Fly fishing the Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Update : Bishop, CA – 10.22.24

October 23, 2024
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The Lower Owens River near Bishop, California: A Post-Flood Fishing Paradise

The Lower Owens River, situated near the charming town of Bishop, California, has finally returned to fishable conditions, marking a significant milestone for anglers eager to explore its pristine waters. After months of enduring high water levels, the river’s flow has subsided to a more comfortable 350 cubic feet per second, very close to providing optimal conditions for trout fishing.

This recent drop in water levels has unveiled a fishing paradise that has been largely undisturbed for an extended period. The prolonged high water has effectively shielded the river from fishing pressure, allowing the trout population to flourish in an environment rich with food resources. As a result, the fish have had ample time to grow and mature, resulting in a larger and healthier trout population than in previous years.

Anglers can anticipate encountering a diverse range of trout species, including brown, rainbow, and hybrids. The larger fish, which have benefited from the abundant food supply and lack of fishing pressure, are particularly exciting to catch. Their size and strength make them a formidable challenge for any angler.

Dry fly fishing is a highly effective technique for targeting trout in the lower water levels. The reduced water flow makes it easier to present dry flies to rising fish, offering anglers a more intimate and rewarding fishing experience. Nymph fishing, of course, is another productive method, particularly in deeper pools and runs. Small nymphs that imitate aquatic insects are often effective in enticing trout to strike.

For those seeking a more aggressive challenge, streamer fishing can be a rewarding option. Larger streamers that mimic baitfish can be used to target the larger trout in the river. However, it is important to be patient and present the streamers carefully to avoid spooking the fish.

As anglers explore the Lower Owens River, it is essential to respect the river and its resources. Practicing catch-and-release will help to preserve the fishery for future generations.

With the recent drop in water levels and the thriving trout population, the Lower Owens River near Bishop, California, offers an exceptional fishing opportunity. Anglers who are willing to put in the effort can experience the thrill of catching large, healthy trout in a picturesque and unspoiled setting.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop CA for more details or to book a guided trip. 760-873-0010

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Brown Trout on the Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 7.31.24

July 31, 2024
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It’s the beginning!! Just outside of Bishop the fabulous Lower Owens River has been dropped to a beautiful summer flow of around 300 cfs which is a very nice seasonal level to maintain cool sierra waters throughout the summer. At this flow the Lower Owens is still considered somewhat high, yet very wadable for an amazing summertime fly fishing experience. The Lower Owens, the jewel of a river of the Eastern Sierra, will be showing us some amazing trout this season and year.

The combination of the over the top water year last year combined with the healthy flows of 2024 will have the river spewing out nutritious biomass helping to feed our lovely trout a variety of larvae and nymphs forcing them to grow much larger. Dry fly action is noted in various parts of the river where the floating adult mayflies and caddis collect. Fish the usual Mayfly and Caddis patterns normally on 5x tippet in this situation.

Fish the appropriate attractor and imitation nymphs in the summertime as well. The Fly Angler can now fish some bigger patterns as we have larger caddis and stoneflies moving about the system. Soft hackles, Peridons, Pheasant Tail variations and patterns, Caddis Worms and large Midges are the patterns to present with either an indicator or high sticking euro style. Streamers can be attempted at any time in the Lower Owens system. As fishing goes, the trout can be madly aggressive for the streamers or give them little attention in the form of a follow and swipe at your fly. For best results throw your streamer to the opposite bank, toss in a mend upstream, mend up giving the fly time to sink while starting to retrieve when the line has straitened out and the fly had a few seconds to sink.

We expect this to be an amazing fishery from now until our next high water cycle next year as summer rolls on and cool water flows.

