Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 1-21-25. The winter continues to be a dry one, but there is a small storm in the forecast which may bring a little bit of snow to the region. We aren’t expecting this to be a major storm, but any bit of snowfall at this point helps. The storm is set for this weekend, and since the air mass will be cold, we could see some snow down in Bishop. Mornings in Mono County and the Upper Owens River have been frigid, with sunrise temperatures in the single digits. The strong inversions are back, and by 9:30 the temperature starts to warm up. Most of the access roads on the Upper Owens River are dry now and the fish are spread throughout the river, which is not typical for this time of year. Hot Creek has been fishing well, and access is completely open. The BWO hatch can be fun this time of year on both the Upper and Lower Owens rivers. The flows on the Lower Owens River has dropped to 71 cfs. This is perfect for wading the Wild Trout Section and the Gorge. Both areas have been fishing well and we are still drift boating the lower sections.
Rivers: Sierra Fishing Report
Upper Owens River with the lack of snow on the river, vehicle access has not been an issue. Driving to the river in the morning hours has been easy, as the ground stays frozen from the single digit and sub-zero temps at night. It’s easy access now with no snow on the ground. Maybe February will change this with some major storms. The large rainbow trout are spread all over the river, so covering ground is important. Water clarity is on the semi-cloudier side, and the fish are reacting and taking various nymphs and egg patterns. Eggs, Worms, PT’s and Assassins are getting the fish to eat. Most of the usual areas are holding trophy trout. SD Crawlers, Squirmy Worms, midges, Copper John’s, Dark and Light Assassins, and Pheasant Tails are getting fish. Keep the nymphs in the #16 – 20 range. In the dry fly area, go with our Hi-Viz BWO’s #18 -20, Elk Caddis #16 -20, Stimulator #16 – 18, and Griffith’s Gnat #20.
Lower Owens River flows have come down to 71 cfs. This makes for great conditions for wading and drift boating. Small nymphs in the Wild Trout Section have been fooling fish throughout the river, and the afternoon mayfly hatch has been a blast. Streamers launched from the drift boat have been picking up a good mix of rainbows and browns anywhere from 10 – 18″. Water clarity has been very good and the higher up river you go, the clearer it will get. Access is good on the roads along the river as most of the puddles and mud have dried up.
Creeks: Sierra Fishing Report
Hot Creek’s BWO hatch is coming off pretty good in the afternoons. Egg patterns and smaller nymphs and midge patterns have been getting fish under the surface. Later in the day switching to a dry dropper with a small mayfly #20 and a zebra midge #20 can get you into fish. Hit the areas between the weeds where fish can take shelter but still have access to slip out and take a fly with little effort. SJ worms #14 – 16, #18 Blood Midge, #18 – 20 Tungsten Zebra, #20 Bead Prince Nymph Tungsten, Broken Black and Blue Midge, #18 -20 Crystal Caddis Larva Green Black, #18 – 20 Crystal Copper Zebra Midge, #18 Flashback Hare’s Ear, #22 -24 Griffith’s Gnat, #20 Serendipity Black.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 1-21-25.
Check out our recent client catches:
Bill and Jeff fished with Two Bug Doug on the Upper Owens River and tied into this nice rainbow trout.
Len got into some large rainbow trout with Two Bug Doug on the Upper Owens River.
Bill also fished with Two Bug Doug and smoked some really large rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Pat had a fun morning hooking into some big rainbow trout while fishing with Doug R.
Gabriel fished with Doug R. and got into some great rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
David got into some solid rainbow trout on the Upper Owens with Doug R.
Check out this awesome, colorful and toothy rainbow trout that Richard caught while fishing with Two Bug Doug.
Kelly fished with Doug R. and nailed this fine rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Stephen fished with Doug Dolan for a fun day catching large rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Stephen displays another nice rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
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