Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 12-02-2022

Our warm mid-day weather is about to turn into much needed winter weather as the Eastern Sierra are expecting storms over the weekend. There will be new snow at upper elevations and hopefully a little rain in the Owens Valley. The trout’s winter feeding hours will be from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M to coincide with winter insect activity. Fish can be caught before and after these hours, but prime trout fishing will be in the middle of the day. Midges and mayflies will be providing the bulk of the insect activity until we get to February when stoneflies and caddis will be hatching.

The Home Street Middle School fly fishing club enjoyed a late afternoon session of nymphing on Bishop Creek Canal.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

I’m getting out to the wild trout section by 11:00 A.M. just in time to catch the blue wing olive hatch that starts mid-day. While some sections have enough trout rising to the surface for dry fly action, I prefer to fish nymphs on my Euro rig. Size 18 blue wing olive patterns like blue wing olive parachutes and olive sparkle duns are fooling the surface feeding wild trout. On the Euro rig I’m fishing with an olive quilldigon, stoner nymph, and hot spot pheasant tail nymph. I’ve been catching fish on all three flies. I’m wading into sections that are heavily lined with willows and tulles. These are spots that a lot of fly fishers don’t fish.

Andrew Castillo from San Diego learned how to Euro nymph honing his skill while catching little brown trout.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

Access before the storms was easy as multiple vehicles had packed down the snow on the road to the Interpretive site and in the parking area. Access after the storms will depend on the accumulated snow fall. Fishing mid-day has been good with midges and blue wing olives. I’m using size 20 blue wing olive parachutes, size 20 sparkle duns, and size 22 midge emergers.

Hot Creek Canyon is tricky to access when it has snow, but is worth the effort when the wild browns are taking nymphs and dries.

 Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

If there is enough accumulated snow from this series of storms it’s highly probable that the road will not be accessible by vehicles. Nymphing with mayfly nymphs and midge nymphs has been the most productive method of fly fishing the canyon prior to the storms. Dry fly activity, if it happens, will be middle of the day. The primary winter hatch will be midges with the occasional blue wing olive hatch.

Fly fishers covering lots of river looking for trophy trout that are feeding and resting in the deep holes, runs and cutbanks are finding a few trout willing to take stoner nymphs and green/gold Prince nymphs.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

Access to the upper Owens River will be tough right after the storms. It will take a few days for the snowmobiles and walking in fly fishers to pack down the trail. Fishing on the upper Owens has been tough as there are few trophy trout in the system. Successful fly fishers are covering lots of water looking for the few trophy trout that are resting and feeding in the deep holes, runs and cutbanks. I like fishing with larger nymphs dredged on the bottom of the deep water sections. I’m Euro nymphing with size 12 stoner nymphs, and size 12 green/gold Prince nymphs.

John Mcquade from San Diego is nymphing over a pod of stocker rainbows that were taking his nymph fished under an indicator.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

Few fly fishers are taking advantage of the canal being open to catch and release barbless lures and flies for the winter season. The trout are feeding on nymphs and I’m fishing under an indicator or with the Euro rig. I’m fishing with bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, stoner nymphs, and olive quilldigons. There are a few pods of stocked trout roaming around in the canal offering fly fishers a chance to catch a few rainbows.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 11-25-2022

Warm days and mid-day hatches are offering fly fishers good fishing on a number of Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing waters. With cold mornings, hatches are starting late morning or early afternoon. Upper elevation waters have 12 to 24 inches of snow. Some spots are drivable. Others spots I park and walk in. I prefer not to get my truck stuck in the snow. Caddis and blue wing olive mayflies are providing the food for the trout

City of Los Angeles Department of water and power is doing scheduled maintenance on Pleasant Valley Dam power station and are rerouting the lower Owens River below the maintenance road.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

As of November 16th the wild trout section of the lower Owens River is now catch and release with barbless lures and flies. I’m starting to see brown trout redds in the riffles throughout the wild trout section. This is the future population of trout and these redds should be avoided by wading fly fishers.  The lower Owens River is offering quantity fly fishing with dry flies and nymphs for wild brown trout and rainbow trout to 12 inches. The best fishing, during the hatch, has been from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Dry fly enthusiasts are finding pods of selectively feeding trout that are taking size 20 blue wing olive parachutes, and olive sparkle duns. Nymphing under an indicator or on a Euro rig has been the most productive method of fly fishing the lower Owens River in the wild trout section. I’ve been catching trout up till dark.

Kelly Wagner from San Luis Obispo landing a wild brown trout on the lower Owens River even though the bottom section of his rod fell off .

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

Four wheel vehicles can access the interpretive site parking area. Snow has been trampled down by fly fishers increasing access along the creek. A blue wing olive hatch from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. have the wild brown trout feeding on the surface. I’m using size 20 blue wing olive parachutes, and olive sparkle duns. There are a few trophy trout coming to the surface to feed on the hatching blue wing olive mayflies.

