Fish'N Conditions July 22nd 2013
Capt. Tom Loe
July 25, 2013
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Fish'N Conditions July 22nd 2013
Told ya so...Flows down to 135cfs out of PV.. UNHEARD OF FOR JULY. Too bad it is so hot cuz we would have crushed them on the Middle Owens River near Bishop after the sun got high. First timers Alice and Ken did very well for their drift boat trip today. Check out this nice hook jaw Alice got for her first fly fish to net. be the fly...tom
The Middle Owens River has been kicking out some trophy rainbows. Flows are very low making for great fly fishing conditions near Bishop and Mammoth. Alice got this nice buck on a recent drift trip.
Fly fishing conditions continue to be mixed depending on where you go. Areas prone to low water are not fishing as well, however some fisheries and alpine regions are benefiting from the dry conditions and low run-off. The Monsoons are in the weather picture currently and you could get some heavy T-storm and down pours in the afternoons and evenings.
Hot Creek
Spring creeks by nature have more stability and are good choices to fish in low or high water years. The weeds are a major factor this summer and forget extended drifts in most of the popular runs. Fishing a dry fly is the best way to get on fish currently. Look for a strong caddis emergence with some smaller mayflies at times. Step back and see if you can locate an individual fish that is "pattern" feeding. Lead your cast well upstream if possible, and if you get rejected after a few casts, wait until the fish gets confidence and begins rising again before making another presentation. Longer leaders will get more looks for sure.
Upper Owens River-updated 7-22
Very good conditions overall here, although you will have issues with weeds and off colored water at times when the cattle wade in the Hot Creek tribs. Very strong caddis activity with some smaller mayflies showing late mornings. There are more small browns around than I have seen in a few years, and a few cutty's still holding in the deeper pools. Flows are great currently, and I hope they will hold for the summer but would not bank on it. Regular DFW plantings in the campground section downstream from the bridge. I like Assassins and flashback PT's in the #16 & 18 range for nymphing. A few skeeters around so have your bug juice ready on the calm mornings.
Crowley Lake-updated 7-22
The lake has turned over just recently and water conditions have improved greatly. The largest concentrations of fish have shifted from Big Hilton towards McGee Bay 10-15 feet, and the North Arm 10-14 feet. Weed lines begin in both areas around the ten foot mark; however you will find some as deep as 14 feet in the north end. Midges and damsel activity is strong with a good showing of tiny perch fry. Don't neglect to use a small punk perch or damsel nymph pattern as an upper fly. Broken back tiger midges & gillies are good choices when you have some texture/wind on the water. Try a punk perch and Assassin combo along the weed lines. Watch the T-storms, the winds have been kicking up early.
Bridgeport Reservoir-updated 7-22
Pretty tough conditions for fly fishers currently. Thick pond weed in all the channels and near the inlets. Rainbow Pt. has open water in the 20 foot range and this is your best bet if you can find some clean, algae free water. Boat launching still possible by the "bath tub" area. Call Jeffery at the marina for information on fishing and boat rentals.
San Joaquin River
Very good fly fishing conditions currently. Water levels are just about perfect for wading all areas. The wild fish are "opportunistic" critters and will take most attractor or dry fly adult patterns in the #14-18 range. I prefer hi-vis or parachute mayfly & caddis imitations; however most profiles will get grabs if presented properly. Avoid conventional positioning and work from the tailout of a run, incrementally moving upstream and hitting the shadows and pocket water in each run. Don't leave food in your cars-the bears are on the look out for donuts and french fries!
East Walker River-updated 7-22
Tough here this summer. Flows have been pulsing with water demands, but pretty much staying between 60-110cfs. Aquatic weeds in the channels and along the banks are making presentations difficult while nymphing. The fish are once again seeking the insulation of the deepest pools and runs due to elevated water temps. Stimulators, caddis adults, damsel fly nymphs, birds nest and broken back midges are all good options in the choice holes. With Bridgeport Reservoir being so low this summer, the fish in this tailwater may become quite lethargic due to low dissolved oxygen content and warm temps. Hit the low light periods and avoid the mid-day slump. There have been some concerned EW fans who are asking you not fish if the water temps exceed 69 degrees.
West Walker River
Very good currently. Running low for this time of year but still plenty of pocket water and riffle water to make it fun to fish using a dry/dropper bead head combo in the canyon and Pikel Meadows areas. Hard to beat a #14 Stimmy with a crystal tiger midge or crystal olive caddis larva #16-20 as the nymph & dropper.
Middle Owens River-update 7-22-13
Flows are holding at 170cfs. Super fine for July, they will go up soon-so get it while ya can! We have had some fun trips drifting half days with an early start. It is just too hot by noon in the OV. Loebergs have been the hot ticket using the "dip & strip" method with a moderate sinking tip line. Good caddis and small mayfly activity early, the heat shuts the hatches down by late morning. Wet wading the wild trout section has also been good. Fish the low light periods. Great dry fly here now during the hatches.
Alpine Lakes
Conditions are very good on most of the drive/hike too upper elevation lakes that are not used for water and power, although there are a few that are very low and dropping fast. Tubing is the best way to cover these fisheries and I suggest you have a full sinking or heavy sinking tip line to get your #10-14 streamer patterns down 15 feet along the drop-offs, near inlets/outlets, and structure like tree stumps and weed lines. There are a number of quality high country lakes that hold some nice fish, and require some leg work to get to. Kirman, McCloud, Parker, & Hilton are all accessible for a day hike and have very good fly fishing. You can obtain trail maps from the NFS ranger stations.
Thanks for reading my report.
Be the fly…Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
www.sierradrifters.com
760-935-4250
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