Long Range Fish Report
From Sportfishing
From Sportfishing
Fish Report for 9-17-2011
When fly fishing at Crowley the trick is to locate and attract fish with some size
9-17-2011
Tom Loe
Crowley is exceptionally high this year and it is posing some problems for fly fishers. When water levels remain high on any of the meadow type reservoirs for an extended period of time during the summer months thick lake/pond weed and grass begin to grow out to depths of 18 feet. The once scoured submerged creek channels that had been free of vegetation now have been filled with weed and grass making it difficult to nymph or streamer fish in these once productive areas. Such is the case with Crowley this year and this condition will remain well into October.
The lake is also experiencing a second significant algae bloom which has made it difficult at times to keep your flies clean out along the deep water weed lines in McGee and Hilton Bays. The north arm has far less algae as the thick weeds scrub and filters the goo near the inlet to the Upper Owens. The issue here presently has been a lack of consistent catchable sized fish with limited area to work due to the heavy weed that has also begun to consume the clearings along the submerged creek channels.
The old channel along Green Banks is your best bet; look for small clearings beginning at 16 feet in depth. The DFG began an aggressive planting of small sub-catchable rainbows recently and these fish have infiltrated all areas of the lake with highest concentrations being in Crooked Creek, Hilton Bays, and the inlet near the Owens mouth. They are relatively opportunistic and will take most midge imitations once you get located. The larger fish are still feeding on small perch fry, the final stages of callibaetis emergence, & the damsel nymph migration. Chironomids have not been as abundant this season due to the fact that this springs low water levels destroyed much of the habitat that is currently covered in 20 feet of water. You can have success with midge larva patterns fished deep; hang a punk perch or crystal leech as an attractor for the upper. Tubers trolling outside and along the weed lines will do better using Loebergs with full sinking or heavy sinking tip lines-locate the clearings 18 feet or deeper in the north arm and Alligator Pt./Leyton Springs.
Our main photo shows my great friend Bill "the mighty osprey" Stroud owner of Stroud's Tackle in San Diego (he is 91) fished with me for several days on Crowley recently and caught many beautiful trout with this exceptionally photogenic male that seemed to enjoy posing for the camera.
The lake is also experiencing a second significant algae bloom which has made it difficult at times to keep your flies clean out along the deep water weed lines in McGee and Hilton Bays. The north arm has far less algae as the thick weeds scrub and filters the goo near the inlet to the Upper Owens. The issue here presently has been a lack of consistent catchable sized fish with limited area to work due to the heavy weed that has also begun to consume the clearings along the submerged creek channels.
The old channel along Green Banks is your best bet; look for small clearings beginning at 16 feet in depth. The DFG began an aggressive planting of small sub-catchable rainbows recently and these fish have infiltrated all areas of the lake with highest concentrations being in Crooked Creek, Hilton Bays, and the inlet near the Owens mouth. They are relatively opportunistic and will take most midge imitations once you get located. The larger fish are still feeding on small perch fry, the final stages of callibaetis emergence, & the damsel nymph migration. Chironomids have not been as abundant this season due to the fact that this springs low water levels destroyed much of the habitat that is currently covered in 20 feet of water. You can have success with midge larva patterns fished deep; hang a punk perch or crystal leech as an attractor for the upper. Tubers trolling outside and along the weed lines will do better using Loebergs with full sinking or heavy sinking tip lines-locate the clearings 18 feet or deeper in the north arm and Alligator Pt./Leyton Springs.
Our main photo shows my great friend Bill "the mighty osprey" Stroud owner of Stroud's Tackle in San Diego (he is 91) fished with me for several days on Crowley recently and caught many beautiful trout with this exceptionally photogenic male that seemed to enjoy posing for the camera.
Photos
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More Reports
Tom Loe Reports
for Saturday, September 17th, 2011• Toe Loe takes a look at Fall Fly Fishing in the Eastern Sierra
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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