The Owens River Gorge is a great place to fish at this time of year

Owens River - CA


by The Trout Fitter Staff
4-12-2013
Website

Water Conditions: Great the flow is at 175 CFS. This is a an abnormal flow for the gorge, which usually runs at 45 cfs. It should be at this higher flow until the LADWP finishes some work on the power plants. Estimated to be about another week or so.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Flows and conditions remain the same as last week.

Recommended Flies:

DRIES:
Royal Wulf #14-16, Rubber Leg Stimulator, Yellow Humpy 18, Kaufman Stimulator 16, Yellow Humpy #16

NYMPHS: Red Copper John #18, Green Copper John #18, BH Prince Nymph #18, Western Coachman # 16, Stocker's BH Lightning Bug #18.

Guides Hint: Pat Says... This is the time of year we pick the Gorge's low hanging fruit ...fortunately from middle power plant down, the river is moving at a flushing flow of 175 cfs. And yes, I said fortunately because for years we've been asking the LADWP for annual flushing flows that emulate normal spring run-off. This is very important for a healthy river to blow out silt, remove debris and naturally move beaver dams.

In the mean time the upper power plant is fishing very well. The water temperature is going up causing fish to hunt better with stronger more consistent hatches. Most days you can expect Beatis (#18)to emerge midday and caddis (#18) hatch to get you through the afternoon. Keep a eye out for snakes with rattles at the end of the tails sunning on rocks....tis the season...

If you have never been down there, find someone experienced to show you around, if not, fish with a friend, bring lots of drinking water and a wading staff comes highly recommended......PJ