DECEMBER 2, 2025

 

UPPER OWENS RIVER:

During the past couple weeks the bigger Browns and Rainbows have thinned out so we’re getting one or two each time out as opposed to up to six a few weeks ago mainly in the deep bends and cut banks. It’s not all that cold out there (mid 50s by mid day) so there’s been some surface feeding in the afternoon on May and Caddis flies. In general we’re using the same methods and getting fewer fish but it’s still worth the effort especially when the weather is as nice as it has been recently.

​

Lower owens river:

We hit the Lower on the 22nd getting about six Browns and Rainbows up to 12”. The access to some spots is still pinched off by the thick Summer growth brush but should improve as we get into Winter which is when we’ll fish it more depending on snow and temps at The Upper. 

​

Thank you and “keep chuck’n and a grind’n” !!

​

NOVEMBER 13, 2025

​​

Now that the marinas here in The Loop have closed and with the general fishing season closing this upcoming Sunday along with Winterlike weather approaching  we’ll be fishing mostly the Upper Owens, the Lower Owens Wild Trout Section, and maybe some local creeks that remain open to fishing. ​

​

UPPER OWENS RIVER:

Above Benton Crossing, barbless flies and lures only, catch and release, open all year. 

Since September there’s been three sets of big fish runs of Browns and Rainbows coming and going from Lake Crowley. During the latest run the fish were concentrated in some, but not all, of the deepest bends making them easy targets and resulting in up to six 18” to 24” caught most days using Yellow Spot and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs under an indicator about 6’ deep. During the past week those fish have spread out into the deeper (3’ to 4’) runs for some spawning activity. The nymphs are only working for an occasional straggler in those deep bends so Bacon and Eggs ( Egg Pattern with a San Juan Worm under an indicator) are on the menu along with casting black or olive Wooly Buggers downstream. In past years these fish will move back into the bends for some R & R before heading back to Crowley so we’ll see if that’s the case this year. 

Also, there’s been some decent Caddis and Mayfly activity, hence some good top water action for mostly smaller fish using those dry fly patterns.

​​

Lower owens river wild trout section:

Below Pleasant Valley Campground, barbless flies and lures only, catch and release, open all year. 

When wind, temps, and snow at The Upper dictate The Lower, with Fall and Springlike conditions, becomes our Winter fishing grounds mainly lure fishing and sometimes fly fishing. We made one trip there in mid October to check it out getting a good amount of Browns and Rainbows up to 18”. The brush and reeds are pretty thick in some areas cutting off access to some spots but should

improve as they go dormant during the coming weeks. Lure wise, we’re chucking Panther Martins, Thomas Buoyants, and Rapalas with the belly hooks removed. When fly fishing it’s pretty much the same as what we use at The Upper. Even in Winter, due to the warmer temps, there’s a consistent mid-day Mayfly hatch so that’s the time to throw BWOs and/or Caddis patterns.

​

How ‘Bout those smaller creeks:

Most, if not all of the smaller local creeks are either open all year or beyond the general season closing and then switching to barbless flies and lures only, catch and release…… 

Hot Creek: Barbless flies ONLY, catch and release, open all year. Rush Creek below Grant Lake: Barbless flies and lures only, catch and release, open all year. 

Others that remain open: Parker, Walker, Lee Vining, and Green Creeks to name a few that switch to barbless flies and lures only, catch and release until the general season re-opens the last Saturday in April. 

IMPORTANT NOTE!: 

You MUST check thoroughly the alphabetical listing of waters in the CDFW Regulations as to what sections are open and when.

​

WELP...

“Keep chuck’n and a grind’n” !!

​