Fish'N Conditions June 10th 2013
Capt. Tom Loe
June 17, 2013
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Crowley Lake
Phil the trowtdude says Big Hilton, Sandy Pt., Layton Springs, & Crooked Creek are all hot spots now and the catching has been pretty good. 13-20 feet. The fish are holding deep this year so still water nymphing can be tough casting those long leaders. You will find a big mix of fish sizes this year and all three species can be caught-rainbows, browns, & cutthroats. The Sacramento Perch are also on their redds especially around Layton and Sandy Pt. The lake is currently dropping and is down a foot from its high point already-only up 9 feet from its low last October. There is some algae around now so keep those flies clean. Gillies, crystal emergers, & chironomid pupa patterns #18-20 are solid upper flies. Use crystal tigers & zebras as the lower #16-18. If you have some texture on the water I like the articulated broken back tiger midge patterns. The Crowley General Store and Deli (Shell gas station too) has a full Drifters fly box and Under-cators along with some great breakfast and lunch specialties. Watch out for those afternoon T-storms, they are in the forecast for a while.
East Walker River
Flows are up to a perfect 150cfs. The calmer days have great mayfly and midge activity with surface opportunities in the tail outs and riffle water. PT's, birds nest (assassins), broken back zebras & tigers, olive crystal caddis larva-#14-20 good for nymphing.
Upper Owens River/McGee Creek
We saw above average numbers of 10-14 inch cutts and rainbows that migrated up from Crowley; however the spring migration is ending and the fish are moving back into the lake from the tribs. Nymphing with flashback PT's, Assassins, olive zebras, SJ worms and egg patterns-will all get grabs. Flows are just right and running at 110cfs. If the wind is ripp'n use a streamer with a light sinking tip and the "dip & strip" method along the cut banks. Caddis activity picking up on the calmer/warmer days. A dry dropper bead head is always a good choice here when you have some snouts poking up. Stimulators #14-16 have great floatation and a close enough profile to adult caddis flies to get grabs.
Bridgeport Reservoir
Jeffery has pulled the boat docks at the marina due to low water. The RV Park & store remain open and is a great place to stay while in the area. Call them directly for fishing and boat launching options. Contact numbers are on the resources page.
Middle Owens River
300 cfs. is not considered to be a blow out here, however it is on the high side for wading and access to the wild trout section. The Owens Valley has been very hot shutting down the bite by mid-morning. Fish the early mornings and late afternoons, Phil says it has been slow on recent trips here. Use adequate weight to get your rigs down-2 AB shot is possible in some pools and runs. I suggest plenty of flash in you nymph patterns also. Olive crystal zebra or caddis patterns work great this time of year as the point fly, #16-20. Heavy sink tips, Loebergs or #10-12 punk perch are best right now. Lots of sucker fry around.
Hot Creek
As good as it will get this summer. Good caddis and mayfly activity with very good water conditions. Fish small midge or mayfly emerger patterns, soft hackles swung through the slots and across larger pockets can also be deadly. SJ worms & attractors will also fool finicky fish that have seen it all.
San Joaquin
Road is now open to Reds Meadow, this is early and flows will be high but not blown out. Dry fly attractors like Stimulators, Sofa Pillows, Trudes, Royal Wolfes, Humpies-all good calls right now. Focus on the softer water and meadow sections. Look for a great July through early September.
Dry fly fishing for wild trout on the San Joaquin has been great, nymphing the Upper Owens, drift boating the Lower Owens and tubing Crowley Lake also very productive for fly fishers here in the Sierra.
Alpine Lakes
Keep an eye out for those afternoon T-storms and gusty winds. The warm weather has improved fishing in all alpine regions. I suggest full sinking lines and streamers that have red or orange built in. 15 feet is a good depth to start along drop-offs and flow areas.
The Gorge/Pleasant Valley Reservoir
Flows continue to be higher than normal but have dropped from the middle turbine to PV powerhouse to 100cfs. 36cfs above the middle according to LADWP sources. Very fishable and a good option to escape crowds if you do not mind the hike. Dries can crush them this time of year, caddis and mayfly imitations #16-18. At 100 cfs some pools will require an indicator and weight to get those nymphs down. If it gets warm look out for snakes and stinging nettle. PV is also fishing well for tubers near the inlet when the powerhouse in generating. The inlet section is high but will be good when they shut down. Caddis, Mayflies, and chironomids all on the menu here.
I apologize for the lack of updates and new pictures on my report. I have been guiding Eagle Lake in Lassen County since late May and will not be returning until mid-July. Doug R. has a few days in mid-June open here, give us a call if you want to fish this incredible rainbow trout still water. I have guides open for all your favorite areas in the Eastern Sierra.
Thanks for reading my report, be the fly….Tom Loe, Sierra Drifters Guide Service
www.sierradrifters.com
760-935-4250
Tom Loe & Sierra Drifters is under permit from the Inyo National Forest Service to guide Hot Creek and the San Joaquin River
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