Lower
McGee Creek
(Downstream
from Highway 395)
Lower
McGee Creek emanates from a freestone snowmelt source in the Eastern
Sierra near Mammoth Lakes California.
It flows mostly unobstructed into Crowley Lake and is the second
largest tributary into the reservoir.
In McGee's lower sections it is a slower moving, meadow type
stream with deep undercut banks and riffle-pool configuration.
It has many oxbows, is very open and easy to fish with the
exception of a substantial trek to its lower sections near the
confluence into Crowley. Convict
Creek merges into McGee near the mouth and adds additional water into
the channel.
A
spring creek approach is needed to fool the fish here.
Fish facing upstream, keep a low profile and look for the deeper
runs of water, they hold the larger fish.
I use a long 10' leader tapered to 6X for most presentations
here.
Caddis,
Midges and May flies are all hatching during the season. A
dry fly used as an indicator, trailing a dropper bead head nymph is my
weapon of choice here. Dry
fly action can be great during the summer with caddis and callibaetis
patterns a good choice.
During
spring and fall spawning cycles, abnormal amounts of fish migrate
upstream from Lake Crowley and densely populate this small creek, making
sight fishing very enjoyable. You
can also experience some fantastic streamer fishing in the larger pools
downstream from the confluence of Convict Creek especially during the
spring when flows are higher. The
view is spectacular from this area also.
There are special angling restrictions in
place during the spring and fall seasons so check those regulations
before you fish!
Caution
should be used when transiting this area while taking short cuts through
the meadows. Bogs and very soft and deep mud has caused some people much
angst in the past. Stay
near the creek bed, inside the barbed wire fence and you shouldn’t
have a problem. This fence
borders the creek and keeps the cattle from damaging banks and gravel
beds. You will find brown and rainbow trout both co-existing here.
McGee
Creek is located off Highway 395 near the town of Crowley Lake, Ca. It
is north about 4 miles from Crowley lake and a 10 minute drive south
from Mammoth Lakes, Ca. There
are signs on both sides of the highway directing you to McGee Creek.
Lower McGee is accessed by turning east on the McGee Creek Road
exit, and driving a short 100 yards to a dirt parking area. You must park and walk towards Crowley Lake, following the
creek. I suggest waders, or
hippers. Bring water.
Go through the gate, there is an entry by the fence and head
north
towards the lake. You will
see the creek ahead if you stay on the small dirt road.
It is about a 2 mile walk to the lakes edge.
You will find fish the entire way, with the lower sections less
frequented.