Give us a call up in Bishop at the STM Fly Shop for more details or to book a guided tour. 760-873-0010

rainbow trout of the lower owens river

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 5.1.24

May 1, 2024
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The fly fishing report for the Bishop area including the Lower Owens River is experiencing its stage spring time runoff as of this last weekend. Flows have been pumped up rather quickly to a high stage of 471 feet per second. Water is running almost clear and fast! This is absolutely normal throughout the west as May and June can be typically considered high water months throughout the west and is considered very healthy for the Owens river system. Spots can still be found to fish for the experienced Lower Owens angler. Before that we were enjoying the fruits of the astronomical water year we experienced last year with healthy, wild, and very large trout! With the snow pack lower than an average year, we believe this amount of runoff should not last long. Of course, that could all change if storms continue to roll through dropping precipitation in the mountains of California.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop California at 760-873-0010 for more information or to book a guided trip.

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

East Walker river fly fishing

East Walker Fly Fishing Report : Bridgeport, CA – 10.10.23

October 10, 2023
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The Bridgeport area East Walker River fishing report is finally worth taking a look at. Flows have settled down from 1000+ cubic feet per second discharge a few months ago to a new October 2023 flow of 207 cubic feet per second. Fishing on the East Walker has been picking up to a good status with the chance of a trophy trout still in the cards. These appropriate flows, along with recent solid fishing, and legendary river status, bring crowds of anglers from the Tahoe areas, as well as the usual traffic from the Mammoth and Bishop side. The East Walker can be crowded at times. The flows are ideal for the fish and angler alike. Adequate flows allow the fish to roam freely allowing them to thrive and consume the protein the East Walker is known to produce. Large streamers patterns are always on the true East Walker anglers mind; Crawdad patterns, Zonker type rabbit strip streamers, and Clouser Minnows are only a few suggestions. Small midge, caddis, and mayfly patterns will always take fish here when fished appropriately. Don’t be afraid of trying larger nymph patterns here as well! The East Walker has about one month left of being open. We could see some amazing fish coming from her Nevada destined waters in that time.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA at 760.873.0010 for more details or to book a guided trip on this amazing water.

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

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Lower Owens River Fly Fishing

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 9.17.23

September 17, 2023
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The Owens fly fishing report on the Lower Owens River just outside the outdoor town has been shaping up very nicely. The high flows this summer have done no damage to the river leaving it in great condition with great fish numbers. The entire system seems to be fishing well even though the water was recently raised back up to around 400 CFS. We don’t look for this to last long as cooler temperatures are coming in the High Country to freeze everything up and subsequently drop the flows to a slightly more comfortable fishing level. More rainbows have been noted near the dam, as you go downriver you find yourself in complete wild brown trout territory with random rainbows coming to the net here and there. As always this river is extremely easy to access and wading is always a pleasure. As usual Dry Fly action is noted here and there but is not river wide or any specific time. Euro style high stick nymphing or good old indicator nymphing absolutely guarantees the extra experienced fly anglers wild fish on the end of the line. We look for this fishery to improve dramatically in a very short time. We will also reap the benefits of the amazing flows that nature granted us this year.

call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop at 760.873.0010 for more details or to book a guided tour for individuals or groups.

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Lower Owens River Fishing Report
Crowley lake Fly Fishing angler holds a large fish over the boat on Crowley Lake

Crowley Lake Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth, California – 5.25.23

May 25, 2023
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Crowley Lake fly fishing report for the famous Crowley Lake, just down the hill from Mammoth, CA has started off its season doing what it does best ; producing large and hard fighting trout! Browns, rainbows, and cutthroat are all on the menu on Crowley lake. Water elevation is still on the lower side as the LADWP is planning on massive runoff once temperatures sustain the 90’s to 100 degree zone. The trout have been pretty spread out from Hilton by to Six bays while fishing depths have been between 10-20′ deep. Of course , moving around the lake is key to finding a batch of will fish to make a successful day, on the other hand we have dropped anchor and not had to move all day whilst landing a variety of trout all day long. All sorts of flies have been bringing fish to the net, some larger sizes, and some smaller. Balanced leeches, buggers, and chironomids is sizes #12-16 have been successful for the start of the 2023 season.

Call the STM Fly Shop at 760-873-0010 or text 661-364-6981 for more details or to book a guided tour for individuals or groups.

