The flows are unknown but very high and going higher

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


by The Trout Fitter Staff
6-4-2023
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Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions: Poor- The flows are unknown but very high and going higher

ATTENTION: PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR IS OPEN, BUT ONLY FROM GORGE ROAD AT THE UPPER END. 

There is Gorge access to the middle and upper power plants as well as the reservoir. The flows are double the average and the gorge will be closed 6/6-6/25. Pleasant Valley Dam Road is once again blocked off at the turnoff for the Pit Campground with the campground expected to be flooded in the near future. There's virtually no access above the cement plant and even downstream most of the dirt roads are blocked off. LADWP is trying to make room for this record snowpack, especially considering that the snowpack from the Rock Creek drainage all the way to Lone Pine is even further above average than the drainages to the north. LADWP is starting to releasing water out onto the Owens Valley floor which in the future will be very beneficial but for right now be very careful where you drive.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Poor-?

ALERT: The gauges coming out of PVR are not accurate, see report above.  The hatches have been very weak, midges just about the only ones coming off. The river above Five Bridges Road is a lot less murky but still very high flows and little access. With the warming conditions a lot of the guides are switching over to bass on the ponds, canals and lower river. If you are coming up be very careful, respect the closures and be happily surprised if you catch fish. At least until things quiet down.

DRIES: Stillborn Midge #20-22  | Giffith's Gnat #22-24 |CDC Transition midge #20-22 | No Mercy Midge #18-24 | Boroff F/Homie #20, 24 | Para CDC Baetis #16-22 | Para Adams #14-22 | Stimulators #8-10

NYMPH:  Pheasant Tail #14-20 | Hares Ear #16-20 |Caddis Cased #12 | Zebra Midge #18-22 |Weiss BP light or dark #18-20 | Bottom Roller Phsyco Rhyco #10-14 | 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





More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Sunday, June 4th, 2023

Hot Creek: As long as Mammoth Creek stays relatively clear the creek should be worth fishing
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): With the cooler weather the river has cleared up considerably but still very high


5-31-2023
Hot Creek has been the best moving water option in town with all the run off. As you can se...... Read More