Fish Report for 3-9-2016

Wild Section Good

3-9-2016
Tom Loe

The moisture we are getting in the mountains from recent spring storms has not reached into the Owens Valley. Roads/access are fine currently. Fishing continues to be good in the wild trout section, as flows remain around 100cfs. This will change in the not so distant future. The LADWP historically begins to raise water levels by mid-March. Crowley Lake is very full, & you can expect significant changes soon. The cold water mayfly called the “blue winged olive” thrives on the MO, & it’s emergence peaks in late winter through early spring. We are seeing the last generations pop now, so use those smaller #18-20 profiles to match the hatch. The spring caddis are now emerging as well. The adults are larger than the summer profiles. Have some #14/16 high-vis, or natural elk caddis imitations handy when it gets warm. When air temps are above freezing at daybreak, look for a significant hatch to begin late morning. It can last as long as 4 hours; but typically peaks after 90 minutes around mid-day this time of year. The wild trout really focus on this cycle, and fly fishers who consistently get into double digit numbers in the wild trout section have BWO adult profiles in the #16/18 range, with nymphs like Assassins, flashback pheasant tails, & birds nest patterns for the periods before, & after the hatch. Small crystal olive larva patterns, #20/22 gillies or crystal midge pupa/emerger imitations, & #18 broken back tiger or zebra midges are good calls for colder days. Have some parachute midge adult profiles when it gets cold, the fish will look for midge clusters if the BWO’s don’t come off. Drift boat trips have been good with numbers of planted rainbows, and a few wild browns in the counts. Guided drift boat trips are a great way to get into secluded sections of the river, & get into good numbers of rainbows. We fish streamers, casting sinking tip lines with a unique, user friendly method called the “dip & strip”. I strongly suggest this program for novices, and those wishing to learn how to fish streamers. Hot flies this week are smaller Punk Perch & Loebergs.


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More Reports

Tom Loe Reports
for Wednesday, March 9th, 2016
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Water Conditions Excellent
Hot Creek: Water Clarity Good
Pleasant Valley Reservoir: Good Fishing
Owens River - Gorge: Gorge Update
East Walker River (CA): East Walker in Play


3-3-2016
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