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Eastern Sierras
Capt. Tom Loe
December 5, 2005
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Early December 2005 Fish Report
December 4, 2005
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes to all for this early December fish report from the Eastern High Sierra.
The weather has become more seasonal recently after the first substantial snowfall blanketed the Sierra with about 2 feet of new snow. This is great news for the “snow frappers” as it has been skinny for the early season on Mammoth Mountain. As of Friday, December 2nd the mountain was expecting to open all three lodges. www.mammothmountain.com
We had a good shot of much needed rain down in the Owens Valley during this period also. The forecast is calling for stable weather with cold mornings on the valley floor and a slight chance of another storm front moving into the high country during the mid-week.
The fishing has been as promised in earlier reports after the flows receded; fantastic! The Lower Owens is currently carrying 175cfs below Pleasant Valley Reservoir; this is a tad up from last week and ideal for us on the drift boat sections. After having 500-600cfs being discharged for almost seven months the channels, riffles and drop-offs are well defined and the gravel beds are very clean and silt free. The river is in the best shape I have seen it in several years and it is living up to our expectations thus far. There is a DWP water flow link at www.sierradrifters.com
The wild trout section is fishing very well for those who enjoy nymphing. Wading is great at these releases although the water temps are dropping and will be in the low forties and upper thirties from here on until spring warm up. You will encounter a small baetis hatch (bwo’s) #20 around noon and on the overcast days a few noses can be seen venturing up to the top for a snack. Your best bet in the wild trout section is a tandem fly set-up rigged below a Sunjicator (strike indicator) with midge larva or emerger patterns #18-22 and at times small mayfly nymphs like pt’s, birds nest’s, hares ear and soft hackles, #16-20. Pressure has been very light here even on the weekends so far and with the high water all fall this area is “ripe” for fly fishers willing put on three layers of socks to fish the winter months.
With the recent rains and the tremendous reduction in flows you will encounter some less than ideal traction situations on the dirt roads along the rivers edge, as well as some really juicy bogs along some of the inside bends all along the river. Take advice from one who has done some funky break dancing in the muck…Look before you leap!
The drift boating has been well above average this week as the forty and fifty fish days are keeping the fly rods bendo a bunch. We are having the best results tugging streamer patterns in the #8-12 range while using our dip and strip method with a moderate sink tip line. The water has really cleared up recently and we are using longer 9-10 foot leaders tapered to 3-4X.
Golf pro Kevin McNece and caddy Evan Jarrett from Bakersfield, CA putted over 40 rainbows and browns into the net on their first drift with us recently. Check out the great shot of a double rainbow hookup and other fly fishing moments by visiting our website at http://www.sierradrifters.com
Ken “KT” Tucker from Moorpark, CA and his pal Chris “Sully” Sullivan from Thousand Oaks, CA spanked almost 100 rainbows and browns during a two day float with us last week. These veteran fly fishers got into “the zone” while fishing our Mary Ann version of the Spruce-A-Bu. Nice shooting guys!
Long time Sierra Drifter Bill Richards from Thousand Oaks, CA is on the trout’s most hated list on the Lower O these days. Bill invited friends Scott Simonet also from T.O. and all the way from Great Falls, MT, George Carlsen (great caster by the way) to take a winter drift with him on a guided trip with us recently. The three “troutcateers” caught and released almost 60 of the rascals on a single drift. Great day guys, thanks again.
Guide tip:
The Spruce-A-Bu #8 has been the hot fly for us this week and we use two flavors most of the time. The “Kelly Bundy” version is a light fly or blonde pattern and is best for sunny, bright days with clean water. The Mary Ann or dark olive Bu works best in low light or cloudy days as it achieves more contrast which is the key to most streamer fishing in addition to profile.
Bright day, light colors/dark day, dark colors. Ra-member dis pearl of wisdom Grasshoppers and you will snatch pebble from trout’s fin!
Pleasant Reservoir: Very good
Hard core freeze tubers are enjoying some excellent streamer fishing near the inlet and launch ramp sections of the rez these days. Full sinks or heavy sink tips will get you down to the fish more efficiently while using Loebergs #10 or crystal leeches #10-12. Fish the south or far side opposite the service road for best results.
The rez is at a high level right now and power generation has stopped at this time. The transition zone is tougher to fish at this level but the effort is worth it. The short river section has been excellent for nymphing with a dry dropper/bead head combo like a #14-16 stimulator and our crystal tiger or zebra midge’s #16-18. Long dead drifts are essential in the transition area and I suggest you use a 10-11 foot leader tapered to 5-6X for the most looks. Look for the pods of feeders from atop the service road before you climb down along the bank. It is better here when the sun is covered by clouds or in the afternoons when the sun goes over the rim.
The gorge: Very good
Very light pressure here this fall and if you are into a little semi-strenuous hiking you can access some excellent dry and dry/dropper opportunities using small midge and mayfly patterns #16-20. There is currently no ice or snow along the trails leading into the gorge in all regions and the foliage has thinned out considerably with the cooler weather. A 1-4 wt rod will give you more enjoyment with these smaller wild browns. There are a few scattered 17 inch fish in the larger pools and you will have a hoot if you hook into one of these rascals on the light sticks. 5 and 6X tippet is a must.
Starting your holiday shopping? We offer gift certificates for your favorite angler…just call or email to order….
You can pick up our guide flies at the following stand out locations: The Crowley Lake General Store and Deli in Crowley, The Troutfitter/Trout Fly in Mammoth Lakes, Malibu Fish’N Tackle in Thousand Oaks, The San Diego Fly Shop and Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego and the Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys. There are links to these locations at www.sierradrifters.com
Sierra Drifters Guide Service is a full service outfitter…we can arrange for your real estate needs, lodging accommodations, etc, anything to make your stay here, either temporary or permanent more enjoyable. Michele Loe, Real Estate Sales Associate – Prestige Properties of Mammoth, [email protected] or (760) 937-5666. She’ll be happy to assist you. There is also a link on the resources tab at www.sierradrifters.com
All of us at Sierra Drifters Guide Service want to wish you and yours a happy holiday season and prosperous New Year. Many thanks for your friendships, patronage and support this season and we hope to fish with you in the future.
Be the fly…Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250
[email protected]
www.sierradrifters.com
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