Upper Owens Report

Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley) - Eastern Sierra, CA (Mono County)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Troutfitter

by The Trout Fitter Staff
1-10-2020
Website

Flow Rates and Water Conditions:

Water Conditions: Good

Flows are at 94 cfs as of  1/9

Fishing Conditions and Hatches:  Fair-Good

I'm not sure what affect it will have but the flows just dropped 18 cfs yesterday. The fish seem to be less spread out, you may fish large sections with no action and then catch several in one hole. The hot patterns are becoming less effective so don't be afraid to experiment. Also the fall rainbows are finishing up their spawning run and heading back to the lake. The spring spawning fish will be heading up, usually in early February, so there will be a short break between the runs. The road is still open and getting better but be careful on the side roads, walking the bank has gotten better but once again they're calling for possible weather next week with much stronger cold storms which may impact accessibility. The midge hatches are strong and almost every back eddy has fish rising in the foam lines. Both planters and lake fish are still on the move so try attractor patterns such as San Juan Worms, Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns, egg patterns and streamers. Remember that the fish moving out of Crowley have had a summer of larger food so don't be afraid to use larger patterns. Remember that the water below the Hot Creek confluences will be 5-10 degrees warmer so if you get out early it might be best to start off closer to the bridge.

Recommended Flies:

DRIES: Stimulator #16-18 | Griffiths Gnat #20-24

NYMPHS: Barr's Uncased Caddis #14-16 | Zebra Midge #18-22 | WD-40 black #18-24 | Prince Nymph #12-16 | Red Copper John #14-16 | San Juan Worm #12-14 |  Egg Patterns #12-16

STREAMERS: Shock Collar Leech #10 | Woolly Bugger White, Olive & Brown #10-14





More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, January 10th, 2020

East Walker River (CA): East Walker River Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens Report
Pyramid Lake: Pyramid Lake Report

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Fishing Report
Pyramid Lake: Pyramid Lake Fishing Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens Fishing Report
East Walker River (CA): East Walker River Fishing Report