Merry Christmas to all you jolly fly fisherman! Hope Santa brings everyone their favorite gear for the holidays this year. A slight warm up has melted a lot of the snow on the Upper Owens River, but the fish don’t seem to know any different. More fish are moving into the river as we truck along into the winter months. A possibility for snow exists over Christmas with a coin toss for a couple of inches to as much as a foot of snow in the higher elevations. Our big winter storms have come to a standstill for now with forecasters unable to pinpoint their return. We could see a strong return of snow going into January. East Walker River flows increased slightly and fishing remains good. Some mid-sized browns and rainbows have been showing up in the nets. Hot Creek still a blast for anglers using light weight rods and dry/dropper rigs. Middle Owens River holding steady at winter release levels. Solid mayfly hatches taking place mid-afternoon with some larger fish showing up out of the deeper pools. It’s not too late to purchase that gift certificate for that special angler for the holidays. Contact us to purchase one.

Middle Owens River (Bishop Area)
The river is holding at 82 cfs. The hatches around noon are coming off daily now. Some good sized Blue Wing Olive mayflies are putting on a show and some fish are responding to them. We are seeing rising fish working the soft foam lines in the afternoons along the bends of the river.  The new BWO generations have been emerging daily around the 12-2 window on most days.  Streamers like Loebergs, Spruce-a-bu’s, Punk Perch, and Agent Orange have been fooling some nice fish recently. We can fish up to 3 anglers per boat and offer half day trips (4.5 – 5 hours) or full day trips (7 hours) to meet your needs.

Upper Owens River
Good amounts of large and medium sized snow-bows have moved up river. You will have to cover some ground to locate them, as they are not concentrated in great numbers in one specific area. Most of the snow has dissipated from the roads and care must be taken while driving in and out as the possibility still exists to get a vehicle stuck. The section from the Benton Crossing Bridge down to the fishing monument is now closed.  Flows are now at 87 cfs. Crystal eggs, #14-16 San Juan worm red, #14-16 Level Crystal Leeches, #14-16 Parallel Assassin Dark and Light, and #16 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge getting the most bites!

Hot Creek
Flows now at 8 cfs as a slight warm up has caused some runoff to take place.  Midges, mayflies, and a few caddis have been showing up daily. The newly planted fish have been taking advantage of the micro midge hatch all day. Larger size trout have been keying in more on nymphs, strymphs, and worm and egg patterns. It can get crowded here while the weather is mild so finding a good spot on the creek can pay off.  #18 mayflies, #18-22 midges, #20 Brassies, and egg and SD worm patterns have been getting some serious looks and takes from the resident trout.

East Walker River
Still going pretty solid here in the deepest sections of the river.  The fish tend to concentrate in the deepest water this time of year as frigid temperatures and low water have them seeking out slightly warmer water.  Lots of juvenile perch have been washing through the pipe and stacking up below the dam area. A good mixed bag of fish sizes are biting on properly presented flies. Target the deepest pools and runs and you can be rewarded with some real beauties.  #18 Copper Tiger Midges, #14-16 Parallel Perch, #14-16 Level Leeches, and Assassins dark and light both Parallel and normal have been great patterns to hang. #18 flashback hare’s ears, #18wd 40’s, and SJ worms also working well.

Pyramid Lake
 Lots of fish moving in tighter to the beach. Good opportunity now for fly fisherman.Water temperatures have now reached the 52 degree mark and the big cutthroat trout have moved in shallow. We have been seeing fish to 14.5 lbs with some even pushing the 20lb mark. Popcorn Beatles, Midnight Cowboys,#12 Copper and Black Tiger Midges, Parallel Assassins, and Spruce-a-bu’s working well.   Call for more info.