Looks like the last of the chain of storms that have brought the area such a massive snowpack are finally beginning to subside. As of this report a couple of inches is forecasted for Sunday, and another last shot of snow may fall mid-week. After that it looks like high pressure for the remainder of the month with some warming temperatures in sight. This is of some concern for flooding for areas near creeks and streams. The Upper Owens River has continued to shine this month for large rainbows and the occasional big brown trout in the mix. Driving in is still not recommended as we have seen a couple vehicles stuck since last week. Hot Creek has come alive again similar to the fall before it really got cold. Some small, medium, and large fish have been on the feed in the deeper sections. East Walker River really turning on now with the warmer weather setting in. Solid browns and rainbows have been on the feed here. Middle Owens River flows have been on the rise and should continue to as we approach spring. Pyramid Lake coming into prime time with the approaching spring as well. Some bigger fish moving in tight to the beaches. 

Middle Owens River/Wild Trout Section (Bishop Area)

Flows up over 300 cfs now and we will see the river climb going into March. The BWO hatch will start to pick up again now that the weather is settling into the late winter/early spring transition. Some midges hatching in the mornings and streamers which imitate wounded bait fish have been good bets for getting into the larger fish. When the mayfly hatch is happening, try switching to our #16 Punk Perch and Crystal Leech just prior to and after the peak of the hatch. Best flies for these area have been #10 Loebergs in all colors, #8 Spruce-a-bus in light and dark, #16 Punk Perch, #14 Crystal Leech, #18 Assassin Light, #16 San Juan Worm Red, #18 Blue Winged Olive, #22 Parachute Midge, #18 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge, and #18 Crystal Caddis Larva Olive Dubbed-Black.

 Upper Owens River

More snow had fallen on the river since last report bringing about 4-6″ of fresh powder to the zone. It is still hard to walk around here once the snow softens especially around the sage brush bush wells. A lot of snow has receded from the banks and is exposing more shoreline and the dead wild grass from the fall. River flows have increased to 97 cfs but the water clarity remains good and the fish are still holding in their usual areas. You may have to cover some ground again to get into the numbers. The BWO hatch is happening mid-day and this month we may get a shot at casting dry flies to fish over 20″ again.  6mm Otter Eggs in Tangerine Opaque, Kiwi Flash, Dead Egg, and Apricot, #14-16 San Juan worm red and Bead San Juan Worm red, #14-16 Level Crystal Leeches, #14-16 Parallel Assassin Dark and Light, and #16 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge are lighting up the fish!

Hot Creek

It was an all day bite here with soft eggs a couple of days ago. Excellent numbers of browns and rainbows and the coloration on these fish is just stunning right now. The previous years’ plants have adapted to the creek and taken on a resident look. Fish deep and get your flies down in the morning until you see the fish rising in the afternoons. You can then get them on #20-22 Paramidges fished in the film along the foam lines and in the eddies. Still some deep snow walking in to the Interpretive site and it becomes even more dicey if you are making the descent into the canyon, but can be worth the hike.  #18 BWO’s, #18-22 Parachute midges, and Otter eggs and SD Crawlers have been getting some serious looks and takes from the resident trout.

East Walker River
Flows still holding at winter release levels. Great fishing as we approach the spring and egg patterns and SJ worms along with SD Crawlers getting some nice fish to bite. Fish are still hanging in the deepest water, and the larger trout have been sustaining themselves on the massive amounts of juvenile perch that have gathered at the head of the tailwater. We are running trips here now and will fish over this way more this month as it has remained consistent while other areas have been going through their late winter flow increases. Otter eggs in all colors, #18 Copper Tiger Midges, #14-16 Parallel Perch, #14-16 Level Leeches, and Assassins dark and light both Parallel and normal have been great patterns to hang. SJ worms and Drifters’ Crawlers also working well.
 
Pyramid Lake

It has been a good bite here as the winter storms have stirred up the giant cutthroat to move into the beaches to feed. Popcorn beetles, balanced leeches, midges, and black buggers have been the flies of choice lately. The water can be off color south of Wino, but it has been cleaner and more consistent from the North nets area. Some of the popular areas like Pelican have been crowded so get there early. Give us a call as March is a prime month to get after these beasts.