Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 11-10-26. Pleasant weather will be in store for this week with some possible rain and snow over the upcoming weekend. The East Walker River flows have plunged down to 21 cfs. This will limit areas to fish on this river until its close on November 15. The Upper Owens River has very low and clear water currently, so any of the big fish that are in the river are very spooky. In short, if it’s crowded and folks are walking over the areas they hold in, it doesn’t make it easy for the next angler that comes in to catch them. They are taking their time this year coming into the river, but some winter weather this weekend may move some fish up. Hot Creek is very low this time of year, but there are some decent BWO hatches still in the afternoons. This is a good window to hit it for some fun dry fly action. The Lower Owens River is now coming around with dropping flows. The LADWP gauge has been broken for about a week now, so it’s hard to get an accurate flow rate. Last week it was sitting around 170 cfs and water is very clear. The rainbows and browns don’t seem to mind though if you get your flies in the right spots. The drift boating started slower but is building steam. The BWO hatches are pretty consistent now from 11:30 to 1 most days. There is a bit of moss and weeds in some areas depending on where you are on the river.
Hot Creek Fishing Report November 9, 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. Look for the BWO hatches to pop off around noon.
Upper Owens River Fishing Report November 9, 2026
The Upper Owens River is low and clear, so if you can see the fish, they can definitely see you. On days with a lot of angling pressure, it can be difficult to get onto the big fish. For one, they are really holding off on entering the river in force. With a few more storms, we should see some more fish start the migration up river. 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 November 9, 2026
Lower Owens River has come down and cleared up and last time the flows were hanging around 160 cfs. With the flow gauge out of commission for now we are not getting any accuracy on a reading.
Most of the browns and rainbows are on the feed eating streamers, worms, and smaller nymphs like perdigons, copper johns, and PT’s, and the BWO hatch can get really good later in the morning and afternoon. 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 November 9, 2026
East Walker River has been giving up some nice brown trout the last few weeks, if you know the spots. Flows have crashed down to the 20’s in cfs. Now it’ll be fishing in the deepest water to get into some fish. All year, most of the fish caught here have been large.
A look at the current conditions on the Lower Owens River.
Jeff shows off a wild brown trout from the Upper Owens River.
Jeff also got into a few trout on the Lower Owens River.
