Fish Report for 4-2-2021

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Troutfitter

Upper Owens River Report

4-2-2021
The Trout Fitter Staff

Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions: Good

Flows are down to 60 cfs as of  4/1

Temperatures have stabilized but the water is still cold and with the snowmelt the water is off color, especially below Hot Creek.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Fair-Good

The warm weather has caused the water to dirty up again above Hot Creek, dirtier below Hot Creek. The diversion from Grant Lake is over and the flows are almost half of what they were a week ago. The lake fish have been in the river long enough now that realistic patterns are working a lot better now. The spring spawners are now spread throughout the system so don't expect to find large numbers in any one spot. The fish are starting to move into the shallower faster water to feed so don't get hung up on just the slower deep pools. Midges first thing and small mayflies from 12-2 (# 20-22) as well as an improving caddis hatch at the same time. There are some really big fish eating caddis on the surface but it's inconsistent and hard to time. The resident fish have been keying into micro mayflies and midges, so we suggest trailing a midge or mayfly in the size 20-26 behind an attractor nymph to keep the action rolling between each lake fish. On some afternoons the dry fly fishing can be productive but be ready to throw size 18 through 22 dry flies behind a #12-14. Streamer fishing has been OK.

Recommended Flies

DRIES: Griffiths Gnat #20-24 | Parachute Extended Body BWO #20-22 |Elk Hair Caddis #20-22

NYMPHS:  Zebra Midge #16-22 | Prince Nymph #12-16 | Copper John #14-16 |Tungsten Jig Baetis #18-20 | Harrop's Surface Emerger #20-22 | Roza Pink Tag Jig #16d | Clearwater Emerger #18-20 | S&M Nymph #20-22 | Medalion Midge #20-24 |Bling Midge #22-24

STREAMERS: Shock Collar Leech #10 | Woolly Bugger White, Olive, or Brown #6-14 | Punk Perch light or dark #10-16



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More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, April 2nd, 2021

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Report

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, March 26th, 2021

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Report