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Eastern Sierras
Capt. Tom Loe
April 5, 2004
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
April 2004 Fishing Report
April 1, 2004
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes to all of you for this early April fish report from the Eastern Sierra.
We are deeply saddened to report the loss of over a dozen unidentified persons who were fly fishing below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir when it collapsed due to the earthquake yesterday. Fortunately we were over ten miles downstream and the torrent had abated greatly when the initial wave hit our section of river. We were able to grab hold of several long horned cows that came floating by (they swim surprisingly well) and we were able to finish the day out “cattle drifting” the Owens. Their horns make excellent rod racks and we also gathered some prime hair off their tails for future fly patterns. APRIL FOOLS!
Some big changes to report this week in regards to the flows on the Lower Owens River. Releases have been increased 100 percent to over 200cfs below the still very much intact dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir. Fishing has suffered this week due to this major change in all areas of the river, especially the drift boat sections. Sources inform us that the flows will remain stable at this release for a while but are expected to increase by mid-April if the current weather patterns continue.
Power generation is currently taking place at the Pleasant Valley Reservoir inlet around the noon hour and we are told the “thing” will be at full blast as early as next week.
The weather has also turned more seasonal and the valley has been buffeted by gusty, erratic winds most of the week. This has not been our most shining week of fishing in recent times. We do anticipate things to stabilize around the weeks end.
Look for a comprehensive forecast pertaining to the general trout season opener (April 24) our next report. We received above average snowfall in the region for the first time in several seasons and this will set the stage for a solid fall season for a change. Look for significant run-off to affect the conditions during June and July. Crowley and Bridgeport Reservoirs will be very good this season, with the East Walker River “rising from the ashes” and once again becoming a destination this summer.
Lower Owens River: Poor, but improving
The flow increases really screwed up some fine fishing this week in all sections of the river. At the current releases (200cfs) fishing will still be very good once the fish adjust to the new levels. Make sure you use sufficient weight to get your nymph rigs down near the bottom. Water temperatures have also dropped about 7-10 degrees (around 50 degrees currently) and this has put the brakes on the caddis hatches for now.
The go to bugs are midge larva patterns like our Drifters crystal tigers and zebras #16-22. The baetis (BWO’s) coming off at the noon hour are #18-20. As successive generations of mayflies emerge they will almost always become smaller. Spinners are present late mornings and then again around dusk.
Things have been tough on the drift boat sections of the river the last several days due to the rising and debris filled, off colored water. Conditions will improve shortly and should be good for next week as the flows stabilize. There are small baitfish fry showing up in the softer water sections of the river and before the “deluge” we have had excellent results using our Loebergs, Crystal Leeches, and Punk Perch in #10-14.
Jeff and Jeff Hereford from Ventura, CA booked with Sierra Drifters guide Brad McClain a while back and learned how to CORRECTLY do the “dip and strip” method with us this time out. Jeff nailed a 25 inch “beast” on a Loeberg. Great fish Jeff! Second trip was a charm eh!
Larry and Lisa Daniels got a drift in just before the water started to increase and Lisa took the “hog-o-the-day” honors with a sweet rainbow that hit our Punk Perch like a freight train. High fives Lisa, maybe next drift Larry…
Pleasant Valley Reservoir: Fair
Plan on bringing a tube to fish this area. The inlet and short river section are adversely affected by the torrent of water that floods this area when power generation occurs. We have been informed that the generation cycle will lengthen and increase as time goes on. Be cautious while walk and wading this section during the morning hours as there are no alarms warning you of rising water. If you do get caught off guard on the far side, do NOT attempt to cross. You can get back to the parking area by using the trail on the west side of the river channel and by staying along the rivers edge make it back without incident.
The launch ramp and inlet sections are your best bet right now while tubing. Stay along the west side especially in the afternoons when the shadow from the rim starts to lengthen on the water. Be courteous (and for your own safety) aware of bank fishers on the east shoreline. Some of these “anglers” can chuck a lure or a weighted cheese ball rig 100 feet!
Tandem streamer rigs are superior to a single fly here. Keep the flies down around 10 feet with a full or heavy sinking tip line. Try a Loeberg with a punk perch dropper back 16 inches. Killer setup this time of year.
The Gorge: Very good
There are very few places in the Eastern Sierra that have the potential of 100 fish afternoons. This is one of them. The “catching” has been excellent here this spring for the 6-10 inch browns that seem to be ravenous at times in the larger pools and runs.
Rig up with a #16 Stimulator or Elk caddis as the dry, and a dropper Drifters crystal tiger midge #16-18 and you will be in business. The dropper should be about 3 feet below the dry. I suggest a 7-8 foot leader tapered to 5x to the dry, and then add 3 feet of 6x off the dry down to your bead head nymph. Easy and fun to cast, very deadly here.
The willows and “evil nettle” are budding out and becoming a factor. Observe carefully where you break brush if you value those expensive breathable waders. The wild rose and the nettle will make your waders look like a sprinkler when filled if you rub up against these plants.
Veteran Sierra Drifters Mike Casey and Mark Wisch dropped into the “pit” recently with us and had a glory day with 100 browns hooked and released between them. Check out their “double” They booked a drift trip the following day and M and M banged out several nice rainbows and larger browns while doing the dip and strip. 130 fish caught and released in 2 days! Not too shabby boys. Mikey is shown here with his largest fish of the trip.
To see the pictures for this email click on www.sierradrifters.com
East Walker River (Nevada): Very Good
Reports from this area are good for a change this spring and it looks like this tremendous tailwater has once again risen from the ashes. Check with the Troutfitter in Mammoth Lakes or Kens Sporting Goods in Bridgeport for details and guide service information.
You may purchase all of our hot guide flies at the following fine fly shops:
Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego, The Troutfitter in Mammoth Lakes, Malibu Fish’N Tackle in Thousand Oaks, and The Crowley Lake Fish Camp after 4-23-04.
There are links to all shops at www.sierradrifters.com
We are pleased to announce the addition of another great fly shop that will carry our time tested guide flies. The San Diego Fly Shop managed by expert fly fisherman and well known guide Peter Piconi will soon have our complete selection of flies and merchandise. Stop by and visit the shop and be “enlightened” by Peter’s extensive knowledge.
Be the fly…Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
Email [email protected]
www.sierradrifters.com
Phone 760-935-4250
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