Rod Humphrey fishing the interpretive site all by himself on a cold day during the blue wing olive hatch.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

Access into the canyon is slippery going up and down the hill and fly fishers need to be cautious. There are open water spots that fly fishers can drift nymphs through. Euro nymphing, Tenkara nymphing, and dry and a dropper nymphing techniques are producing wild brown trout and rainbow trout to 14 inches. I’m fishing with size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, and olive quilldiqgons. During the hatch I’m fishing the surface with size 20 blue wing olive parachutes or olive sparkle duns.

Fly fishers can try fly fishing in the area upstream of Benton Bridge, but the best fishing is a 45 minute to hour walk up steam.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

Fishing for trophy trout is tough right now. There are not a lot of trophy trout in the river. Covering lots of water fishing with stoner nymphs and green/gold Prince nymphs in the deep holes, runs, and cutbanks is the way to find a trophy trout or two. I’m fishing 45 minutes to an hour walk upstream from Benton Crossing Bridge. It’s a lot of effort for few trophy trout.

Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

This section is closed to fishing as of Wednesday November 16, 2022.

This is the time of year to fly fish the canal with no fly fishing pressure.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

If you’re looking for a spot to fly fish all by yourself the canal is that spot. I’m nymphing with bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, and olive quilldigons. The best fishing is from 11:00 to 1:00 P.M. The hatch has been sporadic, but if you see a lot of trout feeding on the surface, I would try a size 20 blue wing olive parachute.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 11-18-2022

As of Wednesday November 16, 2022 Eastern Sierra waters are under winter regulations. Non resort lakes like Intake Two, North Lake, and backcountry lakes are open to year round fishing with no gear restrictions. Resort lakes like Crowley Lake, South Lake, and Sabrina are closed to fishing for the winter. Most moving waters, rivers, streams and canals are under catch and release regulations with barbless lures or flies through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April. Be sure to check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations PDF section 7.50 for specific water closures.

Twelve to 24 inches of snow can be found at upper elevation waters. The snow is soft and it’s tough waking through it with just boots or waders. Snow shoes, cross country skis, or snowmobiles are the easier way to get around. Cold windy days are for staying home tying flies and getting caught up on paper work. Warm windless days are for being out on the waters of the Eastern Sierra fly fishing. Hatches of mayflies and caddis are keeping the trout actively feeding. It’s cold out there and fly fishers should be adequately dressed for winter conditions.

With snow on the ground at upper elevations fly fishers need to be careful where they drive and park their vehicles.

 Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

There is a good mid-day blue wing olive hatch that is keeping the trout actively feeding on dries and nymphs. The closer you are to Five Bridges Road you will find trout actively feeding on the freshly hatching blue wing olive mayflies. The key to fishing dry flies is to find pods of surface selectively feeding trout and presenting your dry fly with a drag free drift. I’m consistently doing well with blue wing olive nymph patterns under an indicator or on the Euro nymph rig. On the surface I’m using size 20 olive sparkle duns and size 20 blue wing olive parachutes. On the Euro rig I’m using olive quilldigons, stoner nymphs, and hot spot pheasant tail nymphs. Under the indicator I’m using size 18 olive quilldigons and size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs.

Elise Minichiello from Ventura with a wild brown trout from the catch and release section of the lower Owens River that took a size 18 olive quilldigon.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

The interpretive site is covered in a blanket of snow from 12 to 24 inches deep. Fly fishers are making tracks in the snow which is making getting around in the snow easier. Vehicles can be driven up to the Kiosk. A late morning very early afternoon blue wing olive hatch has the trout actively fishing on the surface. Size 20 blue wing olive parachutes trailed three feet behind a size 16 Adams parachute is the rig that is producing trout for me and my clients. The fishing shuts down by 1:00 P.M.

Hot Creek Canyon has just enough snow to make the trek in and out of the canyon an adventure.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

This area is harder to access. You will need a four wheel drive with clearance to get through the snow on the road which will not be plowed. The parking lots are tricky to park in as few vehicles have driven into them packing the snow down. Access up and down the trials into the canyon is tough with wind drifts up to two feet deep. Going down is easier then coming out. Coming out is much slippery then going down. Nymphing and dry flies are producing wild trout in this section. Nymphing with an Adams dry fly 18 to 24 inches above a size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymph or size 18 olive quilldigon is producing fish most of the day. During the hatch I’ve been throwing size 20 blue wing olive parachutes at the rising trout. This is an area for very fit fly fishers to be fishing.

The upper Owens River has a blanket of snow that fly fishers need to negotiate to reach the trout’s spawning grounds upstream of Benton Crossing Bridge.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

There is lots of snow on the ground here. I would only drive out the roads above Benton Crossing Bridge if there are lots of tire tracks. It’s pretty easy to get your vehicle stuck on the snow covered dirt roads. Fly fishers parking at Benton Crossing Bridge and walking upstream are finding trophy trout willing to take nymphs and steamers. I’ve been fishing with size 12 stoner nymphs and size 12 green/gold Prince nymphs on the Euro rig. Best fishing has been 30 minutes to an hours walk above the bridge. I’m working the nymphs in the deep holes, runs, and cutbanks that the trophy trout are resting and feeding in. I avoid actively spawning fish on redds. These reproducing trout are the future of our wild trout population in the upper Owens River.

 Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

This section is closed to fishing as of Wednesday November 16, 2022.

With winter regulations in effect few fly fishers fish Bishop Creek Canal in the winter time.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

Bishop Creek Canal is now under winter fishing regulations which is catch and release barbless flies or lures only. I’m Euro nymphing with olive quilldigons, stoner nymphs, and hot spot pheasant tail nymphs. Under an indicator I’m using bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs and olive quilldigons. There are a few stocker rainbows left in this area. Wild brown trout will be the most commonly caught trout during the winter months in the canal.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 11-11-2022

The mountains are full of snow as the last storm left 12 to 24 inches of snow at the upper elevations. This is a great start to a winter snow pack. Waters above 7,000 feet are full of snow and fly fishers should use caution driving in these areas especially on the dirt roads. For those that get stuck in the snow try contacting Frosty 4 Wheeler off-road towing to get you out at 760 625-4537. It always seems like we go from warm weather to cold weather over night. I’m now fishing in my down jacket where two weeks ago I gave up my shorts and flip flops. It’s definitely cold out there on the rivers. Be sure to check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations to know the opened and closed waters starting on November 16, 2022.

The mountains have their winter blanket of snow which makes a great back drop when fishing the waters of the Owens Valley.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

Water levels are down to rock bottom at 80 CFS. This allows fly fishers to go almost everywhere in the stream bed. The only places I can’t go are the holes that are deeper than I am tall. Nymphing is producing the bulk of the fish for me at this time. I’m Euro nymphing with olive quilldigons, stoner nymphs, and hot spot pheasant tail nymphs. If you’re in the right place at the right time of day when the blue wing olive hatch is coming off you can switch to dry flies. A size 20 blue wing olive parachute or a size 20 pheasant tail emerger will fool the surface feeding trout.

A rainbow trout that took a size 18 olive quilldigon fished on the Tenkara rod deep in a pool in the lower Owens River.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

This area is now under 12 inches to 18 inches of fresh snow from this latest storm. Access is dependent on the road to the ranch being plowed. Blue wing olive adults and gray caddis are hatching and bringing the trout to the surface. I’m using size 20, blue wing olive parachutes, olive sparkle duns, gray partridge spent caddis, gray X-caddis, and gray elk hair caddis. Look for pools with selectively feeding trout. Trout feeding on mayflies will leave rings on the surface of the creek. Trout feeding on caddis will be breaking the waters surface. You will see parts of the trout coming through the creeks surface.

 Hot Creek Canyon no longer looks like this since it is covered in a blanket of 12 to 18 inches of snow.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

With the fresh snow, access to this area is going to be on foot from Hot Creek Ranch for at least a few days or possible until the snow melts in spring. Time will tell on access to the canyon. Fishing in here will be tough, but for fly fishers willing to do battle with the weeds the trout will take dries and nymphs. I’ve been nymphing with size 18 olive quilldigons and size 20 gray La Fontaine caddis emergers. On the surface I’m using size 20 blue wing olives and size 20 gray X-caddis.

A week ago the mountain tops were dusted with snow and now there is over a foot of snow on the ground on the upper Owens River.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

Access will be determined by the amount of snow on the road. If you drive in from Benton Crossing, I would suggest extreme caution as getting stuck is a real reality. There was a fresh run of trophy trout in the river before the storm came in. I expect to see more fish move in with the change in weather. The cold weather should be the catalyst to get the spawning run started. I will be walking into this section from Benton Crossing Bridge using my Euro nymphing rod with size 12 stoner nymphs, and size 12 green/gold Prince nymphs. I like working the deep holes, runs and cutbanks where the migrating trout like to rest and feed on their journey upstream.

With new snow on the ground it is going to be difficult to get a final fly fishing trip into the Monument area of the upper Owens River which closes on Tuesday November 15, 2022.

Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

The last day to fish this section is Tuesday November 15, 2022. This section is probably done for the year. I would not make first tracks in the snow here. I will drive in if it looks like there has been multiple vehicles accessing this area. I’m fishing my Euro rod with size 12 green/gold Prince nymphs, and size 12 stoner nymphs. The deep holes is where I’m concentrating my effort. There are a few spawners moving through this area.

August Chamberlain throwing a Panther Martin in the canal before it goes to catch and release fishing for the winter.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

Tuesday November 15, 2022 is the last day to keep trout in the canal. On Wednesday November 16, 2022 Bishop Creek Canal goes to catch and release lures and flies. I’ve been successfully fishing size 18 olive quilldigons and size 12 3.00 mm stoner nymphs. I’ve been catching stocker rainbows and wild brown trout.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 11-04-2022

A storm has pushed through the Eastern Sierra leaving the peaks of the mountains frosted in Snow. Mammoth Mountain will be opening this Saturday November 5, 2022. Higher elevation waters are done for the season or one storm away from being inaccessible by vehicle due to snow on the ground. Resort lakes will be closing on Tuesday November 15, 2022. Most moving waters will become catch and release barbless flies and lures starting Wednesday November 16. Be sure to check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations section 7.50 for specific water closures. Caddis and mayfly hatches have the trout feeding and taking flies that imitate the hatch that is on the water.

