Fly fishing the Lower Owens River

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

October 23, 2024
, , , , , , , , Fishing Reports

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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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

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East Walker River Fly Fishing

East Walker Fly Fishing Report : Bridgeport, CA – 10.20.24

October 20, 2024
, , Fishing Reports

The East Walker River near Bridgeport, California, has been a focal point for anglers, particularly after the incredible early season we experienced earlier this year. However, recent challenges have led us to limit our fishing activities in the area, especially following the unfortunate fish die-off that occurred this past summer.

This die-off has raised concerns about the health of the river’s trophy trout population, prompting us to take a step back and reduce pressure on this vital waterway. As a result, many anglers have opted to explore alternative fishing spots, allowing the East Walker River the opportunity to recover.

Before the summer’s events, the East Walker River showcased some outstanding fishing, with excellent catches reported throughout the early season. Anglers enjoyed successful days on the river, reeling in trophy-sized trout and making lasting memories. The combination of healthy insect hatches and favorable weather conditions created an ideal environment for fishing, leading to high hopes for the rest of the season.

As we look forward, we remain optimistic about the future of the East Walker River. Allowing time for the river to recover will be crucial for restoring its trophy trout population. We encourage anglers to stay informed and be patient, as we all share the responsibility of preserving this precious resource.

In summary, while we may not be fishing the East Walker River as actively right now, our past experiences remind us of its potential. With careful management and consideration for the fishery’s health, we hope to return to this beautiful river soon, ready to enjoy its remarkable fishing opportunities once again.

For more details or to book a guided tour call or text the STM Fly Shop in Bishop at 760 873 0010.

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

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

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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

East Walker River Fly Fishing Report : Bridgeport CA -9.1.24

September 1, 2024
, , Fishing Reports

The infamous trophy trout producer on the outskirts of Bridgeport, CA, the East Walker River is a shadow of its former self as we are well into late summer conditions. The water flowing out of the dam has been texted and deemed anoxic. This term describes an aquatic system lacking dissolved oxygen which is obviously crucial to a trouts survival.

The conditions appeared to only effect the first few miles below the dam as the water as able to oxygenate itself naturally passing over rocks like a natural fish tank bubbler. Unfortunately we need to give the river a good break. Possibly not throwing a fly until April of next year if necessary. However it will be interesting to see what nature has in store for the East Walker this fall. The closure of the East Walker with the general season on November 15th for the winter and early spring will be a much needed rest for this volatile trout fishery.

Call or test the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, CA, for more details on current fisheries or to book a guided tour. 760-873-0010

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East Walker Fly Fishing Report : Bridgeport, CA – 6.14.24

June 14, 2024
, , , Fishing Reports

The fabulous East Walker River Fly Fishing Report has been very positive since its recent opening. Flowing just outside of Bridgeport, CA, this big fish water is doing what its known for. Showing fly anglers some unstoppable and amazing trout on the end of their line with the possibility of a trout of a lifetime! Flows have been turned up recently to the tune of just over 300cfs. This is a necessary flow for the East Walker during this hot wave we are experiencing as the River temperatures will be subdued with a flow of fast and fresh Sierra water. The famous Miracle Mile has been full of over sized rainbow and brown trout these last few weeks. The East Walker experiences a lot of fishing pressure from the Bishop and Mammoth side as well as the Reno and Tahoe areas. Trout here are not easy to take, they require precision and sometimes require undersized flies for the size and weight of fish she contains. Crowds can be a bit annoying at times but clear out after noon usually. Fish various types of San Juan worms, Midges of all sorts and colors, caddis pupae and mayflies as well. Pods of rising fish can be found as well. These are usually eating active adult caddis on the water.

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

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

rainbow trout of the lower owens river

Lower Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Bishop CA – 5.1.24

May 1, 2024
, , , , , , , Fishing Reports

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

Lower Owens Fly Fishing Report : Bishop, CA – 3.12.24

March 12, 2024
, , , , Fishing Reports

The Bishop fly fishing report for the Lower Owens River is nothing but great news! Flows are at absolute prime levels for wading and accessing the river while still retaining enough flow volume to let the wild trout move about the river freely.

Hatches have been tempting us here and there and have been mayflies. Look for this to happen mid-morning to around 12:30. Although not a river wide event one corner can be alive with trout actively eating on the surface with the next corner not seeing any surface activity. Fish classic mayfly patterns in sizes #16 through #18.

As usual the nymphing has been absolutely great. Fishing with an indicator or Euro Style is your option for a great day of wild trout to your net. Most may fly nymph imitations will work when presented correctly. It is the job of the fly angler to figure out how deep to get the Flies and how quickly and how long to appropriate one’s time in certain areas are the keys to success. Our favorite nymphs have been all sorts of paradons, Frenchies, pheasant tail patterns, some caddis worms, and a variety of midges. We have been fishing in sizes #14 through #18.

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

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Upper Owens River rainbow trout on a fly rod

Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report – Mammoth Lakes, CA – 2.12.24

February 12, 2024
, , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens River, just below the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA has received a small blanket of snow which has drifted in a few lower areas but not made a significant impact on accessibility. Patches of grass and sagebrush remain, showing above the recent snowfall. In the morning the landscape is frozen solid and entry is relatively easy as most vehicles with ground clearance will have no problems. It looks like we have some above freezing temps on the way during the day which will make for slippery and gooey conditions as anglers advance on their afternoon departure from the banks of the Upper Owens.

The trout appear to be advancing up the river in better numbers recently. We have been finding a thriving and healthy population of very large trout this early February. They appear to be spread throughout the river system nicely. Appropriate your fishing time in the correct holding water, which will usually be the deepest and darkest parts of the river. This can also be a narrow section of the river where the banks tighten up to a darker slot of running water.

Flies can be a variety of spawning patterns or larger and smaller sized attractor nymphs in sizes #10-18. These can include; various San Juan Worm patterns, Pheasant Tail variations, Soft Hackles, Peridons and Midge patterns just to name a few. Most of the fish we see rising are very small trout trying to sneak in a quick bite, this is not why we come to the Upper Owens River. Streamers can also be a good choice to have along on a second rod. Fish the long seams and undercut banks to create a response. In a river this size this can be done with a sinking or floating fly line setup.

Overall the river is in great condition; with a very healthy big fish population and enough of a cloudy tint to hide us from the fish in this wide open area above and below the main Hot Creek confluence.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop at 760-873-0010 for more details on this dynamic fishery or to book a guided tour for a worthy fish!

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Upper Owens Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes, CA – 12.18.23

December 18, 2023
, , , , , Fishing Reports

Just down the hill from Mammoth Lakes, CA, the notorious meadow stream of the Upper Owens, flowing through the long valley caldera is doing what it does best; supplying fly anglers will very large sized fish. Water is flowing well and very clear above and below the Hot Creek confluence. The very large Crowley Lake trout have made their way up the river and can now be found throughout the entire system in decent numbers. 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!

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

@stm_fly_fishing on instagram to see more photos of amazing Owens River trout.

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