Fish’N Conditions
We would like to thank all of our repeat and new clients that fished with us during the general trout season this year. It was quite the season for “catching” and some “real monsters” were brought to the net accompanied by some “real memories” for the future. There are still a few days left in the general trout season, and after November 15th, regulations will switch to the year around season. At that time, we will be fishing the Middle Owens River in Bishop by drift boat, Hot Creek, Upper Owens River, and East Walker River. Crowley Lake is still giving up some nice fish in the north arm. Some of the alpine lakes have also seen some real trophy fall trout recently. We may see our first shot of snowfall by mid-month. Middle Owens River is now at perfect flows for drifting and we have started running our first trips of the season. A few mayflies starting to emerge here and the wild and holdover fish have been responding. Smaller streamers fished along the transition areas have been producing. Upper Owens and Hot Creek have been very good using dry flies throughout the day. East Walker River flows now at winter release levels and cold water has the fish in full fall feed mode.

Middle Owens River (Bishop Area)
Flows have finally dropped to decent levels as of this report. Current cfs is 275. We are in full swing now with our drift boats and have been enjoying the excellent weather in the Bishop area. There have been some sparse afternoon mayfly hatches and the next generations will follow shortly and concentrate the fish in the deeper pools and runs. These are fun trips and often times we float all day down the river and seldom see another angler. We have been using moderate sink tips and pulling #10 Loebergs and #8 Spruce-a-bu’s back to the boat with good results. The fishing will only improve as we move along into the coming winter months too. 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
 The dry fly fishing here has been quite good. If throwing small dry flies into soft water eddys to multiple rising fish is your cup of tea, then this place is for you. The section from the Benton Crossing Bridge down to the fishing monument is now closed.  Flows have decreased  to 88 cfs. The cooler water has prompted the fish to feed in the deeper runs now and target nymphs and egg imitations.  Look for rising fish in the late-morning and afternoons as the daytime temperatures climb. They will be found in the slower eddys around the bends in the river.

Hot Creek
Flows at 9 cfs now with weed growth prevalent. Good news, as the final planting of diploid trout have been released into the creek. Last years planting really took hold and flourished throughout the season. The creek is on its way back to the status it once had. Fishing has been really good here with as many of these guys as you want to catch. It can be non-stop fun with a light weight rod and the right dry fly, and some bigger models are mixed in with the party as well.  #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 at 24 cfs. It has become fall/winter time here now for the resident trout. This is an epic time to fish the river if you know where to go. Some really large fish have been landed here historically. 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.