Afternoon thundershowers have been rolling through the region consistently. They have been a welcomed change from summer’s hot grip on the state. Although we don’t get anywhere near the record heat levels of southern California, we still appreciate some cool and overcast weather to keep us comfortable while fishing throughout the day. The smoke from wildfires burning in Yosemite hasn’t been too bad from Mammoth Lakes and points south of there. Bridgeport on the other hand was getting it pretty bad most afternoons. Bridgeport Reservoir has continued to fish well and give up some large trout with some smaller planters mixed in. The East Walker River is fishing well in the miracle mile section and areas downstream of the bridge. The June Lake area has received large numbers of hatchery trout and and a good amount of some real trophies over the past week. Fishing here has been good in the mornings and evenings, as the trout leave the deep water to come into the shallows to feed. The San Joaquin is at perfect fishing levels and good for wild trout up and down the river. Hot Creek has been great in the mornings with good midge, trico, and caddis hatches. The Upper Owens river is great for school sized trout from Long Years all the way down to the lake. Crowley Lake is still holding up strong for big fish with some smaller browns and rainbows finding their way around the lake now. The Middle Owens River is still on the warm side. Best to fish in the early mornings and late evenings here.

Crowley Lake

Its the time of the season on the lake where the food choice for the trout now begins to open up. The fish have quite the selection to choose from with damselfly nymphs, midges, perch fry, callibaetis nymphs, leeches, and snails on the menu. Many fish are now coughing up half digested perch fry upon being netted. They are running in size from a 1/4″ – 1″ currently.

An angler’s success on the lake currently can rely heavily on where you set up and what flies and depth you choose to fish them at. There are fish spread out all over McGee Bay, but there are different areas they are holding over. Mud flats, flats with short weed growth, the channel, deeper water over the mud, and very shallow water along the reeds all have fish over them. Some flies work better for specific zones and knowing what the fish are feeding on can make all the difference. Our go to patterns have been #14 – 18 Assassins in light and dark,  #14 – 16 Parallel Assassins light and dark, #16-18 punk perch, #16-18 copper tiger midge, #18-20 zebra midge, blood midge, #18 – 20 gillie. This has still been the best area we fish for large trophy sized trout and is great for beginners, families, and advanced anglers.

Bridgeport Reservoir

More of a mix of smaller fish and larger ones. The creek channels are where it is at. Multiple large models are biting here along the channel, its edges and over the shallower weed beds. The lake has been fishing better than it has in over 6 years and some mega number days on large fish can be had here.  #14-16 Level Crystal Leeches, #14-16 Assassins Light, #12-18 Copper Tiger Midges, Parallel Punk Perch, and Zebra midges have been go to patterns.

Middle Owens River (Bishop Area)

Flows have dropped here recently at 211 cfs, but hot weather has put the fish in the deeper pools to cool off. Try fishing the riffles in the evenings and mornings and then going deep with nymphs and streamers mid-day. Flows should increase here as Crowley Lake drops soon. We will resume drift boating in the fall when the water levels drop and the air temperatures start to cool again.

Upper Owens River

Pretty good fishing in the pools, riffles, and undercut banks for school sized trout. Mayflies, Caddis, midges, and Hoppers have been fun to cast to these little guys. The occasional larger fish can be found mixed in and surprise you. Water levels have dropped and warmed here, so better fishing is being had above the Hot Creek confluence.

San Joaquin River

Flows now at 76 cfs. Very fishable now upstream and downstream from the bridge. Dry fly and dry/dropper combos producing best. Keep your flies floating high and they will get hammered by most fish they pass over. A good mend in your line with little to no drag is all it takes. Give us a call if you would like us to get you into this area for some great dry fly fishing.

Hot Creek

 Hoppers have been great during certain parts of the day. Fish small midges when you see the fish feeding below the surface. Hot Creek has made a fantastic come back and it’s on a steady pace to returning to the fishery it once was. This program is great for half day trips in the mornings with no need for waders. We have had some fun and memorable days this summer getting our clients on some rising trout through the mornings. #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

Flows now down to very fishable levels at 219 cfs. Mornings have been good in the riffles and faster water. Looks for pockets behind the rocks in the upper sections to single out that large brown or rainbow. Crawdad patterns work great this time of year, along with #18 Copper Tiger Midges, #14-16 Parallel Perch, #14-16 Level Leeches, and Assassins dark and light both Parallel and normal. 

Grant/Silver Lakes

Bigger fish have been showing around both lakes. Warmer water has put more trout on the feed and they are responding well to nymphs and streamers. There have been some good evening hatches with fish sipping midges and mosquitos on the surface. Try 9′ leaders with #18-20 paramidges and griffith’s gnats for the surface action. Go with small copper john’s , Pt’s , and midges when going subsurface or hung under an indicator.