 |
Eastern Sierras
Capt. Tom Loe
March 10, 2003
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
March 2003 Eastern Sierra Fishing Report
March 9, 2003
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes to all of you for this early March fish report from the Eastern Sierra.
The pleasant weather is continuing here on the eastern slope of the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. This pattern has provided the foundation for some excellent fly-fishing opportunities on the Lower Owens River. The forecast is calling for a cooling trend with a slight chance of some precipitation by the end of the week. We are certainly hoping this region gets more rainfall than it has. The snow pack is currently below normal in this region. So much for El Nino!
Fishing has improved substantially since our last update with consistent good scores of trout being caught and released on both streamers and dry flies. The big news is the first substantial caddis hatches of the year. The water temperature has warmed into the upper 40’s and low 50’s and the fish have responded aggressively with pattern feeding on the numerous hatches that occur this time of year.
We hope you all get the chance to come up and visit us here in the Eastern Sierra. Dress in layers as it can become winter-like quickly this time of year, however, we suggest you also bring up some shorts and t-shirts. It is common to have 70 plus degrees at times during the day.
There is a catch and keep trout derby (Blake Jones Derby) next weekend that has historically brought an abundant amount of prize seekers to this region. Avoid Pleasant Valley Reservoir, or most of the Owens River that has no special angling regulations if you want to avoid the masses.
It would be nice to see this event, or others like it, sponsor a prize for the angler that could remove the most trash (as opposed to trout) such as Styrofoam worm containers, glass stink bait jars, coils of discarded monofilament, beer cans and fast food bags.
Much of the recreational areas along the Lower Owens River have NO maintenance program, or regulatory body to oversee the removal of trash. Large influxes of “angling enthusiasts” traditionally have left the remains of their adventures along or in the river. It would be great to see the organizers and participants of these events leave the river cleaner or at least as clean a state as it was prior to the derbies.
Lower Owens River: Good-excellent
The great weather, consistent flows of 125 cfs and the longer, warmer days have all contributed to the increased feeding activity of the trout. The lower sections of the river are having significant caddis hatches that start around 1:30 and end about 3 p.m. Expect this cycle to move slowly up river and the wild trout section should have strong caddis within a week or so if the current weather and water flows remain relatively constant. Water temperatures are in the upper 40’s and low 50’s at this time. The baetis mayflies are still coming off, but this hatch is in its waning stages and will become less significant shortly. The cloudy days are by far the key to successful outings with baetis imitations.
Nymphing with #18-22 midge larva and #16-20 flashback P.T.’s or bird’s nest patterns will get grabs in the morning. We have been whacking the rainbows with our mosquito fish imitation called the “Loeberg.” A few days ago Jeff Parker from Fallbrook Ca. and friend Brian Wiprud from Brooklyn N.Y. had their first experience using the “dip and strip” method while being guided from our drift boat on the Lower Owens River. Brian and Jeff caught and released 68 rainbows and browns fishing streamers in the morning and switching to caddis dries in the afternoon. Nice going guys, way to strip set those rascals!
Using soft hackles #10-14 in conjunction with a sinking tip line and swinging the fly along the feeding lanes will also get grabs this time of year as the fish are keying on the emerging caddis that are swimming to the top.
Orange County Fly Fishers Shawn McDaniel and partner Jim Wright hit some nice sized fish while on a float with us recently, with Shawn landing a chunky rainbow for big fish honors.
Ron Guidone and son Nico returned to see if Nico could once again best another huge fish this winter. No monsters this trip, but the dry fly action proved to be the highlight of the trip and Ron had a blast fishing #18 B.W.O.’s during the hatch.
Check out the pictures of these folks and others by visiting our website at http://www.sierradrifters.com
You may purchase our guide flies at these fine fly fishing shops: Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego, Malibu Fishing Tackle in Thousand Oaks and The Troutfitter in Mammoth Lakes.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir: Very Good
This area has been recently planted with both D.F.G. rainbows and Alpers trout. You should have no trouble getting into fish in most sections of this area. Tubers will have an advantage on the weekends as they can fish the far side and middle sections of the reservoir proper. Pull streamer patterns with some crystal flash and red incorporated into the design and have a heavy or full sinking line to get your fly down at least 15 feet for best action. The launch ramp and dam sections are best. Stick to the shadows on the far side.
The inlet area has been good also with a dry/dropper combo or pulling streamers with a type 3 or 4 sinking tip line of 15 feet or less. Use our crystal tigers or zebras in this area under a Stimulator #14-16 and fish the softer water just below the riffles.
You will not want to be anywhere near this area next weekend if you are not involved in the trout derby!
The Gorge: Excellent
Crowds are light in this area most of the time as it takes an effort to hike into the less pressured water. Solid hatches of baetis mayflies are still coming off each day and just about any decent #16-18 mayfly imitation with an olive or gray body will get grabs. Upstream presentations are crucial, as is a quiet approach. Hit the pool like “Clark Griswold” and you will not even see a trout.
This is the place to fish next weekend if you are planning a trip.
Update:
We are pleased to announce an addition to our team here at Sierra Drifters Guide Service. Mickey Baron will be guiding clients on his 21’ Champion (Fish Magnet) flats boat. Mickey has extensive knowledge of Crowley Lake as he has been working as the assistant manager for the fish camp for numerous seasons. He has a wonderful personality and great sense of humor, as well as excellent skills for teaching beginning fly fishers the fundamentals of casting and stillwater nymphing techniques. Come say hi to Mick at the fish camp after the opener on April 26th.
Sierra Drifters Guide Service is also pleased to announce that we will have a new flats boat on the water this season. A 24’ Champion that has been custom made especially to meet the needs of larger groups 3-4 anglers on Crowley Lake. The new “Fish Magnet” will be on the water for the opener, come say hi and check it out.
Be the fly…Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
Email [email protected]
www.sierradrifters.com
Phone 760-935-4250
More Fishing Reports:
|
|
|
|