Fall colors are starting to show in the Owens Valley and the mountains are frosted with the first snow of the season.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

Blue wing olive mayfly hatches have the trout of the lower Owens River in the wild trout section feeding consistently on blue wing olive nymphs. Euro nymphing and under an indicator is producing the best action. If you’re in the right spot you can catch a few wild trout on a size 20 blue wing olive parachute at the peak of the hatch. I’m success with size 16 or 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, olive quilldigons, Frenchie’s and, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs. Fly fishing has been consistent from mid-morning to sunset.

Andy Gregg from Huntington Beach showing the results of learning to nymph fish under an indicator on the wild trout section of the lower Owens River.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

Weeds are starting to deteriorate allowing fly fishers more room to work their flies around the weed beds. A mid-morning to early afternoon caddis hatch has the wild trout feeding on emergers and dry flies. Size 20 gray X-caddis, elk hair caddis, and partridge spent caddis are fooling the selectively feeding trout.

Hot Creek Canyon water levels are low, but there are enough spots to fish in between the weed beds to allow fly fishers to catch a few wild trout.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

Water levels are low and weed beds are dominating the stream bed. There are enough open slots and holes to allow fly fishers to fish dries and nymphs in Hot Creek Canyon. A mid-day caddis hatch is responsible for the selectively feeding trout to be feeding on pupae and dries. I’m fishing with size 20 gray X-caddis, elk hair caddis, and partridge spent caddis cast and dead drifted in between the weeds. I’m also nymphing with size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs and olive quilldigons. There has been very little fly fishing pressure as fishing is tough at its best.

Working size 12 stoner nymphs and green/gold Prince nymphs in the deep holes, runs, and cutbanks is producing trophy rainbow trout.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

With the storm that came through the Eastern Sierra we now have some new trophy trout in the upper Owens River. These fish are resting and feeding in the deep holes, runs and cutbanks. They are looking for a big morsel like wooly buggers, matukas, slumpbusters, stoner nymphs, and green/gold Prince nymphs. Key to successfully fly fishing in this section is finding the pods of trout and casting to them without spooking them.

The upper Owens between Benton Crossing Bridge and Crowley Lake closes to fishing on Tuesday November 15, 2022.

Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

This section is open for just a little while longer. It’s worth fishing down here as the fish have to move through here on their way upstream to the spawning gravels. I’m looking for trout in the deeper holes and cutbanks. I’m making minimum casts with stoner nymphs and green/gold Prince nymphs on my Euro rod. If I don’t get hit or don’t see fish I’m moving to the next spot. Covering lots of water finding the fish is key to success in this section.

Bishop Creek Canal is a great spot to teach fly fishing to beginners.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

Stocker rainbows and wild brown trout are taking nymphs cast with stealth and drifted drag free. Olive quilldigons, Frenchie’s, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, Prince nymphs, and stoner nymphs are fooling the trout. These flies need to be fished down on the substrate. Weeds make it hard to get a good drift in some spots. The trout are feeding on top of the weeds or hiding in the weeds and darting out to feed on nymphs passing by them.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 10-28-2022

Well I’ve put away the flip flops and the shorts for another year. Cool mornings and evenings give way to perfect warm fall days. Fall colors are starting to show up on the floor of the Owens Valley. The mountain resorts are closing up in preparation for winter. The freestone creeks are at their lowest and I’m done fishing them in the mountain sections for the season. Brook trout and brown trout are finishing up their spawning seasons at elevations. At lower elevations the brown spawning season has not begun. Dry flies, nymphs, and meat streamer patterns are all producing fish for fly fishers. There have been two fires in the lower Owens River area. The last one was on Sunday October 23, 2022 across from the turnoff to the Pleasant Valley Dam from Hwy 395.

On Sunday afternoon October 23, 2022 there was a fire at the corner of HWY 395 and Sawmill Road.

Freestone Streams:

Rock Creek:

The creek is running at its lowest just before winter sets in. Fish are supper spooky and tough to catch right now. Dry flies are producing a few trout. I’m throwing elk hair caddis and Adams parachutes in size 14 and 16. I’m casting them as far upstream as I can to avoid spooking fish.

Alonso Parker-Martin from San Francisco Tenkara fly fishing Rock Creek on a fall morning on Rock Creek.

Bishop Creek

South Fork Bishop Creek at Weir Pond:

Low water is making fly fishing on south fork of Bishop Creek tough. Brook trout are congregating in preparation for spawning. These brook trout and the occasional brown trout are still taking dry flies like an Adams parachute or an elk hair caddis. I’m done up in Bishop Canyon until spring time. I might fish Bishop Creek in the Owens Valley this winter.

