large rainbow held above flowing waters

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

September 15, 2021
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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

Visit us on instagram @stm_fly_fishing

@sierratroutmagnet on facebook

large trout head in a rubber net with a wooden frame

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 4.7.2021

April 7, 2021
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Flowing just outside of Mammoth Lakes, CA, The Upper Owens river remains one of the most beautiful fly fishing destinations in the country. Water is low and a bit more clear above the Hot Creek confluence, with the water having a small off colour haze below the creeks main entry point. Temperatures in the valley have ramped up here this last week, which leads us to think of the soon to come runoff which will bring the river up to a faster flowing status. This can be good or bad for the fishing. Yet, always good for the fish. Right now the large fish are still throughout the entire system and have now had some time in these deeper holes, runs, and riffles. These large and wise Crowley Trout have now seen relentless flies passed in front of them. Now, you need not only to find and fool the trout, you must do it better than all fisherman before you that tried their skills on these legendary fish. Attractor nymphs, Jig-Nymphs, Non- traditional SJ worms, and small midges and mayflies will give you a good shot at these fish. Some random bug attacks on the surface do take place. But do not get to excited about it! There is no rhyme or reason to why or when they decide to come up, but it sure is exciting! A well versed streamer fisherman can also have a great day on this water. A long leader with a heavy fly or a sink tip will fish best in this smaller river. We look for a different run of fish to enter this spring as some leave back to Crowley Lake.

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

@stm_fly_fishing on Instagram and Facebook

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.

@sierratroutmagnet on Facebook.

Fly fishing the Lower Owens River

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 1.16.21

January 16, 2021
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The Lower Owens remains a dreamy fly fishing destination for the special few who enter her waters. Flows are still typical, low winter flows. This allows for good wading access to most parts of this fertile stream with a very casual approach when the water is read correctly. The usual suspects ; Caddis, Midges, and Mayflies are all still taking the most beautiful brown trout a fly angler can find. Look for the river to give you clues to which one of those they are eating while you are on the water. The entire river from the dam face down as far as you want to explore seems to hold fish. On the Lower Owens, if the water looks fishy, it holds them as fish population here is still very high. Don’t let that fool you though! The fish are highly selective and the reward they provide is great!

Best Trout Fishing In Bishop Ca

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 1.13.21

January 13, 2021
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This amazing trout stream, the main artey of Crowley, just below Mammoth Lakes, known as the Upper Owens remains a puzzle of an amazing trophy trout fishery. Concealing her prizes to only the most persistent and faithful fly anglers. With flows low and clear one day, while off colour the next, depending on what nature throws the previous days, this river is an absolute pleasure to explore and her rewards are great! Not much has changed since my last report ; the snow has come and gone, one day fish are out, another you may question if they inhabit the river. Streamers and Nymphs are the offerings that will bring you success. Small, exact imitation patterns, as well as attractor almost steelhead style underwater flies will get you something unforgettable to the net.

Give the shop as call @ 760 873 0010 or text 661 364 6981 for more details.

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

upper owens river

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 11.11.20

November 11, 2020
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The Upper Owens just below Mammoth Lakes California has the Meat! Flows are low and clear as usual for this time of year making for some spooky quarry. Cold weather hit hard this last week pushing some more fish towards the north and upstream. Days are clear and the smoke is completely gone while Mammoth Mountain can be seen in the distance covered in snow. Fish the deepest and darkest areas of the Upper Owens. Time appropriation is crucial as these fish are more characteristic of Steelhead than Rainbow Trout. A few Brown Trout are also coming up with the mix of Rainbows and are a pleasure to catch. Stay tuned for many more updates on this amazing fishery throughout the winter.

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

Call or text 661.34.6981 for more info.

fly fishing report

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 10.4.20

October 4, 2020
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The majestically formed bends of the Upper Owens River near Mammoth Lakes are absolutely filled with fish right now. The river is flowing around 70 cfs and is as clear as it gets. All deep holes hold a good population of fish thst can been seen upon peering down into the clear waters. Be careful though, fish you can see usually have already seen you! Hoppers are still being eaten during the warmer parts of the day! Before the hopper weather one can fish many of your favorite nymph and streamer patters through the riffles, bends, runs and deepest darkest holes of the Upper Owens for satisfying success.

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.

Upper Owens River

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 9.14.20

September 14, 2020
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The legend of a fly fishing stream, flowing just below Mammoth Lakes, the Upper Owens River continues to fish with consistency throughout the entire system. All sizes of fish have been spotted, hooked, and caught. Streamers and nymphs in the cooler mornings, while continuing on with the terrestrials (hoppers) in the warmer afternoon seems to be the way to a satisfying experience in the Upper Owens River on these smokey days in the first part of September .

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Upper Owens River

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 9.12.20

September 12, 2020
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The Upper Owens River Fly Fishing near Mammoth Lakes, CA has changed a bit since the Canadian cold sweep earlier this week. The river still flows at a late summer subtle level. Water clarity is as usual always fishable, and water temps remain within healthy levels. The Hoppers are still there but they struggle to get moving until the sun warms them at a later time depending on the day. Before that anxiously awaited moment we end up going down under the water with all sorts of attractor nymphs and streamers. The entire river holds fish, read the water to appropriate your time wisely and spend it in the fishiest looking holding water. As we feel the cooler mornings rolling in we look forward to the fish of the Fall that come up river.

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