Eastern Sierra Fish'N Conditions

Pyramid lake

by Tom Loe
11-22-2018
Website

Fish’N Conditions
Happy Thanksgiving to all! The first snowflakes are now falling in the Crowley Lake area as of this report. This isn’t going to be a real producer of major snow, but it will be a good start for the upper elevations. High winds are expected for Friday with another chance of precipitation to follow. East Walker River continuing to fish well as the cold nights keep these fish in their winter feeding lies. Upper Owens River seeing a few more larger grade fish make the move up river and flows are stable so far. Some smaller fish are feeding on emerging mayflies mid-afternoon in the softer water. Hot Creek still a blast on the dry fly and small nymph rig. Lots of smaller fish currently, with the occasional larger model in the deep sections. Middle Owens River flows plunging and water clarity is improving greatly. Larger fish are now being caught on sparsely tied streamers fished on sinking tip lines.
Middle Owens River (Bishop Area)
Flows have really come down here over the week. We are now seeing a release of 100 cfs out of PVR. This is making access to all the good runs and pools very easy and we are now able to really put our drift boats into the best positions to target these fall fish. There are some afternoon hatches taking place as the Blue Wing Olive mayflies are emerging daily. Streamers like Loebergs, Spruce-a-bu’s, and Punk Perch have been fooling some nice fish recently.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
Some larger fish have found their way into the river this month. With the continuation of cold nights, this will keep the fish in the river as they move upstream to choose their spawning locations. They are spread out currently and the real large numbers of migratory fish will show up once the water temperatures get cold enough. Solid midge and mayfly hatches have been taking place in the afternoons. The section from the Benton Crossing Bridge down to the fishing monument is now closed.  Flows are now at 87 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 now at 11 cfs. The recent cold snap will have the fish feeding a tad later into the day when things start to warm up.  Midges, mayflies, and a few caddis have been showing up daily. The newly planted fish have been taking advantage of the micro midge hatch all day. Larger size trout have been keying in more on nymphs, strymphs, and worm and egg patterns. It can get crowded here while the weather is mild so finding a good spot on the creek can pay off.  #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. Some behemoth trout have been pulled out of some really small holding areas. This time of year, be sure to cover any water that looks deep enough to be holding a fish as it could be a fish of a lifetime. Lots of juvenile perch have been washing through the pipe and stacking up below the dam area. A good mixed bag of fish sizes are biting on properly presented flies. 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.

Pyramid Lake 11/23/18
 Some real brute sized fish are showing up now and the bite is building. Water temperatures have now reached the 52 degree mark and the big cutthroat trout have moved in shallow. We have been seeing fish to 14.5 lbs with some even pushing the 20lb mark. Popcorn Beatles, Midnight Cowboys,#12 Copper and Black Tiger Midges, Parallel Assassins, and Spruce-a-bu’s working well. We have plenty of open spots for the rest of this month and December. We provide all equipment needed for this trip and provide hot coffee as well. Full day trips include a deli-style lunch with drinks and half day trips are available too. Call for more info.




More Reports

Some Larger Fish Have Found Their Way into the River.
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley)

11-13-2018
Some larger fish have found their way into the river this month.  With the continuation of cold nights, this will...... Read More

Sierra Drifters Reports
for Monday, November 12th, 2018

: Eastern Sierra Fish'N Conditions
Owens River - Middle: The Fishing Will Only Improve
Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report