Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 10-30-26. Nights are frosty and daytime temps have been pleasant most days. The days are starting to get mixed now with cold fronts some days and high pressure on others. Overnight temperatures are ranging from the mid 20’s to high 30’s, while daytime temperatures are anywhere from the high 40’s to 70’s depending on where you are in the region. Some winter weather is forecasted for the weekend. The Upper Owens River is receiving quite a bit of fishing pressure, and clear water is making for some spooky large trout that have entered from Crowley. The fish are spread out but particular areas are holding a few numbers. Hot Creek is flowing very low and fishing gets decent here once the morning chill starts to fade. The Lower Owens River has been experiencing some great BWO hatches in the late mornings and early afternoons. The hatch has been starting as early as 11:30 on some days. The drift boat sections have been giving up mostly wild browns with the occasional rainbow in the mix. The East Walker River is also producing some large fish from brown trout in full spawn coloring to hefty rainbow trout. Flows are just under 100 cfs now, and the deeper pools are where to look. Good drifts, fly placement and stealth are needed this time of year, plus a little knowledge of where the fish are holding. Fingers are crossed for a massive winter ahead, but time will tell as always.
Hot Creek Fishing Report October 30, 2026
Hot Creek flows are low this time of year, so fishing light or zero weighted rigs are a good bet now to prevent bottom and weed hang ups with your flies. Single fly sub-surface drifts with midges and very small nymphs are the standard now. Tenkara or tight line rigs are also effective and more efficient. Seek out the open lanes and don’t overlook the openings over weeds with some driftable water. The Interpretive Site can be better for some deeper pools and bigger fish too. Make sure you are getting the flies deep in the pockets for those larger fish.
Upper Owens River Fishing Report October 30, 2026
The Upper Owens River is low and clear, so if you can see the fish, they can definitely see you. That may be half of the battle right there. It can get pretty crowded with fishermen this time of year and a lot of the time you may or will have anglers walking too close to the banks where others are fishing, so your shot at some of the bigs can be short lived once they spook. Sneak attacks are best, and getting your presentations right in front of the fish is crucial. Don’t overlook the undercut banks now as the larger rainbows move up from down river. They utilize these holding and resting areas very often, especially when the pools look barren. Eggs, Worm Imitations, PT’s, Leeches and Perch Fry can get you some big ones now.
Lower Owens River Fishing Report October 30, 2026
Lower Owens River flows have finally dropped to 168 cfs. Most of the browns are on the feed eating streamers and the BWO hatch can get really good later in the morning and afternoon. The Wild Trout section is in great shape and the fish are hungry. Nymphing and dry fly fishing have been the most successful methods. Fish all the transition zones and slow water too. Fishing pressure here has been moderate but it will get busier with the dropping flows. Access is good and it will always be warmer here than the Upper Owens River which makes for pleasant conditions. Fishing here will continue to improve as we get into winter.
East Walker River Fishing Report October 30, 2026
East Walker River has been giving up some nice brown trout the last few weeks. The less fished areas are fishing better than the mile section, but some nice fish are also being caught upstream of the bridge. Flows have dropped to 98 cfs, so fish will definitely be moving to deeper water now. There are still a couple of weeks of fishing left to be had here. If we get early snow, we may see some big brown trout go on a frenzy.
Doug Dolan got Keith into some big rainbow trout like this one.
