Here’s your Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 9-14-24. Beautiful weather has graced the region, as we have recently passed the hottest days of summer in the eastern sierra. With just over a week to go before we move into fall, we have been experiencing highs in the 70’s and some cooler lows due to a passing cold front of late. Rain and possible snow in the upper elevations may materialize come Monday, but temperatures will be warming back up prior to this event briefly, before another shot of unstable weather makes its appearance. Crowley Lake has definitely been the hottest bite in town. The North Arm of the lake is where the party is at, as 80% of the boat and float tube traffic congregates there daily. A drastically varying grade of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout are present. The Upper Owens River has been good with dry droppers imitating tiny aquatic insects. Midges mainly with a few tricos in the mornings show up and a dry/dry with Griffith’s Gnats and/or #18 – 20 Parachute Adams is a great combo. Switching over to smaller nymphs in the afternoons can get you into some larger fish residing in the deeper sections. Caddis are hatching in the final hours of daylight and the surface action can be good. A similar situation is happening now on Hot Creek in both the Interpretive Site and canyon sections. The crowds have been extremely light, other than the wonderful wildlife that will accompany you here. The East Walker River is in recovery mode due to hypoxic water which proved fatal to a large amount of trophy trout within the first 2 miles of the river from the dam. Fishing is best in the lowest sections of the river after the 2 mile stretch. The Gorge is receiving a good flush of water and is closed until 9/17.
Upper Owens River is holding a mixed size of fish, and the majority are in the 10 – 13″ range. There are some larger rainbows holding in various locations. Water is low and clear and you can get a good visual of the fish in the late mornings. San Juan Worms, 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.
Hot Creek hatches have thinned some, but the fish are hitting small caddis and midges in the mornings followed by the trico hatch. 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.
Lower Owens River flows are blown out for fishing. CFS is now at 600. Fishing should improve later this month.
East Walker River a fish kill has taken place here severely reducing the trophy trout population and putting stress on the other smaller sized fish. The first two miles of river has been affected. Fishing downstream of the 2 mile section may be ok.
Crowley Lake has still been going strong. There are fish everywhere, but most are focusing on the North end and McGee Bay along with Layton Springs. Midges are definitely the go to food now, but don’t be afraid to use a perch fry or assassin as you upper fly. The Flashback Pt’s have also been picking off a few here and there. It’s a location game currently. These fish are moving around, and if you are not getting bites, chances are the fish have vacated from around where you are anchored. A good fish finder and being able to recognize structural changes in the bottom is the key to good fishing. Punk Perch Light and Dark ( Parallel and Standard ), Assassins Dark ( Parallel and Standard ), Blood Midges, SD Chironomidge, Puff O’ Smoke, and Copper Tiger and Copper Zebra are good bets right now.
Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 9-14-24.
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Thanks for reading our Eastern Sierra Fishing Report 9-14-24.
We have a line on a beautiful Ranger Bahia 220 center console bay boat for sale. This is not a guide boat, but from a private seller who frequents Crowley Lake. It has a 150 HP Mercury 4-Stroke with 895 hours, with many of them being idle hours. Marc is asking $42,000 for the boat. You can contact him at (310) 464-1777 for more information.
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