in front of a snowy mammoth mountain a fly angler hold a very large rainbow trout over the upper owens river

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 12.9.21

December 9, 2021
, , , , , , Fishing Reports

Three stones throw from Mammoth Lakes, CA, the notorious meadow stream of the Long Valley caldera, the Upper Owens is doing what it does best; supplying fly anglers will very large sized fish. Water is flowing well and very clear. The very large Crowley Lake trout have made their way up the river and can now be found throughout the entire system. Fishing the deepest and darkest places, as well as riffles and deep runs could possibly produce an unforgettable experience with a trout of a lifetime. Access has been open and traction is good. Although, right now we are getting some precipitation so we will update this in the next couple of days. The large trout of the Upper Owens like to eat many different patterns; usually something along the line of steelhead patterns, attractor nymphs, and even micro mayfly patterns. We find ourselves trying out more patterns than usual on the Upper Owens, changing out flies often. Crowds can be anywhere from nobody to slightly annoying. There really is no rhyme or reason or a way to predict how many people turn out for the day. The storm hitting today could possibly move these big guys around or even better, bring more in! Stay tuned!

Fly fishing shop bishop

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 12.1.21

December 1, 2021
, , , , , Fishing Reports

The magical stream of the Eastern Sierra, the Lower Owens River, right outside of Bishop, California has been doing what it does best; Producing some of the wildest and cleanest trout you will ever find! Flows are down to the very low standard winter flows of around 85cfs. This allows for easy wading and access to the river. On most sections you can stay in the river to get around. Hatches of very light colored mayflies come off around noon with some great response from the trout of the Lower. Small Cahill and BWO patterns get the job done for this top water session. In the mornings the nymphing is the way to go. Small Peridons, Pheasant Tail variations, Midges, and Caddis patterns will all take fish for you. Definitely experiment with these combinations on certain days to unlock what the trout of the Lower Owens prefer while your on the water.

Give the STM Fly Shop a call at 760-873-0010 or text 661-364-6981 for more details or to book a guided trip.

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fat rainbow held above the Owens River near Mammoth Lakes

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 11.2.21

November 2, 2021
, , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens river, just below Mammoth Lakes, is dumping into Crowley lake at an even flow rate of right around 120cfs. Hot Creek adds a few cubic feet/second while the East Portal adds 72cfs. These are pretty good flows for the Upper Owens and it has allowed a few large fish to make their way up the river and into our nets. At these flow rates we see the larger trout making their way up the river. These behemoths are not only found in the deeper and darker places but throughout the river system, they will also be in the riffles, foam lines, and some undercut banks. River access is still good as the dusting of snow Long Valley received did not last long. Smaller, average sized fish can be found here and there in the slower holding areas. Some dry fly action can be found with these sparky little resident fish on Baetis and Caddis patterns. But, for the big guys we have to go down under deep to place our offerings right in front of their large faces. Nymphs and streamers are the answer here. Attractors such as; Wolly Buggers, Zonkers, Pistol Petes, and any of your favorite streamer patterns have a chance here. Nymphs such as; SJ Worms of many varieties, PT and Prince nymphs, Peridons, large Midge patterns and similar ties will entice fish here. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with any variations of these patterns. Now, we wait and see as to what nature will bring in the way of precipitation which drastically changes what happens this season on the Upper Owens River.

Call the STM Fly Shop at 760-873-0010 for more details or to book a guided trip in the Eastern Sierra. Text 661-364-6981

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beautiful brown trout held above the flowing water of the Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 10.25.21

October 25, 2021
, , , , , , , Fishing Reports

The jewel of Bishop, the Lower Owens River, is now flowing at a prefect flow of right around 150cfs at the time of this report. The LADWP held up to their word of the higher flows until just recently. At this current flow rate the Lower Owens is absolutely perfect for both wading and floating. Hatches can be seen generally around mid-morning throughout the river system. Fish are just now starting to look up and give us fly fisherman some long awaited Lower Owens River top water action! An unusual amount of Rainbow Trout can be found in the upper sections of the river while down below is almost pure wild Brown Trout. The entire river holds fish and one must only read the water to find where to present their hand tied offerings. We are getting some much needed rain with snow in the high country as we speak. Stay tuned for more reports as an exciting new season begins!

Call the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, Ca at 750-873-0010 for more details or to book a guided trip. Or text 661-364-6981 to book.

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Lower Owens River Fishing Report

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA 9.15.21

September 15, 2021
Fishing Reports

Flushing flows are holding the Lower Owens River at around 370cfs at the time of this report. Originally scheduled until the 13th we surely should see them drop very soon back to around 200cfs levels to start. After the first few days of the flush the water cleared up enough to drop a fly or two into her clear, and fast flowing waters. Hatches are out in the morning with random attacks on the surface here and there. The fly angler who seeks only surface activity can hunt out a fish to two that is steadily slurping insects off the top. The ultra warm temperatures this summer made the riverside vegetation flourish this year, once in the water you find yourself in a trout anglers paradise. The trend of larger fish continues on as some amazing hookups have been thrilling anglers with the thrill of a large wild trout pulling in the strong current. The river is bug rich and hatches come off thick. Turning over rocks reveals an amazing amount of bio mass hiding under the cool flowing waters of the Lower Owens, Reading the water is key here as usual as we dip our nymphs down deep to pass them within sight of holding trout. Peridons, Midges, and lots of Caddis have been patterns replicating what is on the trout’s menu recently. As the water drops and nights turn cooler the Lower Owens will become a fly anglers paradise for those in search of the wild and beautiful Brown and Rainbow Trout she holds.

