The Lower Owens doesn't have midge hatches, it has midge clusters

Owens River - CA


by The Trout Fitter Staff
2-17-2012
Website

Water Conditions: Excellent notice how the flow report hasn't changed by even a tenth of a CFS in two weeks. 'Found out the gauge is stuck. Actual flow is really about 240 cfs as of 2/17. The first-hand info from LADWP is that the flows will be increased by 50cfs each week until at 400 cfs then hold there. Warmer and longer days have brought water temps up. Wading and drifting are still good now so strike while the iron is hot.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Wide Open, Hatch-o-rama Pat's formula is still the hot ticket . . .Midge clusters showing up as early as 9am, so start with small midge pattrens sub-surface or go with Griffth's Gnat up top. About 10-11am the May Flies start to come off big time. To get your "one of the many" noticed try a surface emerger in the film off a big BWO as the indictor. If they take the "indicator" skip the dropper and enjoy life for a couple of hours. Late in the day, like 3-4 pm, go back to midges.

Recommended Flies:

NYMPH:
Micromayfly Brown #18, Headlight Yellow Sally #18, BH Flashback Pheasant Tail #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-22, Medallion Midge #20, Fox's Caddis Poopah Tan #18, San Juan Worm, Miracle Nymph 18-20, Real Midge 20(Dry or wet)

DRIES: Griffith's Gnat, Brook's Sprout Trico #22-24, Upright Organza Spinner #22-24, Elk Hair Caddis Tan #14-20, Parachute Caddis Grey #18-20, Parachute Adams #18-20, Renegade #20, Brooks Sprout PMD #18-22, Brook's Sprout Baetis #18-22, Bear's HiVis Parachute 18-20

STREAMERS: Pop's Bugger, Flashabou Buggers