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Eastern Sierras
Capt. Tom Loe
December 26, 2005
Eastern Sierras - Freshwater Fishing Report
Fishmas 2005 Fish Report
December 26, 2005
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Merry “Fishmas” to all of you from the guide team here at Sierra Drifters.
The weather has been extremely mixed in the Eastern Sierra vacillating from a mixture of snow and rain down onto the Owens Valley floor recently, then evolving suddenly to spring like conditions with daytime highs reaching into the low 60’s in Bishop. The forecast for next week is looking to be unstable with a solid chance of snow and cooler temps on the Eastern side of the Sierra. Be prepared to fish in severe weather and bring tire chains for your vehicle especially if you plan on doing the “fish and ski” thing.
The Fisherman’s Spot in Van Nuys is hosting a freshwater seminar on January 28, 29 of the New Year. This fly fishing only store has a reputation for having some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry. We are ecstatic to have this fly shop as one of our premier carriers of the flies and products we offer.
We are pleased to announce Chris Basso as our newest guide to the Sierra Drifters team in 2006. Chris has extensive experience in the Eastern Sierra as a fly fisherman and has been making life difficult for the trout on Crowley Lake and the Eastern Sierra for many years. He is currently in the entertainment profession and has a super friendly, very upbeat personality. Chris has developed a reputation of breaking from the pack and finding his own water. He is an excellent teacher and has a new 21’ Champion flats boat to get you on the drag burning fish of Crowley Lake. Chris has been guiding for us on the side for a couple of seasons now and he will be a great asset to our group for sure.
http://www.sierradrifters.com
Chris and other Sierra Drifters guides will be available for questions and “fish talk” during the weekend of the Fisherman’s Spot seminar. Stop by the shop and get the latest scoop and free guide tips during the seminar. Click here to go to their website http://www.fsflyfishing.com
Lower Owens: Excellent
The flows are currently being released at 150cfs below Pleasant Valley Reservoir and are forecast to hold here for a while. As predicted we are having some incredible days on the river especially with the warm periods between storm fronts.
The wild trout section is good for those braving upper thirty degree water whilst wading and willing to fish midge nymph imitations under an indicator. Olive and black bodied zebra midge’s #18-22; along with tiger midges in the #18-22 sizes will get grabs in the deeper pools and bends. Redundant drifts are the key during winter time fly fishing. Look for slower, deeper water this time of year to insure success in this area. Browns are more lethargic as the water cools and may need numerous looks at your presentation before going on the grab.
If the weather is mild and above freezing during dawn, you will encounter a decent baetis hatch (BWO #20) around noon and after. Although it is not great in numbers you will have ample opportunities to cast a dry to some eager snouts.
All about Bakersfield this report folks!
The drift boat trips have been excellent recently and we have had a tremendous early season thus far. 30-70 fish days are common with the highlight this week being caught by a first time fly fisher from Bakersfield, CA. There was some serious smack talk going on in this two boat guided group between boats (way fun!). Ron Holbert put on a big Xmas fly fishing party (Bakersfield’s own JoRonCo) for his two nephews Joey and Ben with bride Jen. “BROWNZILLA” was captured on a Loeberg #10 after a lengthy and skillful battle by Jen. This is the nicest brown we have got a picture of in many moons. You go girl, nice fish! Be sure to check this gorgeous brown trout out on our website at http://www.sierradrifters.com
One hundred and thirty trout to the hand in two days in mid-December? Please wake me up! Jim Moses and Chris Aldritt from Bakersfield did just that during a recent “dip and strip” clinic. Very memorable trip guys, thanks.
Carlo Marchese also from Bakersfield and friend Doug Spieske from Redlands (oops) hit a sixty fish day recently also. They are first time Sierra Drifters and did a great job dipping and stripping with a high percentage of their grabs coming into hand. High fives guys.
Spruce-a-bu’s #8 have been hard to beat, but we have had some of the larger fish falling to Loebergs #10 recently.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir: Excellent
The locals who have been fishing here this week (Drifters guide Mickey Baron in particular) have threatened to obtain a gag order to keep me from putting this on the internet. “Epic” streamer fishing with our Punk Perch patterns near the inlet transition zone has been off the charts. Don’t tell Mickey you heard it from me please!
Freeze tubing and tossing streamers is best here right now and there have been numerous reports of some nice browns being had while trolling streamers with full or heavy sink tip lines near the inlet and launch ramp sections. Most of the fish you will get are DFG rainbows and holdover fish that migrate into the inlet this time of year. Sacramento perch flourish in this stillwater just like its big brother Crowley and if you tug imitations like our Punk Perch and Loebergs you will get into some of the nicer fish the Eastern Sierra has to offer. Access here is great for tubers as there are several trails leading down to the Rez. Layer up excessively under your waders and shells as it can be down right wicked here on the water if the sun is not out.
The inlet section is fishing so-so with the higher water levels. The slower water immediately below the powerhouse is best using a dry/dropper bead head combo with a tiger or zebra midge.
The Gorge: Fair-good
During the warmer periods of weather you will have a good time sticking the wild browns down in the pit. Most of your grabs will be had while nymphing, but if you choose a dry dropper combo do not be surprised to find several of the rascals coming up to hit your stimulator or mayfly point fly. There is no snow or ice to deal with as of this report, but with the current weather forecast calling for a low snow level next week be sure to look before you hike down into this area.
You can pick up our guide flies this time of year at the following stand out locations: The Troutfitter/Trout Fly in Mammoth Lakes, Malibu Fish’n Tackle in Thousand Oaks, The San Diego Fly Shop and Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego and the Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys. There are links to these locations at www.sierradrifters.com
All of us at Sierra Drifters Guide Service want to wish you and yours a happy holiday season and prosperous New Year. Many thanks for your friendships, patronage and support this season and we hope to fish with you in the future.
Be the fly…Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250
[email protected]
www.sierradrifters.com
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