Long Range Fish Report
From Sportfishing
From Sportfishing
Fish Report for 9-17-2011
Toe Loe takes a look at Fall Fly Fishing in the Eastern Sierra
9-17-2011
Tom Loe
The fall season is rapidly approaching and the transition into shorter days and cooler temps equates to good things for fly fishers searching for hungry trout. The browns and fall spawn rainbows are staging at the river and creek inlets gorging on small perch fry, chubs, and larger nymphs in preparation for the rigors of their migration up unto the gravel beds for a prolonged period. Water levels are near record highs in the larger reservoirs, with the tailwaters (Lower Owens, East Walker, Rush Creek, and Bishop Creek) running well above historical release rates. Even the freestone creeks (Rock Creek, West Walker R., San Joaquin R., & McGee Creek) are flowing higher than usual due to the immense snowpack from last winter. You can expect very high release rates for the Lower Owens well into early/mid-winter. Unfortunately this will hamper wading this fishery immensely.
Crowley is exceptionally high and will need to lower substantially by next spring. The Upper Owens will also be unusually high for an extended period to lower Grant and Silver Lakes. The East Walker will begin to drop dramatically in the coming weeks as agricultural water demands decrease in Nevada. This is the one fishery that is in step with natural cycles regarding water flows, as opposed to the Lower Owens which is managed exclusively as a source of water and power generation.
The fall weather in the Sierra can be fickle. Look for freezing, to near freezing air temps in the mornings in the upper valleys and at elevations above 6000 feet, while the daytime temps are very pleasant and can reach the upper seventies most days. A stronger than normal Monsoon condition appears to be developing this fall so be prepared for afternoon T-storms and gusty south winds. If you see the cotton ball shaped clouds forming or developed over the mountain tops at sun-up you can bank on some afternoon rain especially in the upper elevations.
Crowley is exceptionally high and will need to lower substantially by next spring. The Upper Owens will also be unusually high for an extended period to lower Grant and Silver Lakes. The East Walker will begin to drop dramatically in the coming weeks as agricultural water demands decrease in Nevada. This is the one fishery that is in step with natural cycles regarding water flows, as opposed to the Lower Owens which is managed exclusively as a source of water and power generation.
The fall weather in the Sierra can be fickle. Look for freezing, to near freezing air temps in the mornings in the upper valleys and at elevations above 6000 feet, while the daytime temps are very pleasant and can reach the upper seventies most days. A stronger than normal Monsoon condition appears to be developing this fall so be prepared for afternoon T-storms and gusty south winds. If you see the cotton ball shaped clouds forming or developed over the mountain tops at sun-up you can bank on some afternoon rain especially in the upper elevations.
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More Reports
Tom Loe Reports
for Saturday, September 17th, 2011Crowley Lake: When fly fishing at Crowley the trick is to locate and attract fish with some size
Bridgeport Reservoir: Right now "still water nymphing" might be the best technique for fly fishing at Bridgeport
Owens River: The flows are definitely affecting the Lower Owens. You might try a drift boat.
East Walker River (CA): The East Walker may be setting up for a big fall fly fishing season
Hot Creek: Try hoppers in pockets behind large rocks at Hot Creek
San Joaquin River: If you are a dry fly fisherman, try the riffles on the San Joaquin
• Some info on the "Second Summer" Trout Derby
Owens River: No "Bigs" in the Upper Owens yet, but that will change when the migration from Crowley begins
Adobe Pond: Adobe Pond home to wild browns. Do you you want to fly fish there?
Eagle Lake: Is Eagle Lake the "Best rainbow fishery in California"? Tom Loe thinks it is.
Tom Loe Reports
for Monday, August 22nd, 2011• Stillwater Fly Fishing - Crowley Lake or Bridgeport which one to choose?
Eagle Lake: Sierra Drifters Is Taking Reservations for Eagle Lake Fall Outings
East Walker River (CA): Look to add more weight on the East Walker if you don't get any strikes
Owens River: Upper Owens has great fishing conditions right now, but the fishing promises to get better
Hot Creek: Grasshoppers in the afternoon rock on Hot Creek
San Joaquin River: The San Joaquin is not only beautiful right now but it also has great fishing
Owens River: Early Mornings on the Lower Owens are best
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