Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 7-25-25. Weather has been downright amazing this past week with cooler temperatures giving us a nice break from the summer heat. Most days are in the 70’s around Crowley Lake and Bishop has been in the 90’s. We can expect an increase in temps after the weekend as they return to more seasonable levels. Crowley Lake has continued to fish well, but more pressure is being put on the fish in the channels now, so they are scattering. The deep water bite also continues to produce here. Midges, Damselflies, Perch Fry, and Assassins are all getting bites. The Upper Owens River is also fishing well for hatchery and wild trout. Water is clear above the bridge and fish are spread out, but some larger models are lurking in the deeper holding areas. Hot Creek has been fishing well for numbers on the surface bite and down below. When they are feeding on top it can be a fish every cast with the right drift. The Lakes Basin in Mammoth and the June Loop are still kicking out some quality fish in the mornings and evenings. Lower Owens is hanging at 450 cfs so wading is tough and the East Walker River is giving up a few fish here and there when you cover some water.
Lakes: Sierra Fishing Report
Crowley Lake has been giving up good numbers and quality in shallow water. Recent added pressure has tamed the bite some, but there is still some great quality to be had. This past week the bite has been starting late, after 9 am. Once it gets going though you can plan on steady action provided you set up in the right places. The deep water bite is also giving up some good fish along Stormy Flats and Sometimes Bay. Midges, assassins in both colors, Perch Fry, and Damselfly nymphs are getting fish to the net. The bite is only going to get better from here and the algae has not been a major issue. When the wind picks up from the south, watch out for floating weeds and grass as they will catch on your leaders and flies.
Bridgeport Reservoir’s water level is dropping now since the East Walker River flows have come down and the runoff is starting to slow down some. The fish are in the channels of the East Walker and Robinson and Buckeys. There are still fish holding deeper by Rainbow Pt. and the dam. Light and Dark Assassins and midges are best now with perch fry patterns getting some attention. Midges are still a great bet, especially with some copper heads to match the hatches.
Mammoth Lakes Basin area lakes have been fishing well pulling streamers from a float tube. The Twin Lakes have been fairly consistent with most fish being found around the inlets, damselflies are everywhere so this is a great pattern to pull from a float tube now.
Rivers: Sierra Fishing Report
Upper Owens River flows have come down to 75 cfs and fishing is good here for quality rather than quantity. The hoppers have shown up and water clarity has been good above the Hot Creek confluence and even a few larger model browns and rainbows are holding in the deeper sections and undercut banks. The hoppers aren’t thick yet, but the fish will recognize them now. The stocking continues downstream of the Benton Crossing Bridge every 2 weeks.
East Walker River flows are holding at 130 cfs. Fishing along the mile has been hit or miss. Although some fish have moved back into this section, the fish kill has taken its toll on the numbers here. Fishing is a bit better downstream of the mile currently.
Lower Owens River flows have jumped back up to 450 cfs, and fishing can be ok but wading is tough. Access to the Gorge is open once again.
Creeks: Sierra Fishing Report
Hot Creek has turned the corner and the dry fly action we love is happening now. Target the open weed lanes with smaller nymphs and midges and throw dry flies during the mid day hatches. Dry droppers are good bets too this time of year. Mayflies or Caddis as the dry fly and small bead head flies in 16-20 are great from sinking your offering to the fish.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 7-25-25.
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