The Gorge
This is a small tail water
emanating from Crowley Lake. This area has been
re-watered for numerous years now and is doing quite well. You will not
encounter any huge fish here, nor huge crowds. It is an excellent region
to fish if you seek solitude and are willing to do some hiking. You should do well on numbers if you
approach this small creek correctly. Wild Brown trout from the 6-12” range are
the norm.
All access into the Gorge requires moderate to strenuous hiking with
plenty of "rock hopping" along the creeks shoreline. This area has
become very popular with rock climbers and you will more than likely see
more climbers than fisherman on an average day here. There are three
sections; upper, middle, and lower gorge. There is a paved road that
parallels the western rim and can be accessed off HWY 395 near Pleasant
Valley Reservoir. The sections below the middle powerhouse have more
water (35cfs) and are home to a larger population of trout. Dry
dropper nymph combos work well here. The dry fly fishing here in the
fall and spring rate as some of the best in the Sierra for numbers.
2-4wt rods are perfect. You will need to bring your own water or a
filter and a good first aid kit is highly recommended. There is NO
cell service and we suggest you tell a friend when you are going in and
out to insure your safety. We guide this area in the fall, winter,
and early spring but do not frequent it during the heat of summer.
This area is known to have a fair number of rattlesnakes that can be seen
during the warmer summer months.
The Gorge was at one time arguably the finest tailwater fishery in
North America before the LADWP shut off the water many years ago. It
still rates as one of the best small cold water trout fisheries in the
state for numbers of fish.
