Fish'N Conditions Updated 8-31-2010
Capt. Tom Loe
September 2, 2010
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes to all for this September Fish'N Conditions update. The fall season is approaching as the days shorten and evenings become cooler. The magical changes that trigger trout to feed more often and to become more aggressive begin to occur. The browns begin to stage closer to creek mouths and inlets in lakes and reservoirs and will become increasingly active even during peak sun periods. The fall run rainbows in some areas will also begin to migrate towards the inlets and their already beautiful colors are enhanced as the spawn drawers nearer.
The weather could be described as pleasant & seasonal in August with the long range forecast for September looking to be much the same. There will be periods of windy & cooler weather from time to time, this is normal for September. You can anticipate snow showers this month in the upper elevations, followed by summer like conditions a day or so after. Look for warm days and cool nights in the upper valleys & at elevations above 6000 feet; you will still encounter some hot days down in the Owens Valley and Bridgeport area during periods of high pressure.
The rivers and creeks are flowing nicely with good conditions in most areas with the exception being the Lower Owens River which is near flood and not fishing well. Look for the Upper Owens River to swell in the future as water is released from Grant Lake through the Rush Creek diversion into Crowley. You will see above average flows this fall here.
Click here to see pictures of the super people & the great fish they fooled along with real time flow data in the areas we have been guiding by visiting our website at http://www.sierradrifters.com/fish.htm
Crowley Lake:
After a prolonged period in August of clear water and good fishing, Crowley is experiencing a significant algae bloom once again with some slow fishing. Early mornings have been by far the best with the bite falling off before noon most days. The lake level dropped greatly towards the end of August and the weed lines are currently around 10 feet. The North Arm has had the best water conditions currently; McGee Bay improves especially after a stiff westerly wind. The fish are spread out from 10-16 feet in depth with the most consistent fishing being in the 11-13 foot range in all areas. There are still plenty of perch fry balled up and hiding along the weed lines so have a sinking line and some perch patterns in the #12-16 range. Tubers get out as early as possible; the fish are photosensitive this year. We are also seeing the final hatches of callibaetis #12-14 with a fair showing near the Upper Owens/McGee inlets daily. The chironomids emerge big time with any high pressure and the usual emerger and larva patterns #14-20 are all getting grabs if you find a pocket of fish. Try some broken back articulated midge patterns #16-18 if there is a chop on the water, you will notice a difference. Hang a punk perch and a midge or callibaetis pattern under it to cover the menu this time of year.
The DFG has planted a fair amount of sub-catchable rainbows already and you can't escape them anywhere on the lake. Still water nymphers are going crazy because of the numerous takes one can get without actually setting the hook. The dinks are tough to hook and will drive you nuts at times if you get into a school of them.
Upper Owens River:
Fair numbers of planted and smaller wild fish throughout the entire river with an occasional large rainbow showing up to keep you on your toes. Most nymph combos are working well; keep the bugs in the #16-20 range. The deeper holes will require more weight and are better suited to fish using an Under-Cator strike indicator. The riffles and tailouts will also hold fish at times and a Stimulator/sofa pillow used as the dry with a small bead head midge or flashback PT #16-20 will get you grabs. The area below the Benton Bridge has fair numbers of stockers that will also hit streamer patterns with a light sinking tip line. Loebergs/Spruce-a-Bu's here #8-10. There are strong caddis hatches as well as a large amount of hoppers along the grassy banks. If you prefer dry fly fishing this is a good time of year to get them on top. Water conditions are very good currently.
Hot Creek:
Getting tougher, but still good in the deeper sections that do not have weeds protruding on the surface. Caddis emergers, para midges, & hoppers on the surface, small midges and PT's #20-22 for nymphing.
Bridgeport Reservoir:
Excellent for numbers in Buckeye Bay. The fish are stacked in the flats and channels in this section seeking out the cooler water. Not a lot of bigs showing recently but steady action until around noon. Perch fry patterns, broken back midges, & flashback PT's seem to be consistent with the good old tiger, zebra, and gillies working as well.
Check out the pic of Jeffery from the marina on his horse at the Bridge on the website & you can see why so many people like the laid back atmosphere here.
East Walker River:
Conditions will improve here as the month rolls on and the flows begin to decrease further. 250-275 cfs currently. The lower side has been better for sure so check the real time flow link we have provided before you drive up. At these releases some sections are difficult to wade & cross. Well weighted tandem nymph rigs using midges, leeches, PT's and San Juan worms #14-22 under an indicator are solid choices. Use smaller sizes in the short or slower water; tie on the larger ones for the deeper pools and faster runs or riffles. The fish will not discriminate as much in faster water flows and the larger flies display a better profile to be seen. Casting perch and chub imitations with a sinking tip line in the lower light times of day can also get a "leviathan" to come out from the deep or a cut bank. The water has that typical late summer tint of green to it as Bridgeport spills the algae colored water from the outlet. Early mornings are best currently, but if we get an extended cooling off period, look for the bite to begin later. I am really looking forward to this fall here for sure, it will be great!
Lower Owens River:
The flood like flows coming down the LO currently are carving out the pools & depressions that we will find "troutzilla" holding in this fall and winter.
Ya gots ta ra-member people…Fish reports are based on what has already happened for the most part. We had a saying while I was engaged in the commercial fishing business; "make the news dude, don't hear about it!" Book your drift trip now for this fall, it will be good.
West Walker River:
Great reports from the planted sections like Pikel Meadows, Chris Flats, etc…The flows are great with plenty of water in the riffles and pocket water in the canyon. Streamers in the larger pools or a hopper & dropper bead head rig in the slower water. I always like olive zebras or tiger midges here. Good caddis activity on the warmer days as well, with a fair amount of hoppers along the meadow section. Stimulators are a very good hopper imitation & will float a bead head well.
San Joaquin River:
Good conditions and September looks to be better. The extended high water this summer kept pressure off the SJ longer than normal so look for some fun times as the fall rolls on. Most attractor dries work well; Royal Coachman's & Wolfe's, Humpies, Renegades, (have not heard that one from me yet have ya) here as well as most Mayfly and caddis imitations in the #14-18 range. Use a dry/dry combo with the upper fly one- three sizes larger for spotting purposes in the faster water or runs with shadows on the water which can decrease visibility on your smaller target fly patterns.
Adobe Pond:
We will be out on Dobe in September and the conditions look to be excellent. Strong caddis and midge activity with the last solid hatches of callibaetis emerging. This is a wonderful place to sight fish for wild browns on private water. Call or email us for booking info.
Loe Pond-otherwise known as "Jurassic Pond" due to the monstrous trout that live here. Check out the pic of Doug R and a Camp Campbell YMCA young'N that captured one of the beasts here recently. The Drifters Guide team hosted the YMCA Camp Campbell youth group recently.
Alpine Lakes:
All in great shape with a good jag of fish to be planted for the Labor Day Holiday I hear. Streamers work well with a full sinking line near drop-offs and inlets.
Eagle Lake fall update:
The fish are moving back into the shallow water hunting down the Tui Chubs that have schooled on the flats recently. The Pelican Pt. area has consistent concentrations in 4-8 feet. Agent Orange and Vanderleeches #12-16 work well this time of year. As the water temps cool, look for increased activity in the north end of the lake. The water levels are low but the launch ramp @ Spalding is still capable of floating most anything that gets towed up and access to the lake is not an issue.
Dates are still available for the fall trip, please call or email us for slots & info.
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Be the fly...Tom Loe
www.sierradrifters.com
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