Spawning brook trout in the Fall are fun to catch and I’m done fishing for these fish until next Spring.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

This area is producing the most consistent fly fishing for me and my clients. Nymphing with an indicator rig or a Euro nymph rig is consistently producing wild brown trout to 12 inches. These fish are taking size 18 blue wing olive mayfly nymph patterns like olive quilldigon, Frenchie’s, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, and bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs. The bite is starting mid-morning and lasting until dark. There are a few caddis pupae hatching and the trout are chasing them down and grabbing them right at the rivers surface. There is an abundance of grass hoppers on the river, but the trout are not feeding on them as they are not getting blown into the river.

Pat Everett from Calabasas nymphing under an indicator with a size 18 olive quilldigon on the lower Owens River.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

Weed beds are still going strong and lack of hatches is making it tough to fish this section of the creek. Fly fishers working the water hard with caddis dries or blue wing olive dries are landing a trout or two. Three seasons of drought are having a negative effect on the fly fishing in Hot Creek.

Hot Creek Canyon is still a tough spot to fish with low water and weed beds at full majority.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

I was hoping that cold weather would decrease the weed beds in this section of the creek. It’s not been cold enough for the weeds to die off. Hard core fly fishers working nymphs in and around the weeds are managing to fool a few trout. It’s tough to get a drag free drift in this section with snagging the weeds. I’m throwing bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, bead head flash back gold ribbed hare’s ears, zebra midges, and tiger midges.

A cold windy afternoon on the upper Owens River all to ourselves and no trophy trout took on nymphs.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

There are a few trophy trout hanging out in the deep pools. These fish are aware of anglers and their offerings. Working flies over these fish will occasionally get a hit. For the trophy trout I’m using size 12 jigged green/gold Prince nymphs and stoner nymphs. Juvenile rainbow and brown trout to 12 inches are taking olive quilldigons, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, and parachute mayfly patterns. We need a storm or an increase in water flows to get the trout to migrate up from  Crowley Lake to spawn.

I’m exploring the Monument section of the upper Owens River looking for migrant trophy trout that have just entered the Owens River system from Crowley Lake.

Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

I’m spending some time in this section from the monument to the lake. I’m covering the deeper holes, pools, and cutbanks with stoner nymphs, and green/gold Prince nymphs. I’m searching this area looking for migrants working their way upstream to spawn. I’m only making a few casts to each spot. If I don’t see fish or don’t get hit, I’m moving upstream looking for the next spot to cast my flies to. So far, no fish in this section. This section closes on November 15th.

Home Street Middle School fly fishing club working Bishop Creek Canal with nymphs under an indicator.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

Nymphing with  blue wing olive nymph patterns is producing a combination of wild brown trout and stocked rainbows. A drag free drift and a stealthy approach will increase your odds of fooling trout in this section. I’m fishing with the Tenkara rod, Euro outfit, and under an indicator with olive quilldigons, stoner nymphs, and bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 10-21-2022

This weekend were supposed to get the first hint of winter with snow expected at the upper elevations. Mountain tops are expecting a couple of inches of snow. We are in the midst of one of the nicest Falls I can remember. Fishing for spawning brook trout and browns is peaking in the high country. Mayflies, caddis, and midges are providing lots of opportunities for fly fishers to fish with nymphs and dry flies. This is prime time to be throwing meat streamer patterns in those waters that have trophy trout.

Enjoy the Fall colors in Bishop Canyon and taking advantage of the fall fishing on the forks of Bishop Creek.

Freestone Streams:

Rock Creek:

Fishing here has gotten tough. The trout are there, they are just hard to sneak up on and present a fly to. For anglers wanting to fish these waters I would throw dry flies. Use your favorite dry fly as you will fish it with more confidence. I’m using Adams parachutes, elk hair caddis, and Royal Wulff’s in sizes 14 and 16.

Alonso Parker-Martin from San Francisco is exploring Rock Creek in the fall when the trees are changing color after a morning of Tenkara fishing.

Bishop Creek

South Fork Bishop Creek at Weir Pond:

This is a favorite spot of fly fishers in Bishop Creek Canyon. Brook trout and brown trout are feeding on dry flies. When the sun goes behind the mountains the midges are hatching. Using a Griffiths gnat or a midge adult is taking trout of the surface. I’m fishing Adams parachutes and elk hair caddis. There are hatches of mayflies and caddis coming of starting around noon. The fall colors in this area are wanning. If the storm has lots of wind it will be the end of fall colors up high in the area of South Lake.

In the Fall I’m targeting spawning brook trout on south Fork Bishop Creek and Weir Pond.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

Best fly fishing spot in the Eastern Sierra right now. Mayfly and caddis hatches are keeping the trout active. I’m Euro nymphing the river with olive quilldigons, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, Frenchie’s, pheasant tail nymphs, and stoner nymphs. For those that don’t Euro nymph, fishing these flies under an indicator is fooling lots of wild brown trout to 12 inches. Catching lots of juvenile brown trout. This should equate to a strong year class of trout. I expect next season to offer lots of 12 to 16 inch brown trout.

