Dry weather is still in the forecast with a cooling period coming next week. Colder nights have the fish turning to more of a fall spawn seasonal feeding pattern. East Walker flows are low around the 20 cfs mark. Fish are holding in the deeper pools. Hot Creek still going strong with smaller bugs and egg patterns. Both sections are good right now. Upper Owens River giving up some nice fish and the lower section by Crowley Lake will close today. The upper section will remain open through the winter. Lower Owens River flows ideal now. Water looks great and the drift boating has been fun. All areas of the river are now fishable and some nicer fish have been hanging around.

Lower Owens River/Wild Trout Section (Bishop Area)

Flows have finally come down to the perfect level for fall and the coming winter. Water clarity is improving daily and the fishing has been great from our drift boats. All areas of the river are looking good and some bigger browns and rainbows have been showing up daily. We have been sending streamer patterns downstream and retrieving them back to the boat on sink tip lines. As the water gets lower, more fish are concentrating in the larger and deeper pools. Work the undercuts and eddy pools along the edges as well, as these are great holding spots for trout this time of year. We are now in full operation down here, so call or text us at 760-935-4250 or fill out one of our trip requests here.

Best Flies: Spruce-a-Bu #8 Light and Dark, Loeberg #10 all colors, Agent Orange #8-10, Crystal Leech #8-10, Punk Park dark and light #8-12, Flashback PT #16-18, Copper Tiger Midge #18-20

Hot Creek

Egg patterns starting to do the trick as the weather cools and the fall spawners kick into winter mode. Even the non-fall or spring spawners will gladly take a slow drifted egg pattern this time of year. Get them on the bottom and bouncing along slowly. Smaller midge patterns and mayfly patterns also getting takes. Fish are still spread out throughout both sections of the creek.

Best Flies: Flashback PT’s #16-#20, Tricos Spinners #20-22, SD Crawlers in Red #14, Copper Tiger Midges #18-20, and #18 Assassin Dark, Tangerine Opaque, Kiwi Flash, and Apricot Flash Otter Eggs have been excellent.

Upper Owens River

The section below the monument will close after today. Above the bridge will be open through the rest of the winter season. Some larger rainbows have made their way into these sections. Fish egg patterns and crystal leeches along the undercuts and in the deeper pools. Water is cold, so get those imitations right in front of their noses. Water is clear so have a stealthy approach and don’t get too close to these larger fish while casting. Lots of smaller sized fish in the mix as well. Look for fish sipping small midges in the eddies.

Best Flies: Stimulator – 12, 14, 16; Crystal Copper Tiger Midge – 16,18; B100FB – 14, 16, 18, 20; Spruce a bu dark and light; Loeberg Mallard Silver; Loeberg Guinea Silver, Crystal Midge Pupa Black – 18; Crystal Chironomid Emerger Copper – 16, 18; Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge – 14,16,18, Kiwi Flash and Flamingo Otter Eggs.

East Walker River

Flows are now down to winter release rates in the 20 cfs range. This doesn’t leave a whole lot of water to cover along the river. Most of the fish will be piled up in the deepest pools. Egg patterns can be very effective now and through the winter months.

Best Flies: B100FB – 18, 20; Crystal Copper Tiger Midge -16; Crystal Zebra Midge – 16, 18; Punk Perch Light and Dark – 14, 16; Parallel Punk Perch Light and Dark; Crystal Leech – 12, 14, 16; Agent Orange 12, 14, 16; Parallel Agent Orange – 14, Spruce-a-bu Dark and Light, Eggs: Tangerine Red Flash, Dead Egg, Tangerine Opaque, Flamingo.