Access was only by snowmobile or snowshoes for a while but the snow has really melted off and the eastside access road is currently open with a 4X4 and mud tires. It can be tricky in the afternoons especially near the fence line along the river after the ground thaws so be careful or you'll be hit with a huge tow truck bill! There is still plenty of snow on the ground in areas along the river but snowshoes are not needed, I suggest rubber soled wading boots for sure.

The numbers of catchable browns and rainbows have increased recently and I have guided some groups to 40 fish days here while nymphing and tossing parachute midge patterns during the hatch. The bigs are still holding and these legendary migratory rainbows that move up during the winter from Crowley are spectacular! They can be hard to hook, and even more difficult to land. They can take off like a freak'n missile downstream and around a bend before you can even get moving. These fish will be here for another month before they head back to the lake. Some are beginning to pair up and make redds in the shallow gravel beds, watch where you step when crossing please.

We have been having success using my Assassin bird's nest pattern #16, 18, flashback PT's #16-20, San Juan Worm's (Two Bug uses one that looks like a damn snake, calls it the evil wicked worm, thing is huge!) and glow bug/roe patterns before the hatches at time. You may also get a shot at some fine surface action after lunch. I like parachute midge or BWO imitations #18-22.

In the main photo Jim Graham shows off his awesome broomtailed rainbow. Jim had a killer day with Two Bug Doug on the UO fishing SJ worms and eggs.

Here is a recent video of Tom and Strider fishing the Upper Owens before the recent snow