Hot Creek Fishing Report

Hot Creek - Mammoth Lakes, CA (Mono County)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Troutfitter

by The Trout Fitter Staff
7-29-2021
Website

Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions: Fair, showing 4 cfs as of 7/29

Remember these are the flows just below 395 on Mammoth Creek

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Fair to Good

The mud/rockslides were more extensive than I had first written about. Most of the damage was in the middle section and only time will tell if it's good, bad, or indifferent. Who would have thought the signs to stay on the trails were important. Yes, I'm a little bit punchy right now. GOOD NEWS, water temperature at noon today was 62.The water is getting warmer so it's probably best to fish the first 1/2 of the day and then give it a rest. The best thing you can do is carry a thermometer as temperatures fluctuate more than you would think. Caddis, Midges and Tricos (7-10 am) but the PMDs are done. The dry fly fishing is pretty slow, nymphing has been more consistent with the exception of terrestrials, hoppers and ant patterns alone or with a dropper are working well. Scuds and caddis are a good choice all day. Please be mindful of other anglers - there are plenty of spots to fish on Hot Creek. The fish (including the bigger ones) have moved into the faster, shallower water so shorten up and keep your drifts real short. The fish are in there and they're hungry. AND the weed beds are very thick, hence the comment about short drifts. I tell my clients that a 4 second drift is average and finish with an aggressive pickup, you will hook fish you never knew existed.

Recommended Flies

DRIES:  R.P. Emerger #22  | Sparkle Flag Black #20-22 | Yellow Stimulator #8-16 | Mother Shucker #24 | CDC Baetis Dun #20-24 | Para Caddis #18-22

NYMPHS:  T Midge #24 | Zebra Midge #18-22 | Grey/Olive Scud #16-18 | Tailwater Scud Tungsten #14-18 | S&M nymph #16-18 | Little Brown Bug #16-18 | Medallion Midge #18-24 |  Buckskin #16-20  |  Rainbow Warrior #18-20 | Barr's Emerger #16-22 | Deep Six Pupa #18

STREAMERS: BH Bopp SlumpBuster | Perfection Perch #4-8 | Punk Perch #10-16 | Hornburg #10-14   Mice




More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, July 23rd, 2021

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
San Joaquin River: Lowering flows and heavy pressure mean it's time to start hiking
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Fishing has been inconsistent, but the pressure is reasonable
Owens River - Lower: This is the perfect place to be a responsible angler
East Walker River (CA): East Walker Report

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Thursday, July 15th, 2021

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
San Joaquin River: Flows Areat 39 CFS
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Report
Owens River - Lower: The hatches are decent
East Walker River (CA): Flows have gone back down and only about 10% of normal