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Mammoth Lake Fishing

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 5.23.23

May 23, 2023
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The Upper Owens River fly fishing report has changed a good amount since last time. Between here and Mammoth Lakes the snow has melted and created sloppy, and muddy conditions which have taken over the area as expected. Be very careful if you drive in there for an exploratory fishing trip. Flows are high, as in around 100cfs of semi dirty water. As usual the confluence below Hot Creek gives us the dirtier water as Hot Creek spews in sediment and mud from the field is crosses to arrive at the Upper O. The famed cutthroat trout seem to have not have entered the Upper Owens system quite yet. There is still some large lingering rainbows here in there that are either staying for a while or on their way back to Crowley lake. www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Give us a call @760-873-0010 or text 661-364-6981 for more info or to book a private guided trip for individuals or groups .

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

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

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 5.23.23

May 23, 2023
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The Owens River fishing on the Lower Owens River, near Bishop California, is at a standstill as it continues at a flow in between 700-800cfs (cubic feet per second) this is usually what we witness during the height of runoff. We have to expect it to go even higher once we sustain 95-100 degree days in Bishop. It takes very hot weather down low to let us know its melting off in the high country. The Lower Owens could be a totally different river after this is all said and done as it is a natural occurrence in nature that can wipe the river bottom clean of silt and debris. This will expose more riverbed rock which give shelter and life to more insects and in turn a more nutrient river river system to support more and bigger trout! Weather forecast shows this happening within the next few weeks as we are already experiencing 80-90 degree temperatures daily here in the Eastern Sierra.

Upper Owens river near Mammoth Lakes California lined with snow

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing : Mammoth Lakes CA – 4.11.23

April 11, 2023
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The Upper Owens had been closed with a sign right at the intersection of 395 for most of the month of March. As of a few days ago the sign was moved down to within a mile of the Benton Crossing Bridge a few days ago. Snow is still at a see it to believe it level with the tops of the fence posts hardly visible through the top layer of snow. Access is possible with a good walk in or a difficult snowmobile ride. We expect this to change soon as temperatures are rising and snow will be melting very soon. Historically this time of year we see some Mayfly action even though the banks are snow covered. Small Baetis will start to appear on the edges of the river and stick out like a June bug in buttermilk against the white snowy banks. The large trout of the river can respond to these bugs on the surface in certain areas of the river. But, we know that they are definitely eating the nymphs under the waters surface!

Upper Owens River Rainbow. Mammoth Lakes California
Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 2.24.23

February 24, 2023
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The Lower Owens River fly fishing report is not exactly quite what it was at this time last year. Fishing was just starting to heat up just a few days ago, then a quick storm system decided to swoop down and turn us into a world of white here in Bishop. The Eastern Sierra is getting pounded with snow and wind as we speak.

Even though the LADWP gauge shows over 3000 cfs of river flow, the actual number is much lower than this. Although still a good flow the river was very recently turned up to the high 200’s in flow pushing the total volume up in the wild trout section to an estimated 275 cfs up in the wild trout section of the river. At these flows the Lower Owens River is still a very fishy place and wading is still very possible when correct entrance and crossing points are accessed.

The wild trout of the LO prefer these flows as the volume of food that flows down compared to a lower river volume is much higher. This current volume also provides the fish with many different types and options of comfortable holding water. This spreads their population out more while letting them relax a little as all the trout are not now only found in the largest and deepest holes of the river.

At these lower temperatures we see mostly Midge and Mayfly aquatic insects on the move during the winter periods of the Lower Owens River. Indicator nymph rigs and euro style nymph rigs are both very effective in this current state of the river. Water clarity is 90%, flashier patterns and a small direct representation of a midge or mayfly function well as a combination. We recommend 4 and 5x leader and tippet which works well most of the time on the LO. Both of these techniques work well when you are fishing a Euro or Indicator setup. A small amount of dry fly action was happening before today hit. Midges and Baetis patterns were being consumed on the surface in slower running sections of the river. Sometime in the middle part of next week we look for surface activity to resume. Stay tuned for more to come as this amazing year rolls out in front of us

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA for more information or to book a guided trip 760.873.0010 or text 661.364.6981 for more details.

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

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