Jae Lee from Camarillo caught this rainbow while nymphing under an indicator with a size 18 olive quilldigon on the lower Owens River.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

Tough fly fishing, but if you’re going to fly fish Hot Creek this is your best opportunity. Most of the action has been in the morning with gray caddis. I’m using partridge spent caddis, elk hair caddis, and X-caddis in a size 20. There are a few trico mayflies and blue wing olive mayflies around, but the trout are not keying in on them. I’m hoping this change in weather might improve the hatches on Hot Creek.

With low water and weed beds at full maturity Hot Creek Canyon is one of the hardest to fish spots in the Eastern Sierra right now.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

I’m hoping that the cooler weather will start the decline of the weed beds in Hot Creek Canyon. For those willing to tough out fly fishing around the weeds, there are trout to be caught. Dry flies are easier to float in and around the weed beds. Nymphing is producing more trout and lots of weeds. Nymphing is tough, but for those willing to work nymphs you will catch trout.

Emmet Broughton of Corona plying the waters of the upper Owens River in the Monument area looking for trophy trout.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

We need an influx of new trophy trout into the upper Owens River. I’m hoping this change in weather might bring in some new trout. Euro nymphing or indicator nymphing is producing rainbows and browns to 14 inches. These trout are taking bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, olive quilldigons, Frenchie’s, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, stoner nymphs, and green/gold wire Prince nymphs.

Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

With this section being opened through November 15th I’m searching this section from time to time for trophy trout. The trout migrating up the river have to pass through this section. Good place to work nymphs and streamers is in the deep pools that the trout are using as resting places on their journey upstream to their spawning grounds. Best way to fly fish this section is to make a few cast to the pools you think might hold trout. If you don’t get a grab in three to five casts move on to the next spot. The trout are migrating through this section and fly fishers just have to find a pod of trout to be successful.

First time fly fisher Connie Snyder from Bishop hooked up to a rainbow trout on Bishop Creek Canal.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

Weekends have been packed with anglers fishing the canal. Mid-week crowds are a lot less dense. Fishing nymphs on the Euro rod or under an indicator is working for wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. I’m fly fishing with green/gold Prince nymphs, stoner nymphs, olive quilldigons, and bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 10-14-2022

Fall is in full swing in the Eastern Sierra. The trees are turning colors, the trout are starting their fall spawning runs and caddis and mayflies are hatching. Temperatures during the day are perfect. Still wearing my shorts! Trout are feeding and taking nymphs and dries most of the day throughout the Eastern Sierra.

Fall colors is the perfect back drop on the drive into the fly fishing spots in Bishop Canyon.

Freestone Streams:

Rock Creek:

Water flows are at their lowest and the trout are spooky. A stealthy approach is needed to catch the wild brown trout in the creek. Using a Tenkara rod is a fun way to fish Rock Creek. The drawback is that you will spook trout because you are so close to the trout. The trout continue to take Adams Parachutes, elk hair caddis, and Royal Wulff’s.

Alonso Parker-Martin from San Francisco is exploring Rock Creek with his Tenkara rod.

Bishop Creek

South Fork:

Fall colors in the canyon greet fly fishers as you drive up to your favorite fly fishing hole. Low water levels is making the fishing tough as the trout have few places to hide. A stealth approach is required to fool these wary trout. Fishing dries flies 20 to 40 feet Infront of me is how I get a stealthy approach. I hate sneaking. Particularly on my hands and knees. For fly fishers willing to crawl or sneak into the holes you will catch wild brown and brook trout.

The outlet of North Lake and the north fork of Bishop Creek are just fun to fly fish with the gorgeous background of fall color.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

This has been my most productive spot to be fly fishing in the Eastern Sierra. Weekend crowds mean if you’re not on the water early you will not have first pick of the spots you want to fish. Nymphing with quilldigons, bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, Frenchies, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs under an indicator or Euro nymphing is producing lots of juvenile trout and the occasional 10 to 12 inch trout. The trout are feeding on nymphs all day long.

Jeffery Buckingham from Huntington Beach is learning to Euro nymph on the lower Owens River.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

Fly fishing on Hot Creek continues to be tough. Gray caddis in the morning are getting the fish to come to surface and feed. I’m using X-caddis, elk hair caddis and partridge spent caddis with gray bodies in size 20 to catch a few trout. Surface activity is over by noon.

Low water flows and weed beds that are at full majority make it tough to fly fish in Hot Creek Canyon.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

Toughest place to fish in the Eastern Sierra right now. Fully mature weed beds and reduced flows is making it tough to get a drag free drift in the canyon section of Hot Creek. For the hearty anglers willing to work hard for a few trout nymphing in between the weeds and in the open pools will produce a few trout. Be prepared to hang up on almost every cast. I’m fishing with bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, olive quilldigons, midges, and scuds.

