Fish'n Conditions April 8, 2013
Capt. Tom Loe
April 11, 2013
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Fly fishing the Middle Owens near Bishop and Mammoth Lakes CA. has been very good.
Spring fish'n conditions could not get much better around Mammoth and Bishop these days. The mild winter has kept river flows reduced on all of the year around fisheries and access to them is very good. The general trout season opener is just around the next bend, and if current weather patterns remain look for an excellent opener with several areas accessible that are historically closed during the start of the season. You will observe low water levels to begin the season on Crowley and Bridgeport Reservoirs; however they will not negatively impact the beginning of the season and should actually help early season fishers do better. Early thaws & mild air temps on both bodies of water will elevate water temps inducing excellent chironomid hatches right off. The 2013 season is shaping up to be a near carbon copy of last year with respect to flows and lake levels. The fall season may have some "skinny" water in areas & just moderate run-off this spring influencing fisheries later than normal. The snow pack is very high and it will take the summer months or warm rain storms to get things melting and affecting the creeks and rivers. Let's hope for a wet summer and strong Monsoon period.
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Middle Owens River
It has been very consistent in most sections of the MO. Stability in water releases have been the rule, and give or take 20cfs we have seen a steady 220-240cfs being released out of Pleasant Valley for an extended period with the word from the LADWP it will continue into the near future. Wading the wild trout section and immediate river below the dam is not difficult, and it has moved the fish out of the deeper pools and into the riffles and tail outs during hatch periods. Speaking of which…we have several to mention. The caddis are becoming more prevalent with each day, use bright green larva and pupa patterns with a dark heads and some flash for nymphs, (one can also use this pattern as a rock worm which is also on the diet here) #16-18-elk or deer hair imitations will suffice for adult profiles #16-18. The pale morning duns (PMD's) are also emerging before noon on the warmer/cloudy days. These rascals are good sized-#14-16 & a flashback PT or birds nest is a good choice for below surface strategies. Use high wings and a more significant tail for the adults. The spinners are falling early on the day after a good hatch. We are seeing the last of the BWO's and they are small #20 now. Streamer fishing has also been good with some nice browns on the prowl. Loebergs and Spruce-a-Bu's have been good selections for me used in conjunction with a heavy sinking tip line. It is rare to have this stable condition on the MO this time of year and I have been told it will hold for a while. Hope you can make it up and fish with us this Spring.
East Walker River
Once again we are talking about below average flows for the time of year. Currently 60cfs. which is s0-s0 but infinitely better than 40cfs here. With the warmer weather and water temps the fish are moving out of the pools and into the riffles and tail outs during hatch periods. Very good chironomid activity on the warmer days, with the mayflies show'n late morning and after lunch. The "miracle mile" has been taken to the wood shed & beaten like an ugly step child lately, check out the Nevada section or work the areas well below the dam for less traffic. Dry/dropper rigs can be very effective under these conditions & will get fish that will not touch a nymph fished under an indicator.
Upper Owens River
Flows have been bumped up to 104 cfs. Clarity is good and this increase will assist migrating fish move out of Crowley. We are seeing some mid-range rainbows moving up from Crowley; however the twenty inch rascals are few and far apart. Fish are scattered and very spooky. I found them holding in some unusual places so turn over every stone and plan on covering a bunch of water to locate pods. Some decent midge and last generation baetis coming off for those who like surface action. Access is good-can't believe how dry it is here, the east side access road will "carbonate" you for the drive in. Pretty bumpy.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir
A recent outing here proved how good this location can be when it gets planted on a regular basis. I would never say it is "too good" however when you get a grab or a fish every cast for over two hours…The river section flowing into the lake is pretty high due to the above average amount of water coming down through the Gorge bypass. Add Rock/Pine Creeks flow, and you have a fair amount of water to attempt wading the brushy section just up from the lake & down from the power house. Some sections are not possible to wade to currently. The lake level is very friendly for access right now and it is in the transition section you will find big numbers of planted rainbows that have moved up to feed on the huge chironomid and mayfly hatches coming off currently. Tubing the lake is also very good using both streamers with full sinks and still water nymphing methods ala Crowley. The Gorge is tough to fish under current conditions, too much water with the vegetation that is typically along the banks being submerged making presentations near impossible.
The Gorge currently has a "flushing flow" and will remain this way for an extended period.
Hot Creek
Good conditions for April. Once again the mild winter does have positives in some areas. Stake out the deeper pools and sections that have less protruding weeds and ye shall prosper. Fish the slots in the weeds with a parachute mayfly or midge adult #18-22. Use a longer, and lighter leader & tippet than you would normally cast. Try building your own (monofilament for surface, fluorocarbon for nymphing) as opposed to a manufactured tapered one. You will see the difference if you use a lighter butt section. Same for nymphing, keep the upper diameters of the leader to a minimum. Try some scuds and SJ worms this time of year, they work well in the deeper pools. ***Tom Loe, Sierra Drifters Guide Service is permitted with the INFS to guide Hot Creek.
Thank you for reading my report.
Be the fly…Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250
www.sierradrifters.com
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