september 13, 2026

 

This has been a funkadelic fishing season so far as the fishing has been slower than the past couple years just about everywhere we fish. A few theories…… Going back to March right on through to present day it has been a warm season temperature wise leading to warmer water. At Gull and June Lakes the CDFW trout stocking has been inconsistent and less than usual. According to their fish planting schedule on-line (once again viewed with much skepticism) since before Opener Gull has been stocked 6 times and June 4 times. That’s just not enough to keep up with the fishing pressure at “put and take” lakes. 

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And how about any residual effect after the 2022/2023 big snow year and ensuing run-off? 

 

Looking forward, Fall is soon upon us bringing cooler temps and less fishing pressure so we’re hopeful things will improve.

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​GULL AND JUNE LAKES: The Labor Day Weekend trips on both lakes were tough going due to high winds. Friday on Gull, no fish and bailed after about 3 hours and on Saturday we were able to fish longer getting only 5. At June on Sunday, once we found a spot to keep the boat stable and not drifting in the wind we brought in 7 Rainbows up to 16”. At both lakes we are using the usual suspects bait wise (see previous report) and had some success tossing a red and gold Thomas Buoyant. We’ll be back out on both lakes later this week hoping for less wind and better fishing. 

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​Upper owens river above benton crossing: 

For most of the Summer the flow here (the flow changes depending on how much water LADWP is sending from Grant Lake) has been in the mid 50cfs range increasing to 66cfs a few days ago. We like the flow in the 80 to 100cfs range. Looking back to last year, which is an iffy proposition but we’re hanging our fishing hat on it, with the coming of Fall and lasting into early November the big (20” and up) Brown and Rainbow fishing was the best in the past 10 to 12 years. As we head there each upcoming trip we’re hopeful for a repeat this year

and an increase in that flow. Flies we have been using and will continue to use include Yellow Spot and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs, Midges, Olive and Black Wooly Buggers, E.C. Caddis and Stimulators, and adding Egg Patterns and San Juan Worms to the mix.

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​BACKCOUNTRY: We have not fished our two favorite spots, Mine Creek in Tioga Pass and Rock Creek in Little Lakes Valley, much lately. This season we’ve seen fewer fish overall but still getting 20 to 30 small Brooks at Mine Creek and about the same at Rock Creek along with a few Browns and Rainbows using primarily Caddis and Black Ant patterns. At Mine Creek many of the Brooks will be migrating from the lakes into the creek to spawn as October approaches. 

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​Tenaya and Tioga Lakes: Having never fished either lake we jumped in the truck one recent day to check ‘em out…… 

Driving West on the 120 highway towards Yosemite we went past Tioga Lake before the Park entrance and made it to Tenaya going through Tuolumne Meadows on the way. Oops! Upon arrival, along with Mango the dog, we see signs everywhere including a big electric road work type sign flashing “No Paws Off Pavement” warning that no dogs are allowed on trails and beaches so to avoid what could be a federal offense we headed back to Tioga Lake. While shore fishing there we caught a couple Rainbows using Kastmasters and Panther Martins then switched to scented floating baits like we use at Gull and June Lakes also getting Rainbows one after another up to 16” keeping a couple and releasing the rest. We don’t shore fish much but with magnificent scenery it was nice to kick back, relax, and enjoy the day. We’ll surely be back soon.

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"Keep chuck’n and a grind’n” !!

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AUGUST 18, 2026​

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​HEY FELLOW ANGLERS.... Now that we’ve hit mid-August the temps are cooling a bit and the Summer crowds have lessened. Within a week or two there may even be a hint of Fall in the air. The cooling trend will help the fishing at the local lakes and Upper Owens while in the backcountry it should remain about the same into October.

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​GULL AND JUNE LAKES: Ya know, every year there’s something goofy going on with the CDFW stocking. Hatcheries shut down, power outages, not enough oxygen to transport fish, not enough truck drivers, the water is too warm (?????) etc., etc. According to their on-line fish planting schedule (I look at this while drinking a big cup of skepticism) 

the last Gull Lake stocking was the week of July 12th and for June Lake the week before Fourth of July. Hence, the amount of fish we’re catching goes down each trip out.

 

Typically, usually, whateverlly before Labor Day weekend stockings by the state, the marinas, the June Lake stocking program, and sometimes Mono County will provide a boost to the fishing and carry us through into October. So, we shall see! 

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All that being said, during recent trips on both lakes we’ve been getting 10 to 15 Rainbows up to 16” and an occasional Cutthroat on June Lake. As usual, our baits of choice are Mice-tails, Garlic Pinch Crawlers, and Salmon Peach and Garlic Powerbaits. Soon we’ll add to the mix a nightcrawler bobber rig as this starts working round about this time of year.

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​Upper owens river above benton crossing: 

As a reminder……this section is barbless flies and lures only, catch and release, open all year. 

 

The recent cooling trend and a slight increase in the flow has improved the fishing here. As the cooling continues into Fall and maybe a bit more flow by mid to late September we should be seeing big Rainbows and Browns come up from Crowley like last year. 

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For now, using Yellow Spot and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs, Caddis flies, Stimulators, Hoppers, Stoneflies, Wooly Buggers and others we’ve been catching a good amount of smaller Rainbows and Browns along with up to 20” Rainbows and Kamloops. Interestingly, the bigger fish, despite the very clear water, are not that spooky as compared to the Browns that were here in July. As soon as we casted anywhere nearby they were gone. 

Here’s some hopeful speculation……since the big Winter and ensuing run off in 2023 there has been no Hoppers……until now! There’s a lot of ½” to 1” grasshoppers populating the grass along the river so maybe in September there will be a decent “Hopper Season” and/or at least it will lead to next year’s regeneration of the yearly season. Fingers crossed on this one! 

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​BACKCOUNTRY: Our two favorite spots, Mine Creek in Tioga Pass and Upper Rock Creek in Little Lakes Valley, are not fishing quite as well as the past few years but we’re still getting from 20 to 30 mostly small Brookies using Caddis patterns and Black Ants. Always a ton of fun along with spectacular scenery these locations offer a wonderful day hiking and fly fishing experience. 

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hey!

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"Keep chuck’n and a grind’n” !!​​​​​