Water Conditions: Good

Flows are at 79+ cfs as of 12/29

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

With tough access and fishing up top, the Lower Owens has been crowded so it would be a good idea to do some exploring downstream. Early to midmorning is all midges with an occasional Cranefly, especially the further downstream you go. By 11 the midday baetis hatch has begun, every time I announce the demise of the Baetis hatch it rises up from the dead to make a liar out of me. The best dry fly fishing has been from 12-1 and it can vary greatly depending where you are at so don't stay in one spot if you're not seeing hatching bugs.

Since the surface action is spread out carrying 2 rods has a big upside. Another reason for 2 rods, the surface action can be happening in short spurts. The fish will rise heavily for about 5-10 minutes and then shut down for 30 minutes, only to give you another frantic 5-10 again. On top of that because of winter conditions the fishing varies greatly day, one day it's great the next day not so much. The fish are starting to adjust to the changes in hatches and water temperatures with the colder water temperatures the deeper slower pools are starting to produce and especially in the tailouts for dry fly action. 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.

DRIES: Extended Body BWO #18-22 | Stillborn Midge #20-22  | Giffith's Gnat #22-24 |CDC Transition midge #20-22  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 | 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