Howdy friends.
The warmest February on record was just put in the books for this region. We need more of that icy white misery the east coast is getting!!! We did get a short burst of winter that left about 16 inches of snow in elevations above 8500 feet; but it is not even close to a game changer with regards to this extreme drought. As I look at Crowley Lake slowly filling; (only up 6 vertical feet since November) I wonder what will be in store for us this summer. Many of our popular reservoirs will be lower than launch ramps can access. Even our natural lakes like Tahoe, & Eagle are suffering from extremely low water levels. I am still in "wait & see" mode for Eagle Lake this spring friends. We have a a couple months for a deluge to occur; but it is not looking promising at this time. Flows remain very low for all the year around moving waters. The East Walker has finally come up to 38cfs. after months of trickling. Water conditions are very good here, and the blue winged olive hatch can trigger some great mid-day dry fly action. Can't tell you how long the bump will last so get on it pronto!

This link will give you an idea of how messed up the fish planting program for the state has become. The Eastern Sierra, & many other subsidized fisheries have basically been thrown under the bus by the CDFW; although the courts have recently sided with sport fishers on a crucial stocking law that could have ended planting altogether. You all need to understand that sport fishing is under attack by environmental organizations, and special interest fishing groups especially in California. They are using this state as a template to get a foothold in the courts for other states as well. Not all personal in the CDFW share the same goals as what is currently taking place. I know many who do not believe the CDFW is taking the right course in several fisheries management issues. We need to collectively kick ass on the "googans" that are trying to alter the way fisheries are managed in this state. There are currently lawsuits being filed challenging how the courts, legislators, & the CDFW blind sided sport fishers. SB 1148 was blatantly amended without consideration to many waters in this state.

Check out the planting numbers year by year. Why haven't the possession limits changed with respect to the number of fish planted? Pretty simple math as I see it. If you don't think there is a hidden agenda to eradicate trout that are not native to waters, think again. The CDFW is currently re-writing the sport fishing regulations. 2016 will see many inland fresh water fisheries open year round. This shouldn't be an excuse to not amend regulations respective to current planting schedules. Many fisheries will become depleted with this strategy, & those that have wild fish, & allow some "taking" will suffer immensely this year. LIMITS NEED TO BE REDUCED IMMEDIATELY- ESPECIALLY WHERE WILD TROUT ARE KNOWN TO EXIST, or we will be faced with horrible fishing as time goes on. There is no contingency plan to increase stocking again as management plans are currently drafted. You did not get a notification of severely reduced planting when you bought your 2015 license did you? Getting upset, you should be, and this is my intent!

On the bright side- fishing has been pretty darn good due to some great weather, and the benefits of prior plantings. The drift boat trips and wading along the Middle Owens near Bishop have been very good for numbers. The strong blue winged olive mayfly hatch has been spiced up with an early showing of large dark caddis, little golden stoneflies, & some huge brown drakes. We are a month ahead of schedule the way I look at it. If flows continue to remain low (and I see no reason why they would go up significantly in the near future) you can anticipate some top notch fishing on the "mighty MO".

The Upper Owens is seeing a spike in numbers of catchable sized rainbows, with a fresh push of spring spawners. Water conditions are good with some off colored periods attributed to run-off in Hot Creek, & a few of the irrigation canals. I would say it is not as good as last years incredible numbers of Crowley Steelhead; however the fish are larger this year for sure. Access has not been an issue all winter, & this has put immense angling pressure on this area. I have counted up to thirty vehicles above the bridge on nice weekends. Nymphing with attractor patterns, Assassins, flashback PT's, Crystal Vanderleeches, & broken back midges will all get grabs. We prefer to use an Under-cator while nymphing the spots that are at least 4 foot in depth. Streamer fishing at these current flows is not as effective; but can get you on some water that is not possible to fish with a dead drift. The dry fly fishing has been spotty at best with the resident fish sipping midges & small bwo's.

Hot Creek is also pretty good. Fish counts are down here sadly, but with better water conditions thanks to additional flows from Mammoth Creek you can locate pods of sipping trout in the deeper riffles, and tailouts of larger pools. Parachute midges, & smaller BWO adults are good calls for dry fly enthusiasts. Think out of the box and dead drift, or swing a small punk perch, crystal leech, or soft hackle to get a shot at a larger brown. No snow or ice to be found here, & access is fine.

The Blake Jones derby is slated for 3/13 at Pleasant Valley Reservoir. It will be very crowded at that time. Good news is that area will receive a good jag of rainbows to make the entrants happy. Tubing has been slower recently; however the transition section and baby East Walker part are good for waders using dry/dropper rigs and fishing upstream in the bush. I like PVR during quieter periods. Its worth a look, as is the Gorge for a change of pace.

As always you can get detailed scoop, check out client fish pictures, and fill out a trip request form for all the year around fisheries on my website. Click here to go directly to the Fish N Conditions page. We truly guide with the flies that I highlight in my reports. Use this link to access the online fly sales page and pick out some for your next trip. Bridgeport.. Your Bridge to Adventure!! Click here to read a great article on Bridgeport Reservoir.


Thanks for reading my newsletter, see you on the water.


Be the fly...Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250 business
760-937-2015 Iphone
driftfish@qnet.com
www.sierradrifters.com