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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www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Upper Owens River October 2024

Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 10.20.24

October 20, 2024
, , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens River, located just down the road from Mammoth Lakes, California, is currently in excellent condition for fishing. The water levels are low and clear, creating optimal visibility and allowing anglers to spot both resident fish and some larger trout migrating from Lake Crowley.

The clear water has made for some exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers have been successful primarily targeting the jumbo trout arriving from Lake Crowley, with nymphs and streamers proving to be the most effective methods. These larger fish are often found in deeper pools and along the river’s structure, making it essential to present your flies effectively.

In addition to the trophy-sized trout, the river is also home to a healthy population of smaller resident trout. These fish have been responding well to a variety of dry flies, making for a fun and diverse fishing experience. Whether you prefer the thrill of sight fishing for larger trout or the excitement of catching smaller ones on topwater, the Upper Owens River offers something for everyone.

For those heading out, consider using a range of nymphs and streamers for the larger trout, while also keeping some small dry flies on hand for the more active surface feeders. As always, be mindful of the river’s conditions and adjust your approach accordingly.

In conclusion, the Upper Owens River is providing fantastic fishing opportunities this fall. With clear, low water and a mix of both jumbo trout and resident fish, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy what this beautiful stretch of water has to offer. Happy fishing!

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA for more details or to book a guided tour – 760 873 0010

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

Lower Owens in the Fall near bishop california. Man in water holds up brown trout

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 10.20.24

October 20, 2024
, Fishing Reports

The Lower Owens River, situated just outside of Bishop, California, is currently experiencing elevated water flows, which presents both challenges and opportunities for anglers. While these high flows can complicate fishing conditions, and we don’t recommend this to many, the river does provide a chance for dedicated brave fishermen to adapt their techniques and find success.

At present, the elevated water levels make it difficult to access certain fishing spots, but the rewards can still be significant. Fish are often found in slower sections of the river, where they seek refuge from the stronger currents. Anglers should focus their efforts on these calmer areas, particularly in eddies and pockets, where fish are more likely to hold.

In terms of hatch activity, a variety of insects are currently active in the Lower Owens River. Notable hatches include stoneflies, caddis, mayflies, and midges. These diverse hatches offer numerous options for anglers, making it essential to carry a range of fly patterns to effectively match the current conditions. This adaptability can significantly increase the chances of landing a catch.

For those fishing the river, several specific fly patterns are recommended. Peridon nymphs are particularly effective in the heavier flows, while caddis pupa perform well in most situations. Additionally, mayfly dry fly patterns can be very successful during peak hatch times. Small midge patterns are also a wise choice, especially in calmer pockets where fish may be more selective.

If you are a very experienced wader and want to tackle these fast currents to improve success rates while fishing the Lower Owens River, anglers should consider a few key strategies. First, focusing on the edges of currents where slower water exists can lead to better results. Stealth is also crucial; fish tend to be more cautious in high water, so a careful approach can make a difference. Lastly, adjusting leader length and tippet size while adding weight can enhance presentation, allowing flies to navigate the turbulent waters more effectively.

In conclusion, while fishing on the Lower Owens River may be more challenging due to high flows, anglers willing to adapt can still enjoy rewarding experiences. The stunning fall scenery and the thrill of fishing in this beautiful location with wild trout make it worthwhile. With the right techniques and gear, successful days on the river are still very much within reach. Good luck, and tight lines (no slack)!

young angler lands a trout on the upper owens river

Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA -9.1.24

September 2, 2024
, , , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens fly fishing report continues to be a positive reflection on the fishing in the Eastern SIerra. Flowing around ten minutes from Mammoth Lakes, CA, the Upper Owens has provided consistent fishing throughout the summer. Flows rates and water temperatures have been favorable throughout the season. This is because of the higher elevation, and the water source of the Upper Owens river.

We never really had an unforgettable hopper hatch this year and we can not really explain why. However the nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamers have been effective pretty much every day. Flows are low, around 75 cubic feet a second.

Small Rainbow and Brown Trout can be caught on a variety of Caddis and Mayfly patterns throughout the river in some of the shallower runs and riffles. However, the deeper and darker holes hold the possibility of a very large unthinkable trout. Brown or Rainbow. Fish for these primarily with nymphs,.streamers are also very successful when presented by a well versed angler who understands the river.

