Fish’N Conditions Updated: August 3, 2009  

Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters.  I have some significant changes to report for several of the fisheries here in the Eastern Sierra. 

The weather has become very hot in most regions and the afternoon T-storms are once again becoming a major part of your daily fly fishing equation.  Some of the recent storms have been severe, with numerous lighting fires occurring in both Inyo and Mono Counties.  Expect a wide range of weather on a daily basis while we have this type of condition and be prepared for heavy localized rain at times in the upper elevations. 

So break out your wet wading gear, skeeter spray, SPF 1,000 sun block, and a pair of dark sunglasses that would make ZZ Top proud and come on up! 

Special Summertime Fly Fishing Seminars for Beginners!!! 

The guide staff at Sierra Drifters is offering introductory fly fishing classes at a tremendous discount to novice and first time fly fishers.  This one, or two day session consists of four hour classes on the fundamentals like knot tying, leader make up, how to rig for dry and wet fly presentations, and basic casting instruction from a certified FFF instructor and our top guides.  The second day will be conducted on the water and will include detailed instruction on fishing techniques and presentations, local entomology, and how to read water and holding areas.   

Day one will be located on the beautiful private water at the Sierra Drifters headquarters overlooking Crowley Lake on McGee Creek.  It will be an outdoor classroom environment overlooking the SD’s trophy pond and 15 pound rainbows!  We have a casting deck and will limit class sizes to no more than ten students each session. 

Day two will be on the water instruction at the legendary Hot Creek fishery, or the blue ribbon waters of the Upper Owens River. 

Dates available for these clinics are 8-7/8 (booked), 8-14/15 (booked), 8-21/22 (booked), and 8-28/29 (open). You may book a single day for either session. Classes will begin at 2 pm on Fridays (day one) and run for about four hours.  The streamside clinics will start at 8am on Saturdays and will also be about four hours.   Cost will be $125.00 per person each day.  This is a $145.00 savings off our 2009 half day singles rate!  We encourage you to bring your own gear, but if you do not have any we can provide it.  A fishing license is NOT needed for the clinic at Drifters HQ; however you must provide a valid CA fishing license for the streamside clinic. 

If you have been considering learning how to fly fish this is a great deal and will provide you with enough basic knowledge to begin your adventures in fly fishing.  Please call or email for additional details and booking arrangements.

Great News for San Diegans!  The “Mighty Osprey” Bill Stroud has re-opened Stroud’s Tackle.  Bill has decided to open on a limited basis initially.  Stroud had temporarily closed the shop due to the passing of his beloved wife Eileen recently.  The Mighty Osprey had plenty of friendly persuasion from some of his great friends at the San Diego Fly Fishers to re-open Stroud’s Tackle on Morena Blvd.   You can contact Stroud’s at 619-276-4822 and he will get back to you in the meantime. 

Road trip:

Speaker    Tom Loe - Sierra Drifters Guide Service

When:       Saturday, September 26th

Where:      So Cal Fly Fishing

The So-Cal Fly Shop in San Diego is currently stocked with the hottest Sierra Drifters flies for you to use this summer here in the Sierra.  Stop by Peter Piconi’s awesome fly fishing store and get the hot scoop for this region, as well as other prime fisheries he caters to. http://www.socalflyfishing.net/ 

Apres Pooch Pet Sitting: Want to go fishing or get a guide trip and are wondering what to do with your pooch?  We have your answer!  Leave your pup overlooking Crowley Lake and the Sierra’s.  Sierra Drifter’s Guide Doug Rodricks significant other Natalie is licensed and is incredible as an “animal sitter” and will babysit your pet while you go fishing or recreating in the area.  Click on this link for details www.ApresPooch.com. Natalie is offering a 5% discount on pet sitting the day you are out fishing with Sierra Drifters! 

Crowley Lake: 

Jack M and SD Guide Two Bug Doug...A Fun Day on Crowley last week...

