Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 3-5-24. We finally got a real winter storm. While this storm didn’t bring much snow to elevations below 5800′, a lot was left in areas above. Blizzard warnings were hoisted throughout the sierra this past weekend, with full highway closures, avalanches, and wind speeds we have not seen in quite some time. Gusts in Crowley Lake were reported around the 95 mph range, which knocked out power, uprooted trees, and caused damage to roofs and structures. After the smoke cleared, most open fishing areas remained accessible and have continued to fish well. The Upper Owens River is still snow free, but there is a lot of mud driving in. The bigs are still hanging around up here. Hot Creek has also been fishing well, especially in the afternoons when the BWO hatch starts. The Lower Owens River has been great with good numbers of fish on the drift boats and in the Wild Trout Section. Fish are still hanging in the big pools, with a few hugging tight to the seams along the brush.
Upper Owens River flows have dropped to 72 cfs. The fish are still spread out, but should settle into their preferred area of choice soon. You may have to cover some water though as the fish seem to be moving every few days to weeks. The latest snowfall did not bring much to the river again, and any snow that did fall was blown away by high winds. The river is still very muddy, so proceed with caution when driving in. Best nymphs have been Pheasant Tails in sized #16 -18, Copper Johns, Bead Prince Nymphs, Hare’s Ears, SD Crawlers in Red, #16 San Juan Worms, and various midges in #14 -20..
Hot Creek is fishing very well in both sections. Snow has hit the ground here but driving conditions are still great. There is less pressure from other anglers here, so it’s a great place to get away from people at times and get after some nice fish. Water levels are low here and you’ll have to pick and choose your drift lanes in the canyon section. The fish are responding very well to small midges in the mornings and afternoons and the BWO mayflies have been very consistent in their afternoon hatches. #18-22 Pheasant tails, midges, assassins, caddis pupa, and serendipity have been getting the job done. The canyon section will be less pressured then the Interpretive Site. 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 the 124 cfs and the drift boat sections have been fishing great. Fishing has been very good through most of the Wild Trout area as well. The BWO hatch has been coming off strong on most days typically around 12:30 to 2 pm. Most of the fish we are catching are in the deepest pools with a few along the deeper undercut banks. The softer and slower water has been drawing most of the fish to hold here. Streamer patterns from the drift boat have been working the best and then switching over to dry flies mid-day allows us to take advantage of the surface action. The fish we have been catching are ranging from 8 – 21″ in length between both areas.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 3-5-24.
Randy fished with Doug R. and bagged this huge rainbow trout on the Upper Owens River.
Bud fished with Doug R. and got this nice rainbow trout on the Lower Owens River.
John bested this nice rainbow trout while fishing with Doug R. on the Lower Owens River.
Check out this feathered friend who decided to watch us fish on the Lower Owens.
Bud displays another nice rainbow on the Lower Owens River.
Bud got some nice rainbows while fishing with Doug R on the Upper Owens River.
John displays a nice one from the Upper Owens River.
Randy had a great morning on the Upper Owens River while fishing with Doug R.
Randy with another nice rainbow trout from the Upper Owens River.
And another nice rainbow trout for Randy.
John showing off a quality rainbow from the Lower Owens River.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 3-5-24.