Fish’N Conditions
Some thunderstorms and cooling brought a little snow to the highest of elevations. Weather looking to return back to normal fall temperatures after this weekend. Outlooks are calling for an “Indian Summer” for the last half of October. Crowley Lake still fishing well, despite the cold snap and wind we experienced this weekend. A mixed bag of fish in any given area of the lake currently. East Walker River reaching fall levels now and wading now very easy. Access is now good throughout the entire river. Hot Creek good with egg patterns and midges fished under the indicator in the open sections. Upper Owens River getting a few more large model fish moving up. Section below Benton Bridge to Fishing Monument is now closed. Middle Owens River flowing high with fish holding along the edges and slower pools and eddys.

Crowley Lake
Some low pressure, wind, and precipitation came through and slowed down the midge hatches some. At this time of the season though, it is not a major factor in regards to the bite. The perch fry have now reached 3″ in length and smaller and are still taking a beating from the trout. If you are not getting grabs where you are anchored and others around you are, it’s time to move.  Assassins/Parallel Assassins and Punk Perch/Parallel Punk Perch, both dark and light in sizes #14-16 have been getting some nice grade fish. Midges like our Broken Back Dark Zebras #18, Broken Back Dark Tiger Midge #18, Crystal Tiger Midge Long #18, and Crystal Caddis Larva Olive Dubbed #18 – Black, have been hammering the fish when they are close to the bottom.  Best areas have been the north arm, Layton Springs, Alligator Point, McGee Bay and Crooked Creek.

Middle Owens River (Bishop Area)
Flows have started coming through heavy again recently. Current cfs is 600. We will be monitoring the flows here and are ready to pounce once the time is right. Mid afternoon hatches will be on hold until the flows come down again and at that time we will start resuming trips here.

Upper Owens River
Fish scattered above the bridge with better numbers below the campgrounds. The river has a good amount of catchable size rainbows all over, but more fish below the bridge.  Flows have increased to 111 cfs. A few larger than average sized trout in the deeper sections. Target the deeper pools and riffle water that leads into them and you can get into some fun action fishing small nymphs, dry/droppers, and small streamers. #18 Caddis patterns working well. Look for rising fish in the mid-morning and later in the afternoons along the slower moving sections. The foam lines have been where it is at. Throwing stimulators and hopper patterns in the foam can entice fish to take on the surface.

Hot Creek
Flows up slightly to 12 cfs now with weed growth prevalent. Latest rain and snow added a little bit more water here. Target the open lanes between them for the best success. Different day to day here as more weeds hit the surface and begin to choke up the open water. Dry fly fishing along the open stretches has been productive. Still fun with hoppers fished on a 9′ leader. #18 mayflies, #18-22 midges, #20 Brassies, and egg and SD worm patterns have been getting some serious looks and takes from the resident trout.

East Walker River
Flows  now at 106 cfs. Some good fishing now with the water temperatures dropping. Flows are down to very wadable and crossable levels. Seek out the deep runs and pools. Perch fry patterns stripped slowly back are a good call now. Crawdad patterns work great this time of year, along with #18 Copper Tiger Midges, #14-16 Parallel Perch, #14-16 Level Leeches, and Assassins dark and light both Parallel and normal. #18 flashback hare’s ears, #18wd 40’s, and SJ worms also working well.