The algae situation has improved dramatically since the end of July and this has opened more fishable areas in several sections of the lake.  Concentrations of trout can be found near all the inlets, especially in McGee and Little Hilton Bays.  The Owens River channel is also holding some huge browns and bows hunting damsel nymphs and tiny perch fry seeking refuge along the heavy weed lines.  Please check out the hogs our clients have recently caught and released in several areas of the lake.  They are special. 

There is also consistent and ever improving action in the mornings in the 11-15 foot range along or outside the hard weed line between McGee and Sometimes Bay.  The larger browns and cutts are herding the perch fry into the weeds and targeting on the stragglers.  If you can find some room and enjoy tubing and casting streamers, now is the time to hit those big predators on sinking tips or slime lines.     

Back to Back Trophy Bows for Jeff W. while on Crowley with SD Guide T-Loe

Short water near the inlets can be really fun as well.  You will observe several hatches coming off.  The callibaetis and Trico mayfly emergences are triggering some big migrations of rainbows into very short water in the channels and immediate inlet sections.  This occurs around 8 am daily.  The chironomids and damsel nymphs are the second course and the peak of feeding activity late morning into the afternoon some days.  The Owens Channel has been deserted for some reason?  Check out the slammers long time Sierra Drifter Jeff W. got while casting damsels with me here a short while back.  Locating the North Channel is crucial to success.  Green Banks still looks like the Everglades and will kick on after the pool drops a couple of feet.   

Layton Springs is also ripening, and the bigs are crashing along the weeds here as well.  The weed line is deeper here and I believe we need to drop a couple of feet before this goes off for still water nymph addicts.  Tubers need to look at this area especially in the mornings; it is uncrowded with plenty of room all around the Layton/Alligator Pt. area.   

Hog Brown for John E. while fishing with SD Guide Two Bug Doug

Check out this Brownie for Brandon S.  ~ SD Guide Fill T. holding fish honors!

Crowley has been filling all summer and the stage is being set for a memorable late summer through fall experience.  We have been informed that water usage is at a 20 year low in So-Cal and this is keeping the pool full this summer.  As the water levels begin to recede, you will see the depths along the weed lines decrease making ideal conditions for still water nymphing later this month and into September.  The still water technique may be tough for tubers right now due to the length of the leaders, but I suggest you “old schoolers” get out and tug the heavy hardware for a shot at a trophy fish. 

Short water rigs for Crowley (2-7 feet) Twin Gillies or crystal emerger’s #18-22, Killa baetis and flash back PT’s #12-20.  The callibaetis nymph is considerably larger than the trico so rig accordingly, damsel nymphs #12.  Use a very small strike indicator or dry fly for an indicator in water less than 3 feet. 

Still water nymphs for the 11-15 foot range.  Broke back articulated midges when you have a textured surface. Use the BB gillie for the upper.  Dark bodied gillies, crystal tigers and zebra’s #16-18, chironomid pupa and emergers #18-20.  If the current or wind is moving towards the weed lines suspend a punk perch, damsel nymph, (#12-16) 5-8 feet below the surface under an indicator.  This is the time of year you can get grabs in deep water while not fishing the bottom levels of the water column. 

Streamer fishing- Keep the damsel and perch fry imitations (#10-14) around 4-8 feet.  A faster retrieve will out fish a slow strip.  Trolling or moving steadily in your tube while “pulsing or jigging” the damsel or perch fry imitation will look more realistic.  Stay around the weeds or free drifting “trash/scum lines” The damsels and PF’s will migrate with these rafts of debris as they drift with the wind or current. 

Punk Perch in light and dark, the always deadly Loeberg-use the dark heads in low light, the light hackles during the higher sun periods, and damsel fly nymphs colored to contrast with your degree of light for best results.

