McGee Creek in Crowley is fishing tougher now, look for the "biggies" chasing fry near the weed beds

Crowley Lake - Mammoth Lakes, CA (Mono County)


by The Trout Fitter Staff
9-1-2011
Website

Water Conditions:
Good clear water everywhere but small flecks of algae starting to show for next bloom in a few weeks I imagine. Lake is still as full as it gets. North end is crystal clear beyond the weeds last 250 yards to the mouth. Massive weed beds every where will come to the surface soon.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
McGee getting tougher under the indicator. 'Time to dust off those float tubes and chase the hogs chasing the fry in the weeds. The big fish are really spread out and more smaller ones have shown up last few days. Midging is slow-steady from early to about 10am then soft until afternoon when it will turn on again.

North end has a ton of Calibaetis but nothing in the way of fish up by the mouth where the temps are okay. Everywhere else in north end has 65F deg water on bottom and no fish per my underwater camera survey 8-31.

Recommended Flies:

NYMPHS:
#16 Black Optimidge w/green flashbackMickey's Shaft Emerger - big, Ultimate Damsel, Jansens Calbaetis. Larvae pattrens early.

DRIES:
Extended body BWO's but not too many fish sipping on the surface yet. Try dry and dropper.

STREAMERS:
Stillwater Hares, Bird's Nest #16, Ultimate Damsel.

Guides Hint:
Strip or midge along well-defined weed lines for big fish cruising along the wall looking for errant fry.