Long Range Fish Report
From Sportfishing
From Sportfishing
Fish Report for 2-22-2012
Upper Owens fishing activity is about a month early due to the weather pattern
2-22-2012
Tom Loe
This has been an exceptional year on the Upper Owens with regards to the mild weather and incredible fishing overall for migratory rainbows and browns moving up from Crowley Lake. Access has become good to the UO, however many of the two track roads leading down to the river are frozen in the morning but mud pits when it thaws. You need to closely evaluate where you drive or expect a hefty towing bill.
Flows remain higher than normal and the water can be off color at times, especially when it gets above freezing in the mornings. The fall run rainbows and browns are beginning to thin out substantially and I have seen numerous hens that have dropped their eggs and are spawned out. The next wave of spring bows (Kamloops and Eagle Lake strain) are beginning to arrive with the much smaller population of Cutts not far off if this weather pattern holds. The numbers of smaller fish have also decreased substantially and are returning back to Crowley. This migration shift is about a month earlier than normal due to the mild winter. Good midge activity on the high pressure days, with some baetis popping on the warmer days after 1:30 pm. Nymphing with an Under-cator has been the best means of getting into the bigs and a variety of patterns will get you grabs. I have always believed it is the "archer", not so much the arrow - in this type of fly fishing. Remember the three "P's"- Positioning, Presenting, and Playing. This rule will get you a shot at seeing one of these gorgeous fish.
We have been getting fish on everything from midges to mayflies with a side of "ham & eggs" (Roe and a San Juan Worm) patterns. These spawning fish are not looking to feed folks; it is a programmed behavioral response that gets them to take a fly. Because they are cold blooded, their metabolisms will rise or fall with the water temperature. They are very stoic at times and will not move far to take a fly. Redundant drifts in front of their snouts are what will get you opportunities.
The main photo shows a happy Art Prangley who had a huge day on the Upper Owens with an incredible flurry of bigs coming in the late afternoon. Photo #1 also shows Archer Arthur Prangley punished the fish using dark Assassin's as his "arrows" and executing the three "P's" When all was said and done Art had this to say, "Tom, Thanks. It was a great day...strike sideways...important lesson. Best, Art"
Flows remain higher than normal and the water can be off color at times, especially when it gets above freezing in the mornings. The fall run rainbows and browns are beginning to thin out substantially and I have seen numerous hens that have dropped their eggs and are spawned out. The next wave of spring bows (Kamloops and Eagle Lake strain) are beginning to arrive with the much smaller population of Cutts not far off if this weather pattern holds. The numbers of smaller fish have also decreased substantially and are returning back to Crowley. This migration shift is about a month earlier than normal due to the mild winter. Good midge activity on the high pressure days, with some baetis popping on the warmer days after 1:30 pm. Nymphing with an Under-cator has been the best means of getting into the bigs and a variety of patterns will get you grabs. I have always believed it is the "archer", not so much the arrow - in this type of fly fishing. Remember the three "P's"- Positioning, Presenting, and Playing. This rule will get you a shot at seeing one of these gorgeous fish.
We have been getting fish on everything from midges to mayflies with a side of "ham & eggs" (Roe and a San Juan Worm) patterns. These spawning fish are not looking to feed folks; it is a programmed behavioral response that gets them to take a fly. Because they are cold blooded, their metabolisms will rise or fall with the water temperature. They are very stoic at times and will not move far to take a fly. Redundant drifts in front of their snouts are what will get you opportunities.
The main photo shows a happy Art Prangley who had a huge day on the Upper Owens with an incredible flurry of bigs coming in the late afternoon. Photo #1 also shows Archer Arthur Prangley punished the fish using dark Assassin's as his "arrows" and executing the three "P's" When all was said and done Art had this to say, "Tom, Thanks. It was a great day...strike sideways...important lesson. Best, Art"
Photos
< Previous Report Next Report >
More Reports
Tom Loe Reports
for Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012Owens River: The BWO hatch is the highlight of the day on the Lower Owens
East Walker River (CA): The question of the day is, "What will the flows be on the East Walker this season?"
Hot Creek: March is "Prime Time" for dry fly fishing at Hot Creek
Pleasant Valley Reservoir: Pleasant Valley Reservoir is only So - So
Owens River: Late winter & early spring periods at Owens River Gorge are prime time, perfect for wild Browns
Eagle Lake: Tom is holding off on bookings for Eagle Lake until the end of March
Tom Loe Reports
for Thursday, February 2nd, 2012Owens River: The Lower Owens is slow right now but look for the fishing to improve during February
East Walker River (CA): There have been some great fly fishing days on the East Walker recently according to Sierra Drifters
Hot Creek: Hot Creek has been fair to good with the baetis hatch just beginning
Pleasant Valley Reservoir: Pleasant Valley Reservoir or the river behind it is often the Place to be.
Owens River: If you are lookingfor Dry Fly action this time of year "The Owens River Gorge" is the place to be
Eagle Lake: Tom Loe's Trip to Eagle Lake
• Sierra Drifter's Eastern Sierra Fly Fishing Update
LongRangeSportfishing.net © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Website Hosting and Design provided by TECK.net
Website Hosting and Design provided by TECK.net