Eastern Sierra Fish'N Conditions June 2010
Capt. Tom Loe
June 13, 2010
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Fish'n Conditions - Updated 6/10/10
Howdy friends and clients of Sierra Drifters, Two Bug Doug & Fill here are filling in while Tom and Doug-R are up at Eagle Lake fighting big Rainbows. Click on www.sierradrifters.com/fish.htm to see all the pictures for this report.
Crowley Lake:
Fish on the "chew" at Crowley particularly when you see a prolific midge hatch coming off. Sandy Point the hot spot at this time. Try Big Hilton, Layton Springs, Six Bays, and Sometimes Bay if you don't get the desired results at Sandy. The 12 to 15 foot depth seems to be to the desired feeding area for our finny friends. As far as the flies go the Sierra Drifters' broken back series seem to be effective particularly if there is a bit of a chop on the water to get that tail a wigglin'. Either grey or black midge larva/pupal style flies seem to work on any given day so tie one of each on and let the trout tell you which they prefer. If that doesn't work, heck, just go to Tom's Place and "tie one on" there ! Perch people, and you know who you are, please be aware that there has been a new regulation change regarding Sacramento Perch. New reg. states that the limit is now a combined bag limit of 25 crappie and sunfish of all species and they are including Sacramento Perch in the sunfish category. A bit confusing I know and I will seek further clarification for the next fish report, just be aware there has been a change in the number you can keep and possess.
Lower Owens River:
In a word, erratic. On the 6th of June the flow was at 562 cfs (cubic feet per second) and now the 10th of June flow, at 386 cfs. I prefer somewhere in the 175-200 cfs range. Quite frankly I would take my posterior elsewhere at this time. The possibility of "floating your hat" very high if you attempted to wade the lower "O" at this time. Check the link to DWP flows above for current (no pun intended) rate.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Fishing has been great on the Reservoir if your in a float tube using full sing lines and streamer patterns as this report was from one of my clients that fished Crowley with me this last week. He said it was off the hook, him and his friend tugged streamer patterns all day producing 80 fish plus to the net. If you have never fly fished from a float tube then your missing out on a exciting way to catch our Sierra trout. I spend much time in my float tube fishing my favorite still water fisheries in the sierras, and Pleasant Valley Reservoir has great opportunities for some sure bet catching. If you might be interested in learning how to fish from a float tube and get hooked up to fish, you can simply book a day with me and you will have a fun and exciting day learning this method. Two Bug.
East Walker River:
East Walker flows have been holding steady at around 188-192cfs, fishing here has been good to great. Fishing is prime with these flows , and fish are moving in the riffle water as the day and water warms up. With most of the other waters being effected by the snow melt , the controlled flow release from Bridgeport Reservoir has not effected the clarity of the water, so fishing the E.W. has been the best place to fish if you seek moving water. But also be aware of the crowds on the miracle mile as it's no secret that this is the best water to fish this time of the season. I will always say, when the mile gets crowded, leave and go down river to less pressured fish which could give you some good opportunities of catching quality fish. Nymphing should be good as long as your flies are getting down to the fish with enough weight. Use baetis emergers and midge patterns as your bottom flies, with some larger patterns such as stoneflies or worm imitations as your top fly.
Hot Creek:
As the weather warms and the mountain snow begins to melt, flows are pushing 180-200cfs, which is raging waters for Hot Creek. Water clarity is a big issue as the day goes on. Fish are holding in the calm areas of the creek. If you so desire to fish Hot Creek at these conditions, then make the proper adjustments that will increase your chances of hooking fish here, such as more weight to get those flies down to the fish, and use flash back nymph patterns in sizes 14-18 that these fish can see in the muddy water. Anglers that will be fishing Hot Creek, your window of opportunity is 7am-11am , as the day gets warmer the run off will increase making it tougher to catch fish.
Adobe Pond:
Dobe' is fish'N well with great conditions this spring. The wind has hampered some trips but overall it has been really fun with good numbers. The all wild browns are larger on average this season running about 11 inches. This is an excellent dry dropper, dry fly sight casting fishery that is private water we are honored to have the rights to guide. I do not suggest this for beginners as you need to cast 30-40 feet to be effective. We guide Adobe from a drift boat. Adobe Pond is a gorgeous secluded location 45 minutes drive from Mammoth Lakes airport nestled at the base of the Glass Mountains on the eastside. Call or email us for details and bookings please. Click on the Adobe Ranch Tab at the top of the page for more info.
Crowley Tribs: Upper Owens, McGee, Convict, Hilton, Whiskey
Upper Owens
The River is in full snow run off mode. Fishing will remain tough for sometime until snow melt slows down. Water is high, muddy and also very slippery which can be very unsafe. So if you choose to fish the Upper O at this time, you should have the river to your self pretty much.....be safe!!!.
The Gorge:
If you like to get off the "beaten path" the Gorge may be your cup of tea. Dry /dry or dry dropper nymph rigs should get you some grabs. Fishing the Gorge requires some hiking and or rock hoppin' which by the way, reduces the crowd factor. Access getting a bit difficult in some places as the shrubbery starting to fill in which also limits casting. Bring some extra flies.
Bridgeport Reservoir:
Latest report has the water level increasing daily which bodes well for July and August. Currently fishing the ledge by the marina (towards Buckeye) with still water nymphing technique as well as tuggin' darker colored streamers with some red incorporated in said streamers, working well. Rainbow Point as well as the public launch area also producing. Check with Jeffery at the marina for more details. He can be reached at (760) 932-7001 I can attest to the fact that he is one swell fellow.
Fly Fishing Clinics for Beginners and Intermediates:
If you or someone you know wants to learn the basics of fly casting, knot tying, and the fundamentals of wet and dry fly fishing from full time fly fishing professionals, here is a great opportunity!
We will be conducting casting and knot tying clinics located at Sierra Drifters beautiful private trophy pond overlooking Crowley Lake at McGee Creek this summer. You may enroll for the pond session in addition to an on the water instructional seminar for the second day.
These clinics were a big hit last year and we had high marks from those who attended the classes. We are adding additional dates for this season and have greatly reduced the cost thanks to last years demand. The four hour clinics cost $100.00 per person/day.
Day one will focus on rigging your fly rod and essential knot tying, emphasis for day one clinics will be hands on instruction of several basic casts. It is intended for entry level fly fishers, but the instructors can tailor your individual needs. You will not need a license at the Drifter's trophy pond. Bring your 4-6wt fly rod and reel with a floating line and we supply the rest!
Day two will take place on the water and covers basic rigging methods, how to read water and "entomology made easy" so you can figure out what flies to use and when. Instruction on how to properly fight and safely release a fish will also be covered. Emphasis will be on presentations and location along a stream or river. A license is required for this class and is not covered in the cost. You will also need a fly rod and reel, a vest with some basic tools, strike indicators and leader material, we supply the flies. We can supply all you need for both classes for an additional minimal fee.
You may choose a single day if you wish, and we will limit the classes to five students per guide to insure you get excellent personal instruction. These classes are a great way to learn the basics of fly fishing by pros at a very affordable cost. 2010 dates available are: June 18&19 (single opening only), July 2&3, 16&17, 30&31, August 13&14, 27&28, September 3&4. Please contact us by phone or email for more details and enrollment; we can customize family or group clinics to suit your needs.
Thank you for taking the time to read our report.
Be the fly friends…
Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
www.sierradrifters.com
760-935-4250
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