Hot Creek Fish Report

Hot Creek - Mammoth Lakes, CA (Mono County)


by The Trout Fitter Staff
12-18-2009
Website

Water Conditions: Good

The flow is 8 cfs at 395 so around 23 CFS total. Water is clear and cold in the high 40's.

The USFA has closed the gate for the season so it is about a 1/4 mile walk to the canyon section, but only 100 yards from the paved road to the Interpretive Center section.

The weeds area goner.

Fishing conditions and Hatches: Good

The creek got about 6 inches of snow from the last storm and it has been cold so there is a little to navigate getting down into the canyon section. Interpretive Center section is just a strole from the road and you can drive in with 4X4.

Cold mornings so no need to arrive much earlier than 10 am. Midges early followed by Baetis hatch from about 11:30 until 1:30. Everything coming off at Hot Creek is small.

Go big and buggy midday subsurface. They all feed at once and the competition is keen - translated not too choosey.

Recommended Flies:

DRIES: #20 to 24 Parachute Adams, Loop Wing Baetis, Brooks Sprout Baetis.

NYMPHS: Black or olive #20-24 WD-40\'s, #20-22 Zebra Midge, try big and buggy like #16 Hares ear, PT, Prince Nymph midday when the feed is on.

Streamers: Throw big ol\' Muddler Minnows or big streamers to the far shore in the Interpretive Center section and never let the fly be stationary . . strip as it hits the water or land on the far shore and drag it in the water.