Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report for 9-26-25. As we near the month of October, the higher elevations are showing their fall colors. The aspens are adding some real beauty to the eastern sierra, as the lower elevation trees around 7000′ are just starting. A heavy rainshower moved through the area this afternoon, but clearing ahead for the next few days may see some afternoon rain. It’s been one of the best years for big fish on Crowley Lake, some real stand out fish have come to our nets in the 25″ range. Midges are the main food now, but callibaetis mayflies are still abundant in the morning hours. 7 – 12 feet now is where they are at. A few larger model fish are starting to trickle in to the Upper Owens River, but the majority are smaller hatchery fish on both sides of the bridge. Hot Creek is still experiencing some decent hatches in the afternoons on the warmer days. The Lower Owens is now at a much more manageable level for wade fishing at 125 cfs. The East Walker in the miracle mile section is still in the Dead Zone. Below the bridge however, the fishing has been really good for larger fish. Flows are low here at around 50 cfs though, so you’ll have to choose the deepest water to be productive.
Lakes: Sierra Fishing Report
Crowley Lake has been going non-stop strong. The rascals are starting to concentrate in other areas of the lake now. Mainly, Green Banks, Sandy Point, and Leighton Springs as more fish have moved to the other side. A fair amount of larger fish up to 25″ are showing up recently, including some larger Oregon fish in the 10lb class. If you have been searching for that trout of a lifetime, the time is now. We have a lot of days left of fishing the lake. It will be closed to fishing by October 26 so the final day to fish Crowley on one of our boats will be October 25.
Mammoth Lakes Basin area lakes have been fishing well pulling streamers from a float tube. Lots of fish have been planted here recently so pressure is moderate from other anglers. The Twin Lakes have been fairly consistent with most fish being found around the inlets, larger streamers are working well now with nymphs fished close the bottom in deeper zones getting takes.
Creeks: Sierra Fishing Report
Hot Creek flows are have really dropped low in the canyon section and the Interpretive Site. Midges are the go to early morning food here. There’s a decent caddis hatch coming off in the evenings, and the fish are taking advantage of the situation. Weather is cooling down at night now, so the bug activity is a little slower to get started in the morning.
Rivers: Sierra Fishing Report
Upper Owens River flows have come down to 62 cfs and fishing is decent for smaller hatchery sized trout. Some larger fish are now in the system though. Water is very clear above the confluences so stealth is the key. Try dry dropper setups here for easy casting and efficient drifts. Don’t overlook the undercut banks as larger trout love to take up residence here. Stocking down below the bridge has slowed down.
Lower Owens River flows are at a great wading level now. We will start looking at drift boat trips here by mid-October. The river didn’t receive a lot of pressure last month due to higher flows. This is a good place to fish with less pressure during the general season.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 9-26-25.
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