Lower Owens River Report

Owens River - Lower - Bishop, CA (Inyo County)


by The Trout Fitter Staff
11-11-2022
Website

Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions: Good

Flows are at 79+ cfs as of 11/11

While DWP is working on the power plant at the base of the dam all the water is going over the spillway or through the bypass pipe that comes out below the culvert.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Good- Very Good

Because of the rapid seasonal cooling the hatches are changing fast so I'll try to make some quick updates over the next 2 weeks. The Tricos are done so early to midmorning is all midges. After 10 there are some craneflies hatching and by 11 the midday baetis hatch has begun. If you see what looks like a white caddis zig zagging low over the water it's actually an aquatic moth and only the small fish seem willing to try and catch them. The best dry fly fishing has been from 10-1, surface action is spread out so carrying 2 rods has a big upside. If you think a run is too shallow or fast it's probably just right is still the case although with the colder water temperatures the deeper slower pools will start producing soon.Now that the water is getting colder you'll start finding leeches on the fish. This is quite normal,when the water gets cold enough the fish start resting on the bottom.

Recommended Flies

DRIES: Extended Body BWO #18-22 | Stillborn Midge #20-22  | Giffith's Gnat #22-24 |CDC Transition midge #20-22 | Elk Hair Skaddis #16 | Tan Stimulator #14-16 | CDC Baetis #22-24 | No Mercy Midge #18-24 | Boroff F/Homie #20, 24

NYMPH:  Pheasant Tail #14-18 | Caddis Cased #12 | Zebra Midge #18-22 |Weiss BP light or dark #18-20 | Bottom Roller Phsyco Rhyco #10-14 | Juju Baetis #16-22 | Pearl & Orange #16 |Chamois caddis #16-20 | TB Millers +1 Lt #16-18  | Lexi Girdle Bug Tan/Black #6 | HDA Fav. Variant #12-16

STREAMERS: Wooly Bugger Olive & Black #10-12 | Mini Sculpin Olive & Black #10-12




More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, November 11th, 2022
Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens Fishing Report

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, September 2nd, 2022
Hot Creek: Tough fishing has returned with the low flows
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Report
East Walker River (CA): Flows had dropped down into the 70's