Early Fall 2009 Fish'n Conditions ~ Updated: August 28, 2009

Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters.  We hope you all had a great summer and have plans to visit us as we head into the fall “trophy” trout season.  Overall the early fall fish’n conditions are shaping up to be excellent in most areas of the Eastern High Sierra.  The reservoirs and lakes in this area are above normal levels for this time of year, and the freestone creeks and tail waters are running at normal seasonal flows with good fish’n conditions on most. 

The weather pattern is trending to be cooler than normal with several sources predicting a precipitous and prolonged winter.  We have already experienced a couple significant storms in August with some morning frost, and as I write this report there is a steady rain falling on Crowley Lake with very cool temperatures for a day in August.   

The German expression “Vorbereiten für den Winterschlaf” (special thanks to Frank C. for this) refers to how wildlife will alter feeding behavior to prepare for winter and hibernation.  This trend should it continue, will cool water temps down earlier than normal and may trigger some ravenous September/October snaps in several areas as the fish sense a cooler and prolonged winter.   

The economical 2 half day fly fishing clinics put on by the Sierra Drifters guide staff the month of August proved to be a big hit and a lot of fun. We will be adding additional dates/classes next summer beginning in June through July.  Special thanks to all of you who attended, see you on the water! 

 The great folks running the Bridgeport Fisheries Enhancement Foundation are hosting a catch and release fly fishing event on 9-12-09.  Contact http://www.bridgeportfishenhancement.com/Tournaments.html

or call Ray Robles at 760-932-7525 for info. 

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!  

Lower Owens River: 

The flows have been ramped up recently and are making fly fishing tough in this area.  Releases above 350cfs suck for crossing or wading. There is a link at the top of this page to the current LADWP flows you can click on.  The trout adjust within a few days to the new levels; however it will be substantially more difficult for solid presentations.  This increase was inevitable, and long overdue for unknown reasons.

The fall drift boat season is just around the corner and it is going to be very good early on if we do not get blown out by abnormal flows.  This looks to be unlikely this year through the beginning of winter.  We will be doing a combination of nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer fishing using our deadly “dip and strip” method from our comfortable guided drift boats.  “Troutzilla” is lurking in a secluded and quiet stretch of the Owens just waiting for the right fly & cast by the right guy…or gal! 

Upper Owens River: 

Happy 50th  Willy! Bill A. with one of many that day...

The UO has been a shade or two off color with a fair amount of drifting weed in it the last couple of weeks. This has not prevented a pretty fair bite with some consistent fishing in the mornings.  Tiny Trico’s, PMD’s, small dark bodied caddis, and lot’s of grass hoppers are on the trout’s menu here.  Flashback PT’s #16-20, crystal copper tigers #18, Broke back midges #16, are all good choices while nymphing the deeper pools. 

On some recent trips we are seeing some larger fish begin to move up from Crowley as well, and have had some LDR’s (long distance releases) after a few brief battles with the beasts!  Stripping streamers here is also a good choice however; you may have too much weed in the water at times to get a good presentation. 

Grant H.... Double Digits for his half day on the UO...

Jumping Owens Rainbows for Jeff L. and

John L...

East Walker River: 

Recent guide trips and reports have the EW fishing well.  Flows remain great for this time of year and are holding between 150-200 cfs most of the time.  The river clarity remains good and the weeds are not a major issue at this juncture of the season yet.  Mega midge and chironomids have the fish keying on them in the mornings with some PMD’s, caddis, and hoppers for dessert.  Indicator nymphing with PT’s, tiger or zebra midges (the crystal or dubbed olive zebras are a must here in my box) silver streaks, WD-40’s, broke backs, and hares ear patterns will get it done #16-22. 

There are gobs of small baitfish that thrive in the EW.  Perch, chubs, suckers, and carp.  The bigs look for these as a rule and you should attempt to toss some streamers during lower light periods if you want a shot at one of these rascals.  My favorite all time fly here is the Spruce-A-Bu light or “Kelly Bundy” version.  Matukas and Spruce flies also work well here.  As the summer ends and we roll into fall the browns will become increasingly more aggressive here and you need to have a few baitfish imitations in your “quiver” for a shot at a trophy fish. 

Bingo for Ingo! A Gorgeous Brown for 1st Timer, Ingo from "Team Malibu Dads" with Doug R...

Hot Creek: 

We are still pretty much in summer mode here.  The water levels have dropped since our last report and you will find some annoying surface weed that will hamper extended drifts in some areas.  The fish are very discriminating customers this time of year. Focus on emergers in the surface film as well as adults.  Fish small PT’s, midges, and caddis emergers with at least two to three feet of 6X tippet for stealthy presentations with less drag on your short drifts.   

Nice One for Joe B with Two Bug Doug on Hot Creek...

San Joaquin River: 

Jerry N... Upstream Approach... photo compliments of David Kendrick...

Prime time here.  Flows are very good and the wild fish are on the chew in sections that are away from the campgrounds.  Most mayfly imitations #14-18, elk caddis matches #16-18, ant patterns #16-18 will work well on the top.  PT’s, tigers and zebras #16-20 for dry dropper, or indicator nymphing in the deeper pools.  The campgrounds are not fairing as well and it is obvious that there are smaller and less frequently planted fish in most of these areas this summer.   

