Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 9-16-26. A little bit of a cool down the last couple of days with some wind happened in the eastern sierra. It definitely has not stopped or slowed the fishing down much, especially on Crowley Lake. The forecast is calling for a low to move in by Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning which will probably produce a little wind with it. After it exits, we can expect temps to warm back up to the 70’s in the valleys and 60’s in the higher elevations. The lake has been producing fish in McGee Bay, Layton Springs and Green Banks. The bite can be strange this year as it is very “spot specific”. Meaning, some areas are holding huge concentrations of fish, while other are like a desert with nothing to offer. A good sonar on your boat or watercraft is of utmost importance right now. All species are coming through now, with many more rainbows and browns showing up to join the cutthroat trout. Key depths have been in the 8-10′ range. The Upper Owens River does have some large fish that have moved in, but they are scattered throughout the river. Smaller wild fish are eager to strike dry flies and small nymphs now. Hot Creek is also fishing well but water is low and weeds are prevalent in the canyon section. Dry droppers are a good rig now as well as Tenkara fishing. The Lower Owens is still holding at 500 cfs which is higher than normal for this time of year, so the canals are a good option if you’re fishing down that way. McGee Creek is producing some quality browns closer to the lake now. The lakes basin in Mammoth and June Lake are transitioning to fall mode with the cooling water and temperatures starting to mildy freeze at night. Look for some larger browns to show up in the catches here soon. The East Walker is at perfect flows now at 234 cfs. It may be a good time to go ply the waters for some larger fish looking to fatten up before the fall. Throwing bigger streamers at these flows and this time of year can be a good way to cover lots of water and tie into those giants.
Creeks: Sierra Fishing Report
Hot Creek Midges are dominating the morning bite. Caddis are also picking off a few fish. The canyon section is getting heavy on the weeds, so dry fly fishing with a dropper is best when they are popping. The Interpretive Site has been getting a lot of fishing pressure, so sometimes evenings can be better to fish to avoid the crowds.
Rivers: Sierra Fishing Report
Upper Owens River Fish all the fishy looking spots here to find the fish. Many fingerlings are feeding on dry flies and midges. Some larger fish are holding in undercutts and deeper water and have been hooked recently with more fish moving in daily. You can intercept them as you get closer to Crowley Lake with the right presentations. #18 Flashback PT’s, #18 Green Copper John’s, and #16-18 midge patterns are getting takes. Throwing Loebergs, Spurce-a-bu’s and Wooly Buggers are getting some good looks from larger fish.
Lower Owens River flows are still around 500 cfs, so wading is out for now. Weather has finally cooled down to make fishing all day pleasant but better options like the canals exist. As soon as the flows drop here, fishing should be excellent due to the lack of pressure this season.
East Walker River is flowing at 230 cfs which is great for wading and to spread fish out. Covering a lot of water is still the best attack plan, and fish can be holding anywhere this time of year. Streamers and nymphs are the preferred method now. Shoot us an email or text for the recommended flies for this area.
Crowley Lake fish are on the chew. 
