Fish'N Conditions Update - March 30, 2012
Capt. Tom Loe
April 5, 2012
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Fish'N Conditions Update - March 30, 2012
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. It has been fun while it lasted, however I have to report that the Lower Owens River is going to be on the rise. Conditions have changed as of 3-30-12 and flows are currently at 275cfs below the dam at PV. Recent storms have brought the snowpack up significantly and the LADWP must compensate for this. Will it continue to rise-yup, how much and when is not predictable at this time due to weather changes. We have seen some great caddis activity in the immediate water below the dam at PV, while streamer fishing remains good for larger fish in the drift boat sections. Make sure you have some olive crystal caddis patterns as well as pheasant tails and birds nest for nymphs. #18 elk hair patterns have been good. As the water level increases we will see a drop off for a few days in the emergences as all the aquatic life adjusts to the new levels and water temps.
Upper Owens Update
Hard to figure whats up on the UO these days. One day we spank big numbers and locate multiple large fish, come back a day later and it is tumble weeds and cactus. The snow is totally gone here and access is good. The water can be colored with tannin when it gets warm, however clarity is pretty good overall. The warmer days have a solid BWO hatch beginning around 2 pm. Our best results while guiding have been nymphing with an Under-cator in the deeper runs and pools. SJ worms and roe imitations in the mornings, switch to broken bach midges, flashback PT's, birds nests late morning. Flows are low for this time of year so streamer fishing is tough to get a decent presentation near the fish without spooking them. We have seen a good number of smaller fish the last couple of trips when the bite is on. These fish are moving into the riffle water and tailouts of the pools to feed on the BWO's hatching well after mid-day. #18 blue winged olive patterns fished "on the tail" can be the best way to present an adult riding in the foam here without spooking or lining the fish in short water.
Be the fly,
Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
www.sierradrifters.com
760-935-4250
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