Charles Canter of Pasadena hooked up while drifting nymphs on the Euro rig through the deep holes in the upper Owens River.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

Fishing for trophy trout has been tough as the fish in the river have been there for a while and have been fly fished over by everyone including me. The river needs a new batch of trophy trout to enter the system and offer fly fishers the chance at new trophy trout. I’m Euro nymphing this section with stoner nymphs and green/gold wire Prince nymphs tied on jig hooks in size 12. For those that tie flies the stoner nymph fly tying video is on my YouTube channel Sierra Bright Dot. Juvenile trout are taking Adams parachutes, elk hair caddis, bead head flash back pheasant tails, and bead head flash back gold ribbed hare’s ears. These fish are offering fly fishers a few trout to catch.

Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

Below Benton Crossing Bridge is now open to fishing through November 15 with a two fish 18 inches or bigger limit and artificial lures or flies. This is a great section to fish in the evenings. It seems the trout like to travel up the river under low light conditions. The fish are moving through this area so successful fly fishers need to be moving looking for trophy trout in the deep holes, runs and cutbanks. These trout do not stay in this section very long. They are on the move trying to get up river to their spawning grounds.

Byron Gustie from the Home Street Middle School fly fishing club is learning to fly fish on Bishop Creek Canal.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

This area is getting a lot of fishing pressure. There are wild brown trout that are taking nymphs fished under an indicator or with the Euro rig. I’m fishing with olive quilldigons, stoner nymphs, green/gold Prince nymphs, bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, Prince nymphs, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, frenchies, and gold ribbed hare’s ears. Fishing has been good all day long.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 10-06-2022

It’s fall in the Eastern Sierra. The days are warm, but not too hot. The wind is a breeze if there is any wind. Mornings and evenings are cool enough that fly fishers will want an extra layer like your favorite sweat shirt that has been hanging up in the closet all summer. Fall colors have started at the upper elevations and are working their way down the canyons. Mayflies and caddis flies are hatching and have the trout feeding on nymphs and dries. Fall spawning trout like brown trout and brook trout are just starting their annual runs up the streams from the lakes. Be aware of several creeks and river that have closed to protect fall spawning trout.

Float tubing on North Lake on a fall day with the leaves changing color and the trout were taking dries, nymphs, and streamers.

Freestone Streams:

Rock Creek:

Water flows in the creek are at their lowest of the year. Fly fishers need to be stealthy when approaching the creek. The slow flat runs in the creek are almost impossible to fly fish as the trout spook as you approach the creek. I like fishing a dry and dropper rig in the areas of the creek that have some gradient, but are not supper steep. I’m fishing an Adams parachute in size 16 with a weightless gold ribbed hares ear in size 16 two feet below the Adams.

David Downs is working his dry fly in the pocket water of Rock Creek .

Bishop Creek

South Fork:

The weather and trees have made Bishop Creek Canyon the place to be fly fishing. The trout are taking dry flies and nymphs in the riffles and pocket water. Elk hair caddis and gold ribbed hare’s ears have been a great combo in the creek. Fall brook trout in full spawning colors is just an added bonus to a great fall fishing experience.

Fishing dry flies with a nymph suspended under is a great way to work the pools, pocket water and riffles of the south fork of Bishop Creek.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

The lower Owens River flows have been holding around 150 CFS. Expect them to drop during the month of October. I’m expecting them to be as low as 85 CFS during peak winter months if we don’t have a good snowpack this winter. There is a morning hatch of blue wing olive mayflies that is hatching from 10:00 to about noon. The hatch is sporadic in the afternoon. I’m nymphing with my Euro rod and landing eight to 12 inch wild brown trout on olive quilldigons, Frenchie’s, hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, and pheasant tail nymphs. Clients have been fishing size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs under an indicator and landing wild brown trout to 12 inches.

Mike Pohl’s of La Quinta fishing a size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymph under an indicator and catching wild brown trout to 10 inches.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

 Fly fishing on Hot Creek continues to be tough. Weed beds and lower water flows are hampering fly fishers efforts to catch trout. A morning caddis hatch have the trout coming to the surface for a size 20 gray caddis. I’m fishing with size 20 partridge spent caddis, X-caddis, and parachute caddis. The hatch is over by 1:00 P.M. and the winds come up. It is time to go home or find another water to fly fish.

Grandpa watching his son and grandson fly fish on Hot Creek Ranch.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

Nymph fishing has been the most productive method to fly fish in Hot Creek Canyon. If you are going to be nymphing you are going to be hanging up on the weeds. Where you can get your nymphs to drift in the narrow runs between the weeds or in open pools the trout are feeding on pheasant tail nymphs, gray caddis emergers, and scuds.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

There are a few trophy trout that have entered the upper Owens River offering fly fishers a chance at catching a once in a life time trout. In the confluence of Hot Creek area there are spawners that will take flies presented down on the substrate where the trout are hanging out. These fished have been fished hard for a couple of weeks and fly fishers need to be stealthy with their approach and casts. I’m fishing the Euro rod with size 12 stoner nymphs and size 12 green/gold Prince nymphs. I’m working hard for just a couple of fish per outing.

Charles Canter of Pasadena working the Euro rig through the deep holes in the monument section of the upper Owens River looking for trophy trout.

