September update: Eastern Sierra Fall Fishing & Pyramid Lake Opener Outlook

Sam Vasily

Sep 3

3 min read

Happy clients smiling on Crowley lake after a guide trip

It’s hard to believe we’re already into September. The days are getting a little shorter, the nights are getting cooler, and you can definitely feel fall starting to show up in the Eastern Sierra. This is one of my favorite times of year to be fishing here. The summer crowds start to thin out, the temperatures become more comfortable, and the trout start to really respond to the changing conditions. If you’ve been thinking about getting out for a fall fishing trip, now is a great time to start planning. I still have some dates open in September, before heading back to Pyramid.

Client smiling with a large rainbow trout on Crowley lake

Eastern Sierra Fall Fishing

The Eastern Sierra has been fishing great this summer, and the recent cooler weather has the trout starting to transition into their fall patterns.

Crowley Lake has continued to produce some really good fish, with larger rainbows,cutthroat and browns showing up consistently. As the water cools, I expect the fishing to continue improving throughout September.

The tributary channels and areas where cooler water is entering the lake have been holding good numbers of fish. Chironomids, perch fry, balanced leeches, callibaeits and damsel patterns have all been productive, and we should start seeing more aggressive feeding as fall conditions settle in.

The Upper Owens, has started to see some migratory fish show up from the lake but numbers will increase as the month goes on. The East Walker is back in action with the cooler weather, and the flows are great. If you want to do some river fishing this fall this is the place to be, while flows allow. Rember the CA side closes Nov 15th, with the new regs. Early mornings have been the best time to take advantage of the cooler water.

One of the best things about September in the Sierra is that you can usually find a little bit of everything. Great flows on the rivers, less crowds, good stillwater opportunities on Crowley, there are plenty of ways to spend a day on the water.

And if you like throwing streamers, this is the time of year I really start looking forward to it.

Pyramid Lake Opens October 1st!

two giant Lahontan cutthroat held up by smiling clients

The countdown is officially on.

Pyramid Lake's season opens October 1st, and I’m already looking forward to getting back out on the lake. The fly boxes are getting refilled, new fly lines are going on the reels and I am ready to get back out and show you this World Class Fishery. After spending the summer guiding throughout the Eastern Sierra, it's always exciting to point the boat north and start chasing Pyramid's giant

Lahontan Cutthroat again.

Client fighting a Lahontan cutthroat trout 8wt rod is bent to cork

The early season at pyramid is always one of the best times to be on the water. The fish have had 3 months with no fishing pressure and have been gourging themselves on large schools of tui-chub! Streamer fishing on the large schools of bait is our focus during this time of year! It's highly effective, and provides exhilarating grabs and hard pulling fish that cork the 8wt's. Pyramid is a huge lake, and one of the biggest advantages of fishing from the boat is being able to cover water and adjust throughout the day. We also are able to get you to areas that are not accessible for shore anglers or float tubes.

I still have a few early season days open and will be offering afternoon/evening trips for the first few weeks of the season as well. The Fishing remains great all day and the afternoon/evening trips will be very productive.

The Giants Are Waiting

A 25lb Lahontan cutthroat with client and guide smiling

The last couple of Pyramid seasons have produced some absolutely incredible fish, including numerous trout over 25 pounds and several fish pushing well beyond that mark. The Pilot Peak strain of Lahontan Cutthroat has made Pyramid famous around the

world, and every season there is always the possibility of connecting with a fish that you'll remember for the rest of your life. That’s what keeps me coming back.

Whether you're an experienced Pyramid Lake angler or you've never fished the lake before, October/November is a great time to get started. The landscape is incredible, the trout are huge, and every day on the water brings the possibility of something special.

Looking Ahead

September is going to be a great month in the Eastern Sierra, and then on October 1st I switch gears and head back to Pyramid Lake. I'll be guiding throughout the Eastern Sierra through September and then running Pyramid Lake trips throughout the upcoming season.

If Pyramid Lake has been on your bucket list, now is the time to start thinking about getting a date on the calendar. The October and early-season calendar is almost all the way full with only a few days left.