The overall numbers of fish are considerably less than a month ago but you can still scout out good pockets of catchable sized fish in the larger pools. The numbers are better closer to the Benton Bridge, more bigs further upstream. Covering a lot of river is the best way to locate the 20 inch plus fish, and a downstream approach fishing streamers is my choice, and should prove to be the most effective way of getting into the bigs this time of year.

Excellent midge activity, with sporadic baetis on the overcast days. #20-22 parachute midge adults, #18 bwo's are good choices on top. San Juan Worm's, Egg imitations, PT's, crystal tigers and olive zebras, hares ear in natural and olive #16-20 are solid choices for indicator nymphing.

Access has improved greatly as of mid-March but you will still encounter some really nasty mud as you get close to the river on the feeder roads emanating from the main east side access road.

The Upper Owens is open UPSTREAM ONLY from the Benton Crossing Bridge at this time. ZERO LIMIT, BARBLESS ARTIFICIAL LURES OR FLIES ONLY. Report poachers! 1 888 DFG-CALTIP (888 334-2258), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.