Call the STM Fly Shop @ 661.364.6981 for more details or to book a guided trip

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Large Brown Trout in a net is held in the running water next to the east walker river

East Walker River Fly Fishing Report : Bridgeport, CA – 9.15.21

September 15, 2021
, , , Fishing Reports

The legendary waters of the East Walker River which flow right outside of Bridgeport, CA are running at a healthy flow of around 150cfs. The only problem is that the water temperature still touches the low 70’s during the brightest parts of the day. This problem should eliminate itself soon! The positive news here is the tepid water will follow the cooler weather and drop its temperature by quite a few points in the weeks coming. We hope the flows will continue to surge near these levels to help the fish get as big and healthy as possible before winter season hits. Stay tuned for more from the once fabulous East Walker River!

large rainbow held above flowing waters

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 9.15.21

September 15, 2021
, , , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens River continues running at a low flow of around 58cfs. Nothing super excitingly new to report here except the fact that the nights are much cooler and soon we will be able to cast our hand tied flies into a hole with the possibility of hooking into a trout that will completely test every fly fishing skill you have. These trout could also possibly be the largest freshwater fish you will hook in your life! For the last few years we have experienced the presence of some very large Crowley trout; Rainbows, Browns, and Lahonton Cutthroat trout will all be making their way up the river to spend the winter season in the amazing and scenic waters of the Upper Owens making nothing short of a fly fishing paradise for us fly anglers. For now, the river is still worth fishing as we get reports from personal experience, and through the shop of random large fish who have decided to take up residence in the Upper O all year long!

Call the STM Fly Shop in Bishop for more details or to book a trip on this unique opportunity. 760 873 0010

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Lower Owens River Fishing Report

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 8.10.21

August 9, 2021
Fishing Reports

The California jewel of a wild brown trout stream, the Lower Owens river, flowing just outside of Bishop, California is still in great condition! Yes,it is hot out, but the river has maintained a fishy and cool temperature of around the low 60’s with a perfect flow of 223 cfs. Euro nymphing, as well as the good old indicator have been very successful in hooking and extracting wild trout from the Lower O. Starting early and ending early is the key. Standing in the river without waders is divine as we are some of the most comfortable and cool people in Bishop while the heat sets in around us as the day warms up. Small pods of rising fish can be found in the morning and evening times throughout the system. Small Mayflies, Midges, and Caddis are on the menu during these times. Stomach samples have revealed some smaller specimens being eaten recently. Keep your dropper fly around a size #18-20 for now.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop California @661 364 6981 for more details or to book a guided fishing trip.

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Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 7.13.21

July 13, 2021
Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens is showing 60cfs (cubic feet/second) of water flow on LADWP’s website. Fishing has been going along very consistently on the Upper Owens just outside of Mammoth Lakes. Small top-water bugs can be found early in the day and with many Midges, Caddis and Mayflies tapping the surface of the water provoking a decent response from the resident trout of the Upper. These small aquatic insects seem to be in the #16-20 size range and a variety of patterns presented correctly will work. Don’t expect the bigger fish to give you much attention while fishing these small dries, you will have to nymph or pull a streamer for that until the hopper season arrives. We are keeping out fingers crossed the hoppers have not got burnt out this year! Standard nymphs such as; Peridons, Pheasant Tails, Midge Pupae patterns and Caddis Worms will all take fish when you sink them deep in the dark holes. Streamers? yes but fish them a bit smaller than winter time and cover a lot of water. Most wooly buggers and rabbit type streamers in a #8-12 will work fine for this type of fishing. Stay tuned for a possible hopper season. Last year the fish put on a good share of their yearly bulk while feasting on these jumpy creatures.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop for more details 661 364 6981

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on the lower owens river near bishop california a lady in waders holds a wild brown trout above the river

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, Ca – 6.14.21

June 14, 2021
Fishing Reports

The Lower Owens River, flowing just outside Bishop, CA. could of possibly already seen its highest flows of the year at only 375cfs! Flows are now at a beautiful 300cfs of clear sierra water in its finest condition. Wading at these levels requires knowledge of the river and a little trust in your step. Overall wading is easy and very refreshing on these hot summer days. Trout are feeding randomly on the surface throughout the Owens River system throughout the day, but can be a stronger emergence in the cooler moments. A stomach pump yesterday once again proved small varieties of mayflies, caddis and midges are still on the menu for the wild trout of the river, Bigtime! Oh, and lets not forget some small stonefly adults and nymphs as well! The water is in the mid 50’s with flows very clear up high and a small stain in the water a few miles down below. Overall the river is in amazing condition! Give us a call or text @661 364 6981 for more details on this amazing fishery or to book a guided fly fishing trip!

STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA – 760.873.0010

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