FISHING REPORT >>
A Guides point of view on Eastern Sierras Hot Spots
September 15th Fishing Report
September is here! The month we've been waiting for however its brought a few surprises. Fishing is excellent. Water temps have dropped and fish are on the feed. Fall is in the air and the trout know this.
The Eastern Sierra area has been dealing with smoke caused by the Creek Fire on the West slope. As a wind event is present over the next few days we will have to keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.
Our Team of guides are on the water with or without clients daily, and are constantly doing the research to ensure you have an unmatched experience.
We have open dates in the coming weeks and would love to have you out on the water!
For Flies, Fishing gear or licenses make sure to go by Ricks Sport Center in Mammoth Lakes!
Crowley Lake
Midges: Albino Baron, Copper Tiger, Fillmore Midge, Albino Pupa
Streamers: Hula Damsel, Rickards Callibaetis, Black Leeches, Balanced Damsel, Balanced Pheasant tail
Crowley Lake has been kicking out some of the best fishing so far this year. Water temps on the lake have dropped and this has triggered the fish to feed aggressively. With the opportunity to move into shallow cool water these fish are feeling the presence of Fall and they are ready to pack on the pounds.
We have been dealing with smoke from the Creek Fire which is unpleasant at best. However some days we have found relief with certain wind directions. While these winds are somewhat predictable its hard to say what conditions might be beyond the 3 day range. That being said we are running trips for willing guests. If you have any interest in getting in on some of the best Fall fishing around we encourage a phone call and would love to talk about all that the area has to offer. Photos are from the past week of fishing and the clearer days that we have experienced.
Report by Jason Christian.
East Walker River
Flows: 82.2 CFS
Dries: Mercers Missing Link, Yellow Sally, Fat Albert, Sparkle PMD, Chubby Chernobyl
Nymphs: Barr's Pmd emerger, Radiation baetis, Mercers Poxyback Pmd , GTI Caddis, Fox poppah, Split Case PMD, Solitude Stone, Pats Rubber Leg, Cdc pheasant tail
Streamers: Sculpzilla, Cravens Double Gonga, Slumpbuster, Meat Whistle
The water temps are on their way down and it's time to start fishing the EW again. Being observant of hotter days and water temps should still be practiced. If you happen to end up there on a warm day take advantage of early morning fishing and when things warm up, call it a day. Flows are adequate for fishing but can change daily. Pay attention and save yourself a drive by checking out real time date from the LADWP web page. If flows drop below 60 cfs with warm temps its time to back off again. I
We are very excited and looking forward to spending time on one of the best tailwater fisheries in California with you! If you haven't came and fished the east walker it is a must and will definitely have you coming back.
Lower Owens River
Flows: 588 cfs
Dries: x-2 caddis, Mercers Missing Link, Sparkle Pmd, Extended body pmd
Nymphs: Hogans S&M Nymph, Caddis Pupa, Rainbow Warrior, Caddis Larva, Cdc Pheasent Tail
Streamers: Pheasant Rump buggers, Rj Special, Zoo Cougar, Matuka, Gray/Silver Buggers
The Lower Owens flows are back up as LADWP is moving water out of crowley and down through the long valley area. Look for the flows to be high for the next few weeks. We will be watching the flows and will be back on the lower when flows permit.
Upper Owens River
Flows: 61 CFS Above HC Confluence
66 CFS Below HC Confluence
Dries: Stalcups hopper, Parachute hopper, Mercers Missing Link, Extended body pmd
Nymphs: Poxyback Pmd , Solitude Jig Pmd, Rainbow Warrior , Zebra Midge
Streamers: Muddler Minnow, Seal Buggers, Olive Zonker, Simi-Seal leeches
The hoppers have created a feeding frenzy throughout times in the day! The upper o has been a blast the past few weeks, with fish consistently looking up. Caddis & pmd's have also been on the trout's menu in the mornings. As the wind picks up its time to put on the hopper and have some fun. Hopper dropper fishing has also been providing some solid action during windless periods. This action should continue for the next couple of weeks! The upper has also been a great option for a combo trip starting on Crowley in the morning and finishing the day on the upper for some great hopper fishing.
Hot Creek
Special Regulations: Barbless Artificial, Catch and Release Only. PLEASE DO NOT WADE!
Flows: 6 cfs
Dries: Hackle stacker BWO, Mercers Missing Link, Hot Creek Caddis
Nymphs: Iron Lotus, Walts Worm, Mercers Micro May, Hot Spot Scud, BTS, Zebra midge
Streamers: Muddler Minnow, Matuka, Balanced Leeches
Hot Creek is back!
Fishing on the creek has continued to impress. There is no need to get up at sunrise in order to “catch the hatch.”
Make your breakfast, sip your coffee and stroll down at a reasonable hour. You will find midges and beatis working if you happen to be an early riser. As the morning progresses, take note of the hopper activityty and rig yourself up a classic hopper / dropper rig. Drop a hot creek caddis emerger as your bottom fly and you will not be disappointed. There are abundant healthy smaller fish to keep you entertained while you search for some bigger targets. 5x will work on the surface while using larger patterns like a hopper but if you choose to downsize match that tippet with 6x fluorocarbon. Keep your eyes peeled for PMD’s as fish will definitely key in on these when present. Over all Hot Creek has been fishing great. It’s definitely worth the stop. Remember to check out Ricks Sports Center for the best fly selection in the Mammoth Lakes area. Their knowledgable staff will provide you with the right recipe.
Pyramid Lake, Nevada
Currently closed will re-open October 1st
Flies: Balanced Leeches , Midges, Mahalo Nymph, Booby Flies, Beetles, Buggers, Game-Changer
Lets get out on the Lake and Search for your next Giant when the Lake Re-Opens!
If you would like to come out and experience this World Class Fishery, or have any questions regarding Trip Details or Accommodations Contact me by Phone at (951) 764-7146
