the surface.  As stated before in the fishery the very large fish are going to be taken on nymphs or streamers. Miracle Nymphs #18-20, Grey Biot Midges #18-20, T-Midge Poly Wings in Pearl and Olive #18-20, and WD-40’s in various colours are also a good bug to have in the East Walker Box.

Jason G. with a Steelhead looking Rainbow Trout - January 2012

The Upper Owens is still giving anglers a fly fishing experience very similar to steelheading on smaller meadow creeks. From the bridge up and being concentrated in certain areas, anglers searching hard and fishing correctly will usually hook up on one of these 20″-25″ fish. Very hard to land, one needs to be creative in your fighting style with these fish as they will run hard down to stuff themselves under the closest undercut. Attractor numphs are the ticket here. SJ Worms #12-14, Egg patterns, Purple Princes #14-18, Robo PT’s #16-18 and other various Pheasant Tail patterns with a little additional ribbing or sparkle all in #16-18. The Ticket Czech Nymph and the Frenchy Czech Nymph have all been getting big fish attention as well, fish these is sizes #14-16…Some days we have been seeing nobody else on the water in most areas.  Enjoy this winter fishery while it lasts!