Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 5-23-23. The weather is warming up nicely and we have been having some exceptional weather for fishing. The bite on Crowley has seemed to turn the corner now with more midges emerging and the fish have really been responding and getting more active. Browns are the majority of the catch now, but the rainbows are in the mix as well depending on what area you are fishing. A few cutthroat are also making a showing. The lake is low and the water level is currently still dropping slightly daily, but the incoming snowmelt will start adding water and bringing lake levels up. Most of the rivers and creeks from here until the snow is gone will be swelling and running fast. Take care if you will be frequenting areas with moving water as conditions can get dangerous. Best times for Hot Creek have been early mornings before the runoff raises the flows and adds color to the water. The nights that are on the cooler side will provide better morning fishing opportunities here. Eagle Lake is primed and ready for the opener this coming weekend. We still have dates available to fish Pyramid Lake from our center console boat until the end of June. We got our summer wear back in stock. Check out our fine selection of Sierra Drifters Hats.
Upper Owens River The river is snow free, but mud puddles and soft ground still pose a hazard to vehicles. Flows have ramped up now to over 100 cfs. Water clarity is off-color but water conditions look great for the incoming cutthroat trout out of Crowley Lake..
Hot Creek With the warmer weather, the water color turns brownish and fast by late morning early afternoon. Early mornings will be best if you plan to fish here before the water level changes and the color turns. Flies to use: Egg patterns, 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 is blown out at 750cfs. We will not driftboat it at this flow nor will we wade it. This flow will continue or even increase as the spring progresses. We are writing it off here until the fall or the river stabilizes at a consistent flow rate.
East Walker River flows are high at 1200 cfs. Going to be a tough go if you fish here, but it can be done. Lots of weight to get those flies down is the key and be mindful of your safety. You’ll have to locate some slow pocket water. As we get into spring heavier flies like Crawdads and Rubber Legs are good choices.
Pyramid Lake cutthroat are coming out of the spawn. They are readjusting to feed mode again, but the bigs are out there. Most of the fish are being caught in 5 to 10′ of water. A combination of stripping streamers and indicator fishing has been the most productive. We have plenty of dates left to fish until the end of June. Smaller midges fished under the indicator in the #16 – 18 range have been best.
Eagle Lake is getting the water now and the lake is rising. Pine Creek has been flowing stronger than it has in years, which is good news for the lake and the fish. We still have dates available for those wanting to fish the incredible fishery for the month of June. We are now taking bookings for May 31st – July 1st. Check out our Eagle Lake page for more information. For some moving picture action of Eagle Lake take a look at our videos.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 5-23-23.
Rod fished with Doug R. and scored this beautiful rainbow trout.
Brian also fished with Doug R. and got this fatty brown trout.
Dan got into some solid rainbow trout like this one from Crowley Lake while fishing with Doug R.
Dan with another nice rainbow trout from Crowley Lake.
Ray bested this nice rainbow trout from Crowley Lake while fishing with Doug R.
Tim fished with Doug R. and got some nice fish like this hefty rainbow trout from Crowley Lake.