The midday baetis hatch has begun

Owens River - Lower - Bishop, CA (Inyo County)


by The Trout Fitter Staff
12-7-2022
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Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions: Good

Flows are at 79+ cfs as of 12/7

While DWP is working on the power plant at the base of the dam all the water is going over the spillway or through the bypass pipe that comes out below the culvert.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Good

  Early to midmorning is all midges, although there are still a few craneflies after 10. By 11 the midday baetis hatch has begun but definitely slowing down fast.The best dry fly fishing has been from 10-1, surface action is spread out so carrying 2 rods has a big upside. Another reason for 2 rods, the surface action is happening in short spurts.The fish will rise heavily for about 5-10 minutes and then shut down for 30 minutes, only to give you another frantic 5-10 again.The fish are starting to adjust to the changes in hatches and water temperatures with the colder water temperatures the deeper slower pools are starting to produce and especially in the tailouts for dry fly action. Now that the water is getting colder you'll start finding leeches on the fish. This is quite normal,when the water gets cold enough the fish start resting on the bottom.

Recommended Flies

DRIES: Extended Body BWO #18-22 | Stillborn Midge #20-22  | Giffith's Gnat #22-24 |CDC Transition midge #20-22 | Elk Hair Skaddis #16 | Tan Stimulator #14-16 | CDC Baetis #22-24 | No Mercy Midge #18-24 | Boroff F/Homie #20, 24

NYMPH:  Pheasant Tail #14-18 | Caddis Cased #12 | Zebra Midge #18-22 |Weiss BP light or dark #18-20 | Bottom Roller Phsyco Rhyco #10-14 | Juju Baetis #16-22 | Pearl & Orange #16 |Chamois caddis #16-20 | TB Millers +1 Lt #16-18  | Lexi Girdle Bug Tan/Black #6 | HDA Fav. Variant #12-16

STREAMERS: Wooly Bugger Olive & Black #10-12 | Mini Sculpin Olive & Black #10-12

Guides Hint: Lesson learned the hard way, don't ignore the fish rising in the shallow water on the inside of the bends. They're usually a lot bigger than you thought.




More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Wednesday, December 7th, 2022

Hot Creek: The morning and evening hatches are almost all midges
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): It's almost all attractor patterns from here until spring

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, November 11th, 2022

Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens Fishing Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Report