Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 2-26-25. Warmer weather has given way to winter grip on us from the big storm weekend. As we near the month of March, any snowfall from this point on will be good for setting the area up for the summer season. The snow will not likely stick around on the ground for long though, as the higher sun angle will be melting it off quickly each day. We did have to access the Upper Owens River by snowmobile for the last week or so, but now we are seeing mostly patchy snow and mud on the river, making it treacherous for driving in and easier to get stuck in mud or deep snow ruts. The BWO hatch is still going on all the rivers and creeks. Some days are producing a larger hatch while others remain sparse. The large rainbows are still hanging around on the Upper Owens with a few mid-sized spring run fish starting to move in. The Lower Owens flows are perfect for wading now at 80 cfs, and drift boat conditions also remain good. The BWO hatch has been coming off here around 11:30 and depending on the day, lasting from 30 minutes to an hour or so. Hot Creek is slowly becoming more accessible with the melting snow, and the bite has been fair to good. The BWO hatch seems to be the good window here for getting some numbers, and bigger fish can be found feeding sub-surface. The Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel, and Outdoors Show is coming up soon in Orange County. Families and children are welcome with free entry for Kids 12 and Under and a Free Kids Trout Pond at the show! There are tons of industry professionals here with lots of great products to check out, fantastic seminars, and tons more. For more information, dates and times, visit https://sportfishingfestival.com/
Rivers: Sierra Fishing Report
Upper Owens River had a pretty good amount of snow on it the last 12 days, but it has melted quickly since then with the warm weather. Driving in is still not recommended as patchy snow with lots of mud is now the norm. What may look safe to drive on may get you stuck in a snow filled rut or some slick mud. Walking in is not too difficult, but can change depending on the amount of snow you step in on various parts of the river. Be prepared for some crowds if you choose to fish on the weekends.
A long line of cars at the Upper Owens River on a 3 day weekend.
A good amount of anglers working the Upper Owens River for trout.
A rare sighting of sage grouse in the early morning on the Upper Owens River.
It’s the same story here on where the fish are holding. The deep pools and undercut banks are all holding fish. Some mid-size grade fish have moved into the river now. Getting your presentation right in front of the fish is key now, as these fish have seen a lot of flies drifting in their holding areas through the winter. Fish are ranging from 18 – 23″ and are mostly rainbow 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 dropped to 80 cfs. Wading is a breeze at these levels and these lower flows help concentrate the fish. 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. The Gorge has been a good option for numbers.
Creeks: Sierra Fishing Report
Hot Creek’s access by vehicle is still limited due to snow burms. The snow is melting away quite quickly though, and after this weekend, you may be able to drive in to at least the Interpretive Site. The canyon access is still walk in only. Small midges like Griffith’s Gnats fished on top are getting a lot of interest in the mornings. Egg patterns are doing well and fooling browns and rainbows. 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 2-26-25.
Check out our recent client catches:
Young Jack fished with Two Bug Doug on the Upper Owens River and tied into this nice rainbow trout.
Charlie got into some hefty rainbow trout while fishing with Doug R. on the Upper Owens River right after the storm.
Colin, Jack’s little brother also got into some good rainbow trout with Two Bug Doug.
Charlie with another good rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Ron got into some large rainbow trout with Doug R. on the Upper Owens River.
Hank fished with Doug R. and smoked some really large rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Marshall had a fun morning hooking into some big rainbow trout while fishing with Devin.
Marshall with another great rainbow trout.
Casey got into some solid rainbow trout on the Upper Owens with Doug R.
Check out this awesome, colorful and toothy rainbow trout that Bud caught while fishing with Doug R.
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