Upper Owens River Fly Fishing

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes CA – 4.1.25

March 31, 2025
, , , , , Fishing Reports

As spring sets in, the upper Owens River above Benton Crossing Bridge and down the hill from Mammoth Lakes offers some challenging but rewarding fishing conditions. Recent rains and melting snow have left the dirt roads leading to the river in a muddy state once the day warms the frozen roads. For anglers planning to access the river, a 4×4 or all wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. It’s easy to get stuck in the mud if you’re not mindful of the slippery conditions to come when the sun gets high, so make sure to pay attention to where you end up parking.

While the height of the trophy rainbow trout run has long passed, anglers may still encounter a few giants. To increase your chances, focus on deep holes, cut banks, and fast-moving runs where larger fish tend to linger. We also look forward to the next run of spring fish which swim up the Upper Owens late April on into May.

Fish the usual flies mixing up attractor patterns with more exact imitations: Sizes #12 – 18 in various Midges, San Juan Worm variations, Soft Hackles, P-Tails, and Paradons. For adults on the water fish BWO’s, Caddis and a few small attractor patterns will cover the small fish rising to the surface.

Call or text the STM Fly Shop for more info or to book a guided trip 760-873-0010

www.sierratroutmagnet.com

@stm_fly_fishing on Instagram

Upper Owens River Fly Fishing Report : Mammoth Lakes CA – 1.29.25

January 29, 2025
, , , , , , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens River is experiencing an unseasonably dry January with no snow on the ground, making access easier than usual for this time of year. Mornings remain cold, but temperatures warm up in the afternoons, keeping water temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s. Despite the changing conditions, some big migratory trout from Crowley Lake are still holding in the system, particularly in deeper pools and undercut banks. While their numbers are beginning to thin out, the fish that remain are impressive, with some reaching the mid to high 20-inch range. Resident fish are also active, though feeding is sporadic throughout the day.

Anglers are finding success with nymphing techniques, using patterns like gummy San Juan Worms, Prince Nymphs, Zebra Midges, and Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails in sizes 14-18. Streamers such as small Sculpin patterns, Olive or Black Woolly Buggers, and Zonkers fished low and slow are also producing solid results. While dry fly action is minimal, occasional Blue-Winged Olive style hatches can occur during the warmest part of the afternoon.

For the best chances at landing a trophy fish, focus on deep runs and slower-moving water, where migratory fish tend to hold. Euro nymphing and indicator nymphing have been particularly effective. Given the clear water and low flows, a stealthy approach is key to success.

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

WWW.SIERRATROUTMAGNET.COM

@stm_fly_fishing on Instagram

Mammoth Fly Fishing : Upper Owens River – June 2, 2010

June 2, 2010
, , Fishing Reports

The Upper Owens lies about 35 minutes north of Bishop just short of Mammoth. As stated before a few fish seem to be arriving every day, some are very big fish! Some anglers are doing well and some come back with fishermans tales of the big one that got away. With this weather the flows have increased some 30% in the past two days possibly allowing for some numbers of trout to roll up the Upper Owens from the famous trout infested Crowley lake. For bugs try; Prince Nymphs, Robo Pheasant Tails, Pheastant Tails, and Copper Johns in #’s 16-18 Ice Cream Cone Midges and Chironocones in red, olive and black and in #’s 18-20 are also prime bug choices. Large streamers fished correctly by undercut banks can also bring out the meat! Fish your favorite streamer and get it down to them! I will be on the Upper Owens in the next couple of days and I will update here if things drastically change.