Jeff M. with an awesome Cutt while fishing with friend Dan P. and SD Guide Doug R. last week

East Walker River: 

I keep waiting for the summer flow blow out or the conditions to worsen, it just ain’t happened yet.  The EW is fishing really well and although the immediate section below the dam, “the miracle mile” is heavily fished it remains very productive especially during the morning sessions.  The less fished water below the first bridge is also fishing well and has far less traffic especially in the mornings.  Dry dropper combos, or indicator tandem nymphing with flashback PT’s, olive crystal zebras, copper tigers, broke back tigers, WD-40’s, silver streaks( #14-20), are all great nymphs while suspended under a Stimulator or Sofa Pillow (#10-14).  There are also ample opportunities to fish caddis, and may fly dries in the morning (#16-18) and late afternoons but you will get larger fish while nymphing currently. 

Chet K. and Jack M...Tight to Hogs on the EW...

San Joaquin River: 

Good conditions currently with the bite getting better every day.  No worries if you wish to wade the river currently as the run-off is pretty much done for this season here.  The campgrounds are well planted with rainbows and they will hit a variety of nymphs and streamers in the #10-18 range.  The SJ is well known for wild fish that are eager to smack surface patterns.  Because there is plenty of pocket water and riffle sections here you need to use high riding, larger dries than one would expect on a river this size.  I suggest you use a dry shake type desiccant to keep your patterns high and dry.  Attractor patterns like Royal Coachman’s, Humpies, Stimulators, (#10-16) all work well.  Standard mayfly and caddis adult imitation’s will also get you bit on the top.  Fish a dry dropper combo in the slower deeper water for the stockers and larger browns that hold under the brush. 

Upper Owens River: 

Brian D on Upper Owens...The Teacher is Schooling One...

 "Buzz"... New Hampshire Trout Assault Team...Fish On!

Fun.  The numbers are great and the conditions are perfect currently.  Lots of caddis activity for those who choose to fish on top.  As the sun gets higher, look for the fish to move into the pools that are deeper than three feet.  Switch to an olive crystal zebra, copper tiger, broke back tiger, or PT #14-20 while using tandem nymph rigs under an indicator.  Most of the fish are in the 8-12 inch range but I assure you there are some hogs holding in some select pools currently. 

Uncle Bobby and

John B... Double Whammy on the Upper Owens...

Jersey Boy John B got his Trophy Brown on Crowley

 Uncle Bob followed up with a really nice bow ....

Bridgeport Reservoir: 

It has been a few seasons since the Bridge has had this much water.  The fly fishing is very good in the Robinson and Buckeye Creek channels located in Buckeye Bay, and the Walker River channel near the landing strip.  Still water nymphing and casting damsel fly and callibaetis nymphs in 4-8 feet in these areas is paying off with plenty of opportunities early in the morning and then again after the west wind picks up mid-day. 

Capt'n Louie Zimm with a fine Buckeye "Brokeback Midge" Bow...

Chironomids, callibaetis, damsel flies, and small perch fry are on the menu right now.  The key to getting on fish is just as it is on Crowley; locate the defined creek channels and weed free zones and concentrate your efforts here.  I had a hard time deciding what the best still water pattern was this week. If you hang a tiger midge, the entire broke back midge arsenal if it’s windy, or flashback PT’s and killa baetis in the 14-18 range, you will get grabs. Our Loeberg’s and Punk Perch #10-14 are great choices with slow to moderate sink tips.  The mornings will have a good number of boats anchored along the channels edge and it will be tough to troll streamers at this time.  Rent a boat for the afternoon for Buckeye; you can kick or row out from shore to the Walker if you can handle heavy weeds.  The best bite is well after lunch.  Jeffery has our new flies in stock, go say hi and watch him swim with his horse “Handy”. 

Jeffrey Wenger & Handy... Boat Ramp & Horse Ramp!

Hot Creek: 

The conditions remain very good here despite heavy pressure.  HC is still fishing well for those who can execute a good drift.  Build your leaders 9-11 feet and keep the tippets 5X for a tandem rig, 6X for a dry.  I do NOT like manufactured tapered leaders here (or anywhere for that matter) and you need to build your own “ropes”.  Caddis, mayfly, and midge adult’s #18-22.  Nymphs and emergers #18-22.   Olive crystal emergers, tiny PT’s, WD-40’s, and scud patterns will get you grabs here. 

