February 23, 2007
Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters. Best fishes
to all for this “March Madness” fish report from the Eastern High Sierra.
Why March madness? I am happy to report that on March 1st
catch and release, barbless artificial fly and lure anglers will be able
to fish the waters of the Upper Owens River, the East Walker River and Hot
Creek. Most of us who have speculated about fishing these waters before
the general trout season opener may become “mad” with joy after going
bendo with some huge early spring fish in these areas.
Big Springs
I scouted the areas recently and was a little
dismayed at the low numbers of fish spotted on Big Springs and the Upper
Owens River. Hot Creek was a different story in some locations, the East
Walkers “trickle” flows are a crime in my opinion and I will not fish here
with the current releases (22cfs). Leave it alone until the flows
increase and the fish spread out. I covered the Upper “O” approximately 4
river miles all told with guide dog “Strider” during a snowy, blustery day
with very heavy cloud cover and did not discover near the numbers I have
seen in past years around this time. There was a mixed size of fish and
the larger models were lined up on the gravel in redds. Water temperature
was 46 degrees below the confluence of Hot Creek. We are currently in the
midst of a rare, but significant winter storm that is much needed this
season and I expect the spring migration of rainbows to increase
substantially in short order on the Upper “O”.
Upper Owens
Hot Creek looked great and I witnessed fish
rising to midges in one of my favorite pools. You may want to consider
NOT fishing the small but fertile section of Hot Creek located below the
State Hatchery and above the HC Ranch. Mammoth Creek remains closed until
4-28-07 and you may not fish this creek or near its confluence to HC.
This is a major spawning area for Hot Creeks wild trout. With the recent
invasion and discovery of the NZMS at the hatchery facility it may be
prudent to avoid any contact with the water in this section of HC further
propagating its population in this critical area.
There will be some DFG fisheries folks doing
angler surveys from time to time in all of these areas. The continuing
year round status of these fisheries will be dependant upon how the first
wave of “Tanglers” impacts the resource. Please, please, respect the
rights of private property owners in all the regions, give extra loving
care to properly releasing your fish and for crying out loud…use common
sense with regards to the weather and road conditions!
Lower Owens River: Fair-good
As forecast the flows have dropped to 100cfs. The
LADWP real time flow link is currently hit and miss; and it has been more
miss than hit the last few days. They are doing a bunch of work on the
aqueduct.
The baetis hatch is in full swing and most days
you will see a “sure thing” beginning around noon with the finale ending
ninety minutes later. #18 bwo patterns, 6X tippet with an 8-9 foot
leader. Look for significant riffles with a foot or more water covering
the bottom. The fish will hold at the bases of these runs until the
emergence is in full swing. You can nymph the pools with PT’s, hares ears
or birds nest patterns prior to the hatch #18. Solid midge action most
days for those “micro maniacs” who thrive on getting small! Olive, tiger,
and zebra crystal midge’s #18-22.
Drift fishing has slowed this week mostly in part
to some stubborn east winds and fluctuating and lowering flows in the
drift boat sections. We are still getting into some larger fish on
streamers and under the right conditions some fine bwo surface action with
some nice browns showing up for the camera.
Kevin Williams and Mr. Scott “Linkcredible” from
San Pedro, CA spanked a bunch of trout on a recent guided drift trip down
the Owens. Kev caught and released a “chiseled” rainbow. Kevin is an
artist and lifeguard.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Good
The inlet section has been fishing much better
since the flows have lowered and although the numbers are still on the low
side historically, there are some large rainbows on the chew. Dry dropper
combos with olive zebras or tigers #16-18 as the dropper are getting looks
in the short river section leading into the reservoir proper. Solid
baetis hatches around noon will dictate a change to bwo adult patterns #18
if you like it on top.
Tubers are still getting into some slammers
between the launch ramp and the inlet trolling or chucking streamer
patterns like Loebergs or Spruce-a-bu’s #8-10. Keep your bugs down at the
ten foot depth for best results.
The Gorge: Good
If you are willing to do some hiking and get off
the “beaten” path here the catching has been very good. Dry/dry, dry
dropper nymph combos in the #16-20 range will all get grabs. Mayfly and
midge imitations are best.
There may be some ice and snow to deal with here
after this series of storms pass so put a “whoopee cushion” in your waders
to pad your fall if you hit this area under these circumstances.
Tom Loe is on the road again and will be visiting
Buz’s Fly Shop Too in Bakersfield on Saturday February 24th
2007 for their “Grand Opening” at the new location. Loe will be doing a
Power Point presentation on fishing the waters of the Eastern Sierra as
well as some major BS-ing with all in attendance. Owner Larry Goates will
be inviting other pro fly fishing personalities to attend this party.
Come on by and shoot the breeze, win some door prizes and get some free
guidance on fishing the waters of the Eastern Sierra. The shop opens at
nine and will close at 4 in the afternoon. The Power Point show starts
around eleven and will be about an hour in length. Contact Buzs at 661-395-0032
or email them at
buzsflyshop@yahoo.com
Tom will also be doing a Power Point seminar on
March 31st 2007 at Bob Marriott’s Fly Fishing Store in
Fullerton. This show will be in conjunction with Bob’s Sierra preview and
there will be other industry pros and great gear on sale to get you ready
for the new Sierra trout season. Put this one on your calendar and come
by and talk trout, pick up guide tips and pointers on fly fishing trout in
the Sierra. Contact Marriott’s at 800-535-6633 and ask for Kevin Bell, or
visit Bob’s web at
http://www.bobmarriotts.net
You can pick up our Authentic & Improved Sierra
Drifters Guide Flies, Sungicators & Killer Kits only at the
following stand out locations (don’t be fooled by any of the imitations
out there!): Kittredge Sports in Mammoth Lakes, Malibu Fish’n Tackle
in Thousand Oaks, The San Diego Fly Shop and Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego,
The Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys, Bob Marriott’s in Fullerton, Buz's Fly
Shop Too in Bakersfield and online at
www.bigfishhappen.com. There are links to these locations at the
resources tab above. We pride our Guide Service &
Products on Innovation not Imitation!
FISH ON BABY!!! Now that I have your undivided
attention we need you all to write the Cal DFG Commissioners and express
your approval of the new regulations opening sections of the Upper Owens
River, Hot Creek and the tailwater section of the East Walker River to
year round fishing beginning on March 1st 2007. We have
included a link to the new regulations and as usual you can click on the
button providing important DFG news by visiting our website at
www.sierradrifters.com. DFG commission info at
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/
We at Sierra Drifters Guide Service support the
new regulations and feel the additional year round water will benefit all
catch and release fisherman with little impact on the fisheries,
enforcement or search and rescue organizations. Get the word out friends
we need to make our opinions heard.
Be the fly friends…
Tom Loe
Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250
Driftfish@qnet.com
