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
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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
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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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Beautiful tail and fins of a brown trout over the lower owens river

Lower Owens River Fishing Reports : Bishop, CA – 4.5.2021

April 5, 2021
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The Lower Owens River just outside of Bishop, CA has been more or less fishing great since my last report, not much changed. Flows have remained at the very low 80 cfs level… until now! We have a movement of up to 100 cfs of perfect sierra water to allow a larger volume of food to flow down to our scaly and wild friends. Wading remains very comfortable and pleasant. In the past few days our little buddies the Yellow Sallie Stoneflies have been spotted climbing around the banks and flying over the river. This movement allows us to step up the size of our offerings as well as looking for even more splashy surface eating habits as these larger insects enter the water. We are still witnessing Caddis and Mayfly action throughout the day in the usual parts of the river in the early afternoon and beyond. Euro style, Tenkara, and good old indicator style fishing is super effective as usual. Reading the water is key as success is determined by time appropriation and where you choose to present your nymphs.

Call or text the the STM Fly Shop @ 661 364 6981 for more information or to book a guided trip.

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The STM fly shop staff

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 1.19.21

January 20, 2021
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Last weeks weather casted some lovely weather on the Lower Owens River in the shadow of Mt. Tom, right outside of Bishop, CA. This week we see more typical seasonal style weather with the fish continuing to fill their pretty little stomachs with the local menu ; Midges, Caddis, and Mayflies. The flows are still low and river access is at an all time high. The Brown Trout are as healthy and beautiful as you can find along the 41th parallel. Dry fly action is noted when the sun is highest in the Eastern Sierra sky, although not river-wide, look to the larger and deeper pools to spot some noses piercing the surface as they consume small mayflies and midge adults.

Call the STM Fly Shop @ 760-873-0010 for more details.

Visit us on instagram @stm_fly_fishing for even more current visuals and information.

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fly fishing guide

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 11.24.19

November 24, 2020
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The Lower Owens River has been running along the Owens Valley floor at a low winter rate of around 85cfs. Fishing has been satisfying to every skilled angler willing to get in and cast a fly out. Nymphing is stellar, and the Mayfly hatch comes out mid-day, usually during the noon hour. Since we are gentle fly fishers, we don’t throw out stink bait with a giant treble hook so we must read the water correctly, especially when it is this low. Spooking of fish happens frequently. If you can see them they have already most likely seen you, unless they are not trout. We look forward to the dry fly action to ramp up as the season draws in.

Call the Shop at 760-873-0010 or text 661-364-6981 for more info.

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Brown Trout held up by an angler wearing waders.

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 11.11.20

November 11, 2020
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Fly Fishing on the Lower Owens river right outside of Bishop, California has hit a bottom low flow of 85cfs. This allows us fly anglers to fish and scout out new water, runs, riffles, and holes that have not been uncovered in some time. Brown Trout, with a few Rainbows here and there are out and about with appetites ready for destruction of aquatic bug life. Caddis, Mayflies, and some Midges are on the menu for some of the most beautiful Brown trout you can possibly find. With the recent cold weather the fly angler does not need to arrive super early. Fishing picks up after the sun has warmed the water for an hour or so and the bite has been very consistently good. Prepare for full on dry fly season to happen at any time!

Give us a call or text at 661-364-6981 for more info.

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beautiful Lower Owens Brown trout held by one hand above a net over the water

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 10.15.20

October 15, 2020
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The infamous Fly Fishing in Lower Owens River just outside of Bishop, CA has began and is as good as we imagined! Flows are down to a perfect 180cfs of perfectly balanced, and nutrient rich sierra water. Trout are very abundant and are being found and caught in their usual hangouts. Weeds are not an issue and the entire river is accessible on foot by wading. Around 12:30 some small mayflies can be seen exiting the waters surface. In some of the slower, foam line areas surface action is noted. The entire river is fishing well from the dam to as far down as you would wish to go. Nymphs and streamers will take fish all day long. Stoneflies patterns are now a thing of this summer past. Fish Caddis, Mayflies, and Midges for success here on California’s premiere Wild Brown Trout River, The Lower Owens.

Father and daughter standing in the lower owens river while daughter holds up a 14" brown trout. Mountains in the background

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 10.2.20

October 2, 2020
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The Lower Owens River Fly Fishing near Bishop is within reach as the river hits 345cfs! The river held steady at a rate of around 380cfs for a few days and recently has fallen down to its recent flows. Cooler nights will drop temps and drive the wild brown trout to continue feed into this upcoming season. Once the river hits the 280cfs and below mark, it will be time to to start thinking about visiting California’s premiere wild brown trout fishery, the Lower Owens.

Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 9.25.20

September 25, 2020
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The Lower Owens River Fly Fishing near Bishop could be happening soon! The river is getting some positive signals that it may be returning to fishable levels in the near future. it is now down to 470cfs, A few days ago she was flowing 600+cfs. We will closely watch this amazing fishery as the water drops and she reveals what lies below.

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing : Bishop, CA – 9.12.20

September 12, 2020
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The mighty Lower Owens River near Bishop, CA continues to flow, for us fly fisherman, far to high at nearly 600 cfs. This must drop soon as we wonder where the water continues to come from to support these crazy flows. For now, we will imagine how the trout deep in the water columns are taking advantage of the larger food volume. Putting on weight for the winter months….

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