Mornings are cooling off and things are starting to look like the start of fall. Although the temps do rise during the day showing us that the Eastern Sierra is not quite ready to let go of the hot Summer of 2024. http://www.sierratroutmagnet.com

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram

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

Upper Owens River fly fishing !
trout of the Upper Owens RIver
beautiful brown trout held above the flowing water of the Owens River

Lower Owens Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 8.25.24

August 25, 2024
, , Fishing Reports

The Lower Owens is now flowing at a very high rate right outside of Bishop, CA. Yes, the LADWP decided to crank up the river overnight instead of incrementing the flows little by little . At these flows the river will have very few places to fish even though the water is very clear and coming out of pleasant valley reservoir. We do not expect this to last for long as cool nights are on the way to freeze the runoff up in the high elevation sierras. Bugs are there and things are healthy. We anxiously wait for the fabulous Lower Owens to return to its fish worthy flows in order for us fly anglers are able to again sample the beautiful wild trout she contains.

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

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 7.1.24

July 1, 2024
, , , Fishing Reports

Just outside of Bishop, California, the Lower Owens River is now flowing at a high rate of around 500 cubic feet a second as of now. Water is clear and clear and absolutely delightful to the inhabitants of the nutrient rich river. The trout will undoubtedly benefit from this high volume of highly oxygenated Sierra water delivering the brown and rainbow trout their food. At this point we look to see the flows coming on down in the very near future. As for now the river does indeed form a few spots where the fly angler can access some amazing fish. If you attempt this be very careful as these flows will take you to the next bend before you know it. Attractor patterns of all sorts have been serving us well on the Lower Owens in all popular nymphs. Streamers can be used in the correct scenario at these healthy early summer flow rates. Some dry fly activity is noted as there are Yellow Sallies around. The Lower Owens will undoubtedly show us some amazing fishing when her flows have subsided to a more normal rate.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA at 760-873-0010 for more details on the amazing fisheries of the Eastern Sierra or to book a guided trip for individuals and groups.

Lower Owens river rainbow trout caught on a fly

Lower Owens Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 6.12.24

June 12, 2024
, , , Fishing Reports

The Bishop jewel, the Lower Owens River, flowing just outside of Bishop, CA has experienced massive flows recently but is now down to around a fishier flow of around 330 Cubic Feet/second (cfs). We are hearing a rumor that it may be this way for a decent while as repairs are needed far downstream. Of course the fish are taking advantage of this situation and using the lower pressures and flows to explore and become eating machines. We have noted more caddis activity in the area. Aggressive trout have been leaping and chasing caddis adults randomly in the river with some bends and back eddies more active then others. Most of the usual flies will lead to success on the Lower Owens currently. Peridons, Pheasant-Tails, Caddis Worms, Midges and other various attractor flies will find their way into a fishes mouth. Adult versions of Caddis, Mayflies and a few Midges are a good idea to have in the box as well in case of that top water activity beginning to happen right in front of you.

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

trout hooked near Mammoth lakes CA on the upper Owens river

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes CA – 6.10.24

June 10, 2024
, , , Fishing Reports

The fly fishing report on the Upper Owens River has been very consistent. Flowing in between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop CA, this river is always a pleasure to visit. We did have a decent run of cutthroat trout recently, but they are now hard to find and are being replaced by Brown and Rainbow Trout entering the system. Flows are still within fly fishing limits and out trips have been going very well on the Upper O. Expect to fish a mixture of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers if you wish. The bigger fish, of course, will be caught under the waters surface. Small hatches of Mayflies and Caddis can randomly be seen here in there in pretty much all parts of the river. Standard patterns will do the trick here. Flashy attractor nymphs are also ideal to have in the fly box. Peridons, Pheasant Tails variations, Hares ears, and all sorts of Midges will do trick. Fish these in sizes #14-18 for the best chance at success. Dry flies patterns can be : Elk Hair Caddis or similar, Adams, BWO patterns, and various attractors will do the trick. Fish these in sizes #14-18 as well. Streamers can be anything you feel like throwing into the deeper and darker holes. Stay tuned for hopper season to hopefully come shortly!

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

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

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