East Walker River Report

East Walker River (CA) - Bridgeport, CA


by The Trout Fitter Staff
5-14-2021
Website

Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions:  Poor - Fair

Flows are back down to 65 cfs as of 5/13

Check the flows frequently, it makes a huge difference

Fishing conditions and Hatches: Good

Yes, the fishing is good BUT:

Flows right now are 20% of normal, temperatures are expected to be up in the 60's and 70's over the next couple of weeks, this will be the 2nd year with limited stocking of fingerlings and a computer programing glitch which removed "barbless" from regulations on any body of water that is stocked, no matter how limited it may be.

SO, it is up to us to protect this fishery, or we can be more concerned with ego gratifying pictures and videos and watch the death spiral of a once great fishery. If you must take pictures keep the fish in the water at all times and debarb your hooks.

Also take a thermometer and take temperature readings frequently. Once the water gets above mid 60's it might be time to head elsewhere or at the very least be very aware of how the fish are recovering and land fish as quickly as possible. Better to break off a fish than exhaust it beyond recovery.

Okay back to the fishing. Now that the flows have come up and stabilized the fishing has picked back up. Very important to keep track of the flows. Under 40 cfs the fish get much spookier and skittish making for very tough fishing. Midges in the morning and Baetis midday, there are some Tricos in the early morning but not sure if that will last since they're 3 months early. The caddis are starting to show up, we shouldn't be too far away from the "motorboat caddis". In the afternoon the adults run around on the surface pushing water. Lots of skating and drifting can lead to explosive grabs.  Dry fly action has been sporadic but nymphing has been good. Streamers have also been effective. The water is a bit murky, definitely helps when the flows are low. Fishing has definitely been better early and with the slight increase in flows the fish have been moving into the shallower water.

Recommended Flies

 DRIES:   | Mother Shucker #22-24 | E/C Caddis #14-18 | Banshee Caddis #16-18 | Sparkle Flag Black #20-22 | Chernobyl Ant #6-10

NYMPHS: Prince Nymph #12-16| Dead Drift Crayfish #8 | Bottom Roller Psycho #10-12 | Copper Zebra #16-22 | T's Stone Drummond Light #8-10 | JuJu Baetis #22-24 |  Glass Bead Micro May Olive #22-24 | S&M Nymph #20-22

STREAMERS: Meat Whistle | Sculpzilla | Hornberg #10-14 | Belly Scratcher Minnow Chub #2 | Bank Robber Sculpin #2 | Punk Perch Light #10-14

 



More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, May 14th, 2021

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Report

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, May 7th, 2021

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Crowley Lake: Crowley Lake Fishing Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Report
East Walker River (CA): East Walker River Report