December 7, 2005
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes to
all for this early December fish report from the Eastern High Sierra.
The weather has become more seasonal recently
after the first substantial snowfall blanketed the Sierra with about 2
feet of new snow. This is great news for the “snow frappers” as it has
been skinny for the early season on Mammoth Mountain. As of Friday,
December 2nd the mountain was expecting to open all three
lodges.
www.mammothmountain.com.
We had a good shot of much needed rain down in the
Owens Valley during this period also. The forecast is calling for stable
weather with cold mornings on the valley floor and a slight chance of
another storm front moving into the high country during the mid-week.
The fishing has been as promised in earlier
reports after the flows receded; fantastic! The Lower Owens is currently
carrying 110 cfs below Pleasant Valley Reservoir; and ideal for us on the drift boat sections. After having
500-600cfs being discharged for almost seven months the channels, riffles
and drop-offs are well defined and the gravel beds are very clean and silt
free. The river is in the best shape I have seen it in several years and
it is living up to our expectations thus far. There is a DWP water flow
link above.
The wild trout section is fishing very well for
those who enjoy nymphing. Wading is great at these releases although the
water temps are dropping and will be in the low forties and upper thirties
from here on until spring warm up. You will encounter a small baetis
hatch (bwo’s) #20 around noon and on the overcast days a few noses can be
seen venturing up to the top for a snack. Your best bet in the wild trout
section is a tandem fly set-up rigged below a Sunjicator (strike
indicator) with midge larva or emerger patterns #18-22 and at times small
mayfly nymphs like pt’s, birds nest’s, hares ear and soft hackles,
#16-20. Pressure has been very light here even on the weekends so far and
with the high water all fall this area is “ripe” for fly fishers willing
put on three layers of socks to fish the winter months.
With the recent rains and the tremendous reduction
in flows you will encounter some less than ideal traction situations on
the dirt roads along the rivers edge, as well as some really juicy bogs
along some of the inside bends all along the river. Take advice from one
who has done some funky break dancing in the muck…Look before you leap!
The drift boating has been well above average this
week as the forty and fifty fish days are keeping the fly rods bendo a
bunch. We are having the best results tugging streamer patterns in the
#8-12 range while using our dip and strip method with a moderate sink tip
line. The water has really cleared up recently and we are using longer
9-10 foot leaders tapered to 3-4X.
Golf pro Kevin McNece and caddy Evan Jarrett from
Bakersfield, CA putted over 40 rainbows and browns into the net on their
first drift with us recently. Check out the great shot of a double
rainbow hookup...
Evan Jarrett (L)
and Kevin McNece (R)
Ken “KT” Tucker from Moorpark, CA and his pal
Chris “Sully” Sullivan from Thousand Oaks, CA spanked almost 100 rainbows
and browns during a two day float with us last week. These veteran fly
fishers got into “the zone” while fishing our Mary Ann version of the
Spruce-A-Bu. Nice shooting guys!
Chris Sullivan
(L) and Ken Tucker (R)
Chris Sullivan
(L) and Ken Tucker (R)
Long time Sierra Drifter Bill Richards from
Thousand Oaks, CA is on the trout’s most hated list on the Lower O these
days. Bill invited friends Scott Simonet also from T.O. and all the way
from Great Falls, MT, George Carlsen (great caster by the way) to take a
winter drift with him on a guided trip with us recently. The three
“troutcateers” caught and released almost 60 of the rascals on a single
drift. Great day guys, thanks again.
Bill Richards
(with fish) and Scott Simonet
Guide tip:
The Spruce-A-Bu #8 has been the hot fly for us
this week and we use two flavors most of the time. The “Kelly Bundy”
version is a light fly or blonde pattern and is best for sunny, bright
days with clean water. The Mary Ann or dark olive Bu works best in low
light or cloudy days as it achieves more contrast which is the key to most
streamer fishing in addition to profile.
Bright day, light colors/dark day, dark colors.
Ra-member dis pearl of wisdom Grasshoppers and you will snatch pebble from
trout’s fin!
Pleasant Reservoir: Fair-
good
Hard core freeze tubers are enjoying some
good streamer fishing near the inlet and launch ramp sections of the
rez these days. Full sinks or heavy sink tips will get you down to the
fish more efficiently while using Loebergs #10 or crystal leeches #10-12.
Fish the south or far side opposite the service road for best results.
The rez is at a high level right now and power
generation has stopped at this time. The transition zone is tougher to
fish at this level but should improve soon. The short river section has
been fair for nymphing with a dry dropper/bead head combo like a
#14-16 stimulator and our crystal tiger or zebra midge’s #16-18. Long
dead drifts are essential in the transition area and I suggest you use a
10-11 foot leader tapered to 5-6X for the most looks. Look for the pods
of feeders from atop the service road before you climb down along the
bank. It is better here when the sun is covered by clouds or in the
afternoons when the sun goes over the rim. Plenty of weed in the
slower water so check your flies every cast.
The gorge: Very good
Very light pressure here this fall and if you are
into a little semi-strenuous hiking you can access some excellent dry and
dry/dropper opportunities using small midge and mayfly patterns #16-20.
There is currently no ice or snow along the trails leading into the gorge
in all regions and the foliage has thinned out considerably with the
cooler weather. A 1-4 wt rod will give you more enjoyment with these
smaller wild browns. There are a few scattered 17 inch fish in the larger
pools and you will have a hoot if you hook into one of these rascals on
the light sticks. 5 and 6X tippet is a must.
Starting your holiday shopping? We offer gift
certificates for your favorite angler…just call or email to order….
Sierra Drifters Guide Service is a full service
outfitter…we can arrange for your real estate needs, lodging
accommodations, etc, anything to make your stay here, either temporary or
permanent more enjoyable. Michele Loe, Real Estate Sales Associate –
Prestige Properties of Mammoth,
Michele@qnet.com or (760) 937-5666. She’ll be happy to assist you.
There is also a link on the resources tab above.
You can pick up our guide flies at the following
stand out locations: The Crowley Lake General Store and Deli in Crowley,
The Troutfitter/Trout Fly in Mammoth Lakes, Malibu Fish’N Tackle in
Thousand Oaks, The San Diego Fly Shop and Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego and
the Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys. There are links to these locations at
the resources tab above.
All of us at Sierra Drifters Guide Service want to
wish you and yours a happy holiday season and prosperous New Year. Many
thanks for your friendships, patronage and support this season and we hope
to fish with you in the future.
