Eastern Sierra Fishing Report
Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 12-3-24. A nice shot of snow from the last storm has left the eastern sierra white with low temperatures in Mono County hovering in the 15-25 degree range, and daytime temps getting up to the 40’s this week. The Upper Owens River does have snow on it, but the roads are still accessible by vehicles. The large rainbows are in the river in larger numbers now, and the usual spots are holding them. Road access to Hot Creek ends at the turnoff to the Interpretive Site and where the pavement turns to dirt going to the canyon sections. This extra effort to get to the creek will keep the crowds light now. The Lower Owens River flows have dropped to 126 cfs so wading in the wild trout section is now ideal and the drift boat sections are holding fish in the deepest part of the river. A good BWO hatch in the afternoons has kept things fun on the Lower O. Conditions look to be dry going into this week and most of next week.
Rivers: Sierra Fishing Report
Upper Owens River cold mornings are here now that winter has arrived in the region. Snow covers the ground on the river, but driving in is no problem yet. Once we get more snow, we will start using snowmobiles for access. Larger rainbows are starting to fill in the deep voids of the river and are taking flies as usual. 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 126 cfs. This is quite the drop from last month where we saw 400 cfs slowly lowering each week. The BWO hatch is happening on most afternoons, typically after the noon hour. 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.
Creeks: Sierra Fishing Report
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.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 12-3-24.
Check out our recent client catches:
Denis fished with Two Bug Doug and got into some great rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Denis with another large rainbow trout from the Upper Owens River.
John also fished with Two Bug Doug and smoked some really large rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
John with another stupendous rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Anthony fished with Doug R. and got into some great rainbow trout on the Lower Owens River.
Anthony with another large rainbow trout from the Lower Owens River.
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.
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