Upstream casts starting at the base of a pool or tail out will get you better approaches on these spooky wild trout.  There are lots of fish holding in the riffles and pocket water but you may not be able to fish across from them under current conditions.  Do some walking if you do not see fish holding in the pools near the campgrounds, it will pay off.   

Crowley Lake: 

Scott Linkcredible & a gorgeous shortwater Rainbow...

Scott L. and Louis P. Nice Double!

The algae has re-bloomed once again and this has the fish migrating back into deeper water outside the weed lines that remain 14-16 feet.  It is inconsistent here for sure.  One day you get into some fish, the next the big banana.  There are still decent still water nymphing opportunities on the days that the wind blows from the west off the shoreline of McGee and Sometimes Bay, but if the goo drifts in from the east, it can be tumble weeds and cactus in this area.  

There is a small but potent area of a few hundred fish holding in the immediate mouth of McGee Creek.  They are well educated and may not be for everybody.  We have had better luck fishing callibaetis and Trico adults on the surface, or dry droppers with PT or gillie nymph patterns on the slick windless mornings.  Go small-#20-22 on the nymphs.  Early in the am one can do some damage in this area tugging streamers with a slime line and dragging it across the narrow channel.  As the sun gets higher, these fish get extremely selective and will give you the fin most of the time.  These holdover fish have seen it all and have been caught a few times but are really fun to hang in the short water if you can fool them.  I netted seven fish here one day and four of them had a hook or line attached!  The lake level is beginning to drop and this area will not last much longer as the channel is getting very shallow.   

Gary F. got his trophy Bow in the North Arm recently...

There is also an increasing number of mixed fish holding in the Owens Channel.  I had one very good day with a bunch of “AWOL” river stockers combined with a couple handfuls of twenty inchers.  The weed line is extensive and there is thick algae out to 15 feet.  If you can locate the channel you will find some big holes in the 14-11 foot range that are showing some promise as Crowley drops.  Crooked Creek and Little Hilton have some fish, but success it is dependant on the algae issue.  Lots of Perch fry this year and the fish are targeting on the ½ inch long eyeballs with a tail!   

The chuck and duck gang are for the most part spanking the bobber lobbers if they can get some open water to themselves especially in the mornings.  An “astute” group of fly fishers from the Santa Clarita Club did remarkably well in the early morning while casting streamers in a location I shall refrain from mentioning.  Well done guys!  The fish are holding in very small areas this year due to the extensive weed beds and limited open water around the inlets.  Fish chironomid larva patterns very close to the bottom and keep your fly clean.  Tigers and zebras are good representations, some call them blood midges because of their red-worm like appearance.  This is due to a high concentration of hemoglobin in them from the lack of oxygen at the lakes muddy bottom.  Look for better conditions as we roll into September and the water level continues to drop and cool. 

It was a Crowley Grand Slam for Jim Reeg & the "Mighty Osprey" Bill Stroud of Stroud's Tackle in San Diego while fishing with T-Loe recently...

Mr. Rainbow...

Mr. Brown...

& Mr. Cutt for Mr. Reeg...

Bridgeport Reservoir: 

The good news is that the lake has way more water in it than last.  The bad news is the heavy weed that has engulfed most of Buckeye Bay and much of the open water towards rainbow Pt. out to 16 feet.  The best area for tubers and still water fly fishers will be around the Walker River channel.  There are some good size holes in the channel and on most days you should be able to find a spot as it is not nearly as crowded as Crowley.  PT’s, callibaetis patterns, damsel fly nymphs, and chironomids are good choices.  Give Jeffery a call at the marina and he will be happy to point out the open water and set you up with the hot flies or lures. 

Adobe Pond: 

It has been slow here due to the hot weather.  There is no doubt in my mind “Dobe” will go off as soon as it cools down.  If you enjoy private water, sight fishing for wild trout, and a beautiful secluded still water, this is a must fall trip. 

Wild Adobe Brown for Colby W....

Alpine Lakes: 

The DFG and IAG (Inland Aquaculture Group) are planning to stock these areas for the holiday weekend so the slow fishing we have been hearing about should get much better.  Streamers with red, and some flash are always good choices for these opportunistic fish.  Trolling with a moderate to heavy sink tip, or full sinking line will get your imitation down rapidly to that ten foot level that is the “comfort” zone for the sunny days.  You can find fish around inlets, submerged trees or stumps, and bays during the mornings and evenings when there is less light on the water.  I have a reliable report that the Rock Creek ponds and meadows are fishing very well currently.  Dry dropper rigs and small may flies or midge adults in the afternoon. 

You can click on the Closer Look Tab above for a comprehensive overview of many of the waters we guide.

We have SD guide Chris Basso’s new “Broke Back” articulated midge patterns to 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.  We are also selling flies online this season for your convenience. Click on the online Fly Sales button at the top of this page.

The 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, The Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys, Stroud’s Tackle and the So Cal Fly Shop in San Diego & Buz's Fly Shop Too in Bakersfield.  There are links to these locations at the Resources page button on 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