Flows had dropped to around 450 cfs but have now come back up

East Walker River (CA) - Bridgeport, CA


by The Trout Fitter Staff
8-4-2023
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Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions:  Dangerous but ?? 

Flows are at 548 cfs as of 8/6

Flows had dropped to around 450 cfs but have now come back up, probably to keep the lake from spilling. the flows have dropped but that means the water is still ripping... it's just not over the banks as much. Water temperatures are staying low all day.

I'm leaving the following warning up but with the flows down below 1,000 fishing and access has improved. WATER IS UP TO ABOUT 3'+ OF CLARITY. WARNING, AT THESE FLOWS WADERS ARE FOR GETTING TO THE RIVER. GETTING IN THE RIVER IS MORE LIKE A SUICIDE PACT. Well the flows are dropping into the dangerous but doable range but it's not a bad idea to keep the "you wade you die" mentality for a little longer.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches

Fishing conditions and Hatches: Good But Be Careful

READ THE WATER CONDITION DESCRIPTION, THEN READ IT AGAIN. WE ARE NOT KIDDING. IT SOUNDS EXCITING BUT IT CAN GO FROM EXCITING TO OVER IN A MOMENT. FISH REPORTS AREN'T JUST ABOUT THE FISHING THEY'RE ALSO ABOUT REMINDING YOU THAT THE GUY ON THE INTERNET BRAGGING ABOUT THE FISHING IS QUITE LIKELY MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS EGO THAN YOUR SAFETY.

The fish are there and with the flows dropping the presentations are getting easier. The predominate fish being caught are the 12"-15" holdover planters being sucked down out of the lake. No great hatches but lots of food so the fish aren't real picky and you do have a shot at some truly large fish. We are starting to see the huge (#10-12) red/orange midges being flushed out of the reservoir. The hatches are still weak but there are lots of baitfish around. We are also seeing some success with large rubberlegs, kind of late for the Stoneflies but then who knows what to expect this year. Water temperature has been staying in the low 60's all day which is great news. The crowds are starting to grow so be aware of that and remain on your best behavior.

Recommended Flies

DRIES:   Caddis Adult Tan #14-16 | Chernobyl Ant #12-14 | Chernobyl  org/grz  #6-8 | Parachute Adams #16-22 | Elk Hair Caddis #12-14 | Mini Mouse #10 | Miller's Caddis #14-16

NYMPHS: Prince Nymph #12-16| Bottom Roller Psycho #10-12 | Copper Zebra #16-22 | Zebra black/silver #20-24  Zac Attack Damsel #14  | Split Case PMD #14-18 | S&M Nymph #18-22  | Tungsten Jig Baetis #18-20 | TTS Opal B/L #14-18 |  JuJu Baetis # 18-24 | V-Rib midge Claret #14-16 | Joe's Mini Crayfish #10 | Dead Drift crayfish | Pat's Rubberlegs #6-10

STREAMERS: Meat Whistle | Baby fat Minnow #8 | Belly Scratcher Minnow Chub #2 | Bank Robber Sculpin #2 | Punk Perch Light #10-14
| Rio's Brown Town Tan #4 | Hornberg #6-12

EURO Streamers: GD UV P/Jig White #12 | Kaslar M/G/S Olive #12

 





More Reports

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Friday, August 4th, 2023
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Hatches and the fishing are starting to improve
San Joaquin River: Flows are at 230 cfs as of 8/6
Hot Creek: Water Conditions: Good, showing 76 cfs as of 8/6

The Trout Fitter Reports
for Wednesday, July 26th, 2023
Hot Creek: Hot Creek Fishing Report
Crowley Lake: Crowley Lake Fishing Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Fishing Report
Owens River - Lower: Lower Owens River Fishing Report
East Walker River: East Walker River Fishing Report