Crowley is "on fire". 'Bows are being taken from 18" to 25" and Browns to 22"

Crowley Lake - Mammoth Lakes, CA (Mono County)


by The Trout Fitter Staff
8-3-2012
Website

Water Conditions: The lake is getting pretty far down now and continuing to drop. Water temps on the bottom are getting way, way up there, over ideal 57F about everywhere except in front of tribs.

The algae is not a problem in areas holding fish.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: AS GOOD AS IT GETS. The lake continues to be excellent day after day.

The north arm has some fish at Leighton Springs and a good number along Green Banks and on the far side as well. Recent reports also have a good number of fish in Little Hilton, but the real concentration of very large fish is holding in 8-11 ft of water outside the weeds in McGee Bay gobbling major Chironimid hatches. As this area is beyond the channel, the fish are spread out over a large area in the coldest water possible, which is a toasty 62-64F on the bottom. The very best spot moves from day to day but everywhere in the bay is producing at least three to six 18"+ fish daily for about everyone out there and some real toads up to 23" and occasional 24-25" Rainbow if you happen to park on today's sweet spot. Browns up to 22" are also in the mix and a Cutthroat or two for the fleet daily.
The bite is starting early, like 6 am. They are full by 9 to 10 so expect to move as the bite slows.

If you want to buck the weeds, go inside and strip in the tube - you will be rewarded as this is where the best temp water is. The big fish are chasing Tui Chub fry up from the bottom and whacking them on the surface.

Recommended Flies:

Dries:
Not enough Calibaetis to bother.

Nymphs: Early go with bright red blood worms or Albino Baron and Copper Tiger Small. By 8 am it is Dubbed-head Black Optimidge w/Green Flashback #16 or a Shaft. Try Ultimate Damsel, Jensen's Calibaetis or Bird's Nest up top.

If you want to trick the big ones, Dubbed-head Gray/Black or Olive Optimidges in size 18 when sun is overhead.

Streamers: Big black streamers and trailers like Bird's nest to imitate the Tui Chub fry which the big fish are chasing in and around weed beds.