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
1-31-2020
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Flow Rates and Water Conditions:

Water Conditions: Good

Flows are at 102 cfs as of  1/30

Fishing Conditions and Hatches:  Fair-Good

Fishing for the winter spawning rainbows is still good but once again, this strain is no longer stocked so natural spawn is all that keeps them going. If you want a picture, try to leave them in the water and handle them as little as possible.

The flows have leveled off at 102 cfs over the last week so the diversion from Grant is back but the water has cleared. 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 and there's no serious weather anticipated for another week or so. Midday has been best but the migratory fish do most of their movement at night so the late afternoon can also be good.

The midge hatches are strong, and the mayflies are showing up again so almost every back eddy has fish rising in the foam lines. Mayflies are small, #20-24. 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 | Para Adams #20-24 | Para Extended Body BWO #20-22

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 | Pheasant Tail #18-22

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




More Reports

Hot Creek Report
Hot Creek

1-31-2020
Flow Rates and Water Conditions: Water Conditions: Good, showing a cfs of 8 on 1/30 Flows are not accurate due to icing...... Read More

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, January 24th, 2020
Hot Creek: Hot Creek Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens Report
Pyramid Lake: Pyramid Lake Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens Report
East Walker River (CA): East Walker River Report