Adobe Pond: Check out the Rainbows in the sky and the Browns on the fly... 

“Doe-B” has been on the slow side due to very warm weather and a bunch of wind late in the day.  I still regard this as the best still water around for numbers of wild browns in the region.  It is beautiful here.  We are doing afternoon sessions this time of year from our drift boats.  This is a SD exclusive as it is private water. Click on the Adobe Ranch tab at the top of this page for more information on this unique spot.

(Rainbows in the Sky) & Browns on the Fly for Mel A. on Adobe Pond...

West Walker: 

Pikel Meadows and Chris Flat are best for stockers.  The run-off has really come down recently and you will see vastly improved conditions here currently.  The wild fish in the canyons are very much like the fish on the San Joaquin and a quiver of similar dries and nymphs will get it done.  I unfortunately have not guided it since it has improved but have reliable info that it is fishing very well. 

Lower Owens River: 

I must say, it is as if I am waiting for an active volcano to erupt.  Flows remain extremely low in the wild trout section for this time of year.  The drift boat sections are not too bad either.  We have not been guiding this area due to the hot weather and the thought of a major flow increase while on the river.  I spoke to a SD veteran that fished the LO in the wild section and he reported having a great time with NO ONE around during a late afternoon “lip ripper” that gave him double digits to hand all on caddis dries!  The “water lords” are behaving strangely this year me thinks. 

June Lake Loop, Mammoth Lakes Basin, Alpine regions 

SD Guide, Two Bug Doug and a gorgeous golden trout from a high alpine lake

Most of the alpine lakes are getting a good jag of Alpers trout in addition to  DFG fish.  They are suckers for brightly colored, flashy streamers #8-12 fished with a full sink or heavy sinking tip line.   Watch those afternoon T-storms closely. 

Rock Creek area: 

Flows are coming down on Rock Creek.  The pocket water is still tough to fish, however the meadow sections and big pools have good numbers of small stockers, Alpers rainbows, and some feisty wild browns that are nailing dry dropper rigs (use a #18-20 olive crystal caddis larva) and dries in the shadows.  The mosquitoes are savage down here for sure, keep covered in this area.  The lake is also fishing well near the inlet and along the south shoreline drop-off from a tube.  Pick up some Spruce-A-Bu’s and Loebergs and troll them around the ten foot level in these areas.  If you get bit, take note where you are by using structure on the shoreline and remain in this area.  School fish have a tendency to hold in certain areas for extended periods of time until the conditions change.  Don’t leave fish to find fish! 

You can click on the Closer Look Tab for a comprehensive overview of many of the waters we guide. http://www.sierradrifters.com/closer_look.htm 

We have finally got SD guide Chris Basso’s new “Broke Back” articulated midge patterns to most of the great fly shops that carry our time tested guide flies.  They are listed below and have been updated.  The Pac Fly people have been working overtime to keep up with the orders!  These patterns are truly superior to most midge imitations and really spank the trout when you have a small chop, or nervous surface condition. 

2009 Sierra Drifters Flies are available at the following great fly shops and stores: Bridgeport Reservoir Marina, Crowley Lake Fish Camp at Crowley Lake,  Crowley Lake General Store & Deli in Crowley, Kittredge Sports in Mammoth Lakes, Bob Marriott's Flyfishing Store in Fullerton, Malibu Fish’n Tackle in Thousand Oaks, So Cal Fly Fishing San Diego, Stroud's Tackle in San Diego, The Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys, & Buz's Fly Shop Too in Bakersfield.  There are links to these locations at the resources button on the top of this page. You can also now order online by clicking the Online Fly Sales button at the top of this page.

Be the fly friends…Tom Loe

Sierra Drifters Guide Service    

760-935-4250

Driftfish@qnet.com 

and Michele Loe Michele@MammothLakes.com