Winter Fly Fishing at it's best!

Brendon C. and SD Guide, T-Loe with a Magnificent Owens Hen

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Happy New Year friends and Sierra Drifters.  Best fishes to all of you in “2010 a trout odyssey”. 

2010!  For all of us old timers I recall a movie based on the novel by Arthur C. Clarke in 1984 entitled “2010 a space odyssey”.  I was paddling around the Pacific commercial fishing for broadbill swordfish when the movie came out and I remember thinking how infinitely far away 2010 was at that time.