The hatches are resulting in a feeding frenzy now on the Lower Owens

Owens River - CA


by The Trout Fitter Staff
2-23-2012
Website

Water Conditions:
Excellent notice how the flow report hasn't changed by even a tenth of a CFS in two weeks. 'Found out thegauge is stuck. Actual flow is really about 125 cfs as of 2/23. The latest first-hand info from LADWP is that the flows will be gradually increased until they reach 400 cfs then hold there indefinitely. 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 is ongoing. 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

Guides Hint:
Just a side note about LADWP and the flows listed here. DWP doesn't care at all about fisherman, so they can and will ajust flows for any reason whatsoever. They can also change several times a week, sometimes hours after this report is posted. Realtime flows are always available at Real Time Lower Owens Flows(when the gauge isn't broken of course)

The main photo shows Dorian sent from trips he has taken for us lately. The Lower O looks about perfect for wading.