Below Benton Crossing Bridge:

In this section the trout move through quickly on their trip up river to their spawning grounds. Deep holes or runs that hold fish today are devoid of fish tomorrow. Successful anglers in the monument area are covering lots of water and only fishing their nymphs in the deep pools, slots, or cutbanks. From Benton Crossing Bridge to Crowley Lake is open to fishing through November 15. It’s two fish 18 inches or bigger artificial lures or flies. No scented baits like mice tails.

Emmet Broughton of Corona caught three rainbows fishing a size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymph under an indicator while fly fishing Bishop Creek Canal.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

This area has been stocked with rainbow trout that are willing to take flies. I like to fish my Euro rod in the canal with stoner nymphs and green/gold Prince nymphs. Fishing a size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymph five feet under an indicator is producing several trout. I’ve been fishing this area in the morning and quitting by noon or 1:00 P.M. just because the air temperatures are hot.

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 09-30-2022

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Report 09-30-2022

Winter is on the horizon, and summer is behind us. Fall is my favorite time of the year to be on the waters in the Eastern Sierra fly fishing. Trophy trout are running up into the tributaries to spawn. Trout seem to know winter is coming and go on a feeding frenzy. I’m still monitoring water temperatures in the Owens Valley. Temperatures are favorable in the waters I’m monitoring. Be aware of several waters closing on Saturday October 1st to protect fall spawning trout. Nymphing is the most productive method of fly fishing the Eastern Sierra waters. There are still hatches of mayflies and caddis bringing trout to the surface. 

Fall colors are peeking the first weekend of October up in Bishop Canyon.

Freestone Streams:

Rock Creek:

Low water flows are typical of the creek this time of year. I’m fishing a dry and dropper in the creek. With the low flows I’m fishing nymphs with no weight or just a brass bead. The slow water pools are tough to fly fish without spooking the trout. Water with some gradient is where I’m fly fishing and hooking wild brown trout and brook trout. Fall brook trout in full spawning colors is one of my favorite trout to catch.

Casting a dry fly upstream to the head of the riffle or pool is producing wild brown trout in Rock Creek .

Bishop Creek

South Fork:

Fall colors of aspens is the perfect backdrop to fall fly fishing on Bishop Creek. I’m fishing the pocket water and pools with Adams parachutes and gold ribbed hare’s ears. I’m fly fishing high up in the creeks pursing areas that I know have good populations of brook trout. Catching brook trout in the fall is a tradition I look forward to!

Now is the time to enjoy fall fly fishing on Bishop Creek as the trees are peaking and the trout are feeding on dry flies.

Lower Owens River:

Wild Trout Section:

Flows are down to 150 CFS which is a perfect flow to fish the river. Hatches of small blue wing olives have the trout feeding on nymphs. I’m Euro nymphing the river with hot spot pheasant tail nymphs, frenchies, olive quilldigons, stoner nymphs, and Butano nymphs. Fishing has been steady all day for six to 12inch browns. Nymphing under an indicator is producing browns on bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs. Mid-week is empty of fly fishers, but weekends have been crowded.

Peter Veasey of Martnies wet wading the lower Owens River while refreshing his Euro nymphing skills.

Hot Creek:

Interpretive Site:

Ova posting caddis are producing surface feeding trout that will take a size 20 gray caddis pattern. There are trico mayflies hatching and a small spinner fall. There are a few trout feeding on the tricos, but they have been ignoring my trico imitations. The caddis activity is over by 11:30 A.M. and the winds been coming up at about that time. There are grass hoppers in the grass adjacent to the creek. I’ve tried throwing hopper patterns but the fish have not been interested in them.

Mid-morning caddis activity have the trout of Hot Creek coming to the surface to take a size 20 gray spent partridge caddis.

Hot Creek:

Canyon Section:

Fly fishers are still battling the weeds in the canyon. Nymphing is tough, but is the most productive method of fly fishing in the canyon. If you’re going to nymph you will hang up on the weeds. I’m using gray caddis emergers, bead head flash back pheasant tail nymph, and black AP nymphs.

Nate Ostrander of Bishop used is Euro rod to entice the trophy trout that have just entered the upper Owens River.

Upper Owens River:

Above Benton Crossing Bridge:

It’s the beginning of trophy trout season on the upper Owens River. Euro nymphing is my preferred method for working nymphs down on the substrate in the deep pools, runs, and cutbanks. Rainbows and brown trout are in the river taking stoner nymphs, green/gold Prince nymphs, and gold ribbed hare’s ears. The trophy trout are spread out from Crowley Lake to Longyears. Successful anglers are moving around looking for trophy trout.

Bishop Creek Canal get a lot of angling pressure on the weekends.

Bishop Creek Canal:

Behind the Ford Dealer:

There are still a lot of anglers fishing the canal. Nymphing with the Euro rig is producing wild brown trout and stocker rainbows. I’m using green/gold Princes nymphs, stoner nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, and bead head flash back gold ribbed hare’s ears. I’m fishing in the mornings and quitting by noon because the air temps are to hot.