Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 11-6-24. Winter nights are here with freezing low temperatures, the norm now. As we cruise into this month the daytime highs around Long Valley are hovering around the 60’s. Slight breezes in the afternoons, and some aquatic insect activity have the fish feeding on mayflies aggressively in the afternoon. Some larger fish are entering the Upper Owens River from Crowley, and the resident rainbows are keeping things interesting. Egg flies, PT’s, SJ worms and midges are getting them. Flows are moving right now at 110 cfs. Hot Creek has the same hatch story with a few larger fish showing some color now as they prepare for the fall spawn. The Lower Owens River is holding around 400 cfs. Drift boat fishing has been the best way to fish the river. Flows on the E. Walker River have crashed to winter rates around 35 cfs.
Upper Owens River is fishing well as more trophy sized rainbows take up residence in the typical areas. The deeper pools and cut banks are their main holding zones. Water clarity is excellent and there is a nice afternoon mayfly hatch taking place around 12:30 – 1:30 most days. Winds have been coming up in the afternoons and morning temps have been in the teens. San Juan Worms, 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.
Hot Creek hatches have thinned some, but the fish are hitting small caddis and midges in the mornings followed by the trico hatch. 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.
Lower Owens River flows have come down to 400 cfs. We have been running drift boat trips here and experiencing some fun fishing. Loebergs, Spruce-a-bu, Wooly Buggers, and Perch Fry have all been getting takes. Larger fish are holding in the deepest slowest water, while school sized rainbows and browns can be found all over the river in the slower sections. The Wild Trout section is still difficult for fly fishing at these flows, but the drift boat sections are in prime condition.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 11-6-24.
Check out our recent client catches:
Ed fished with Doug R. and got into some great rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Jeff fished with Doug R. and nailed this fine rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Jeff with another solid rainbow trout.
Ed with another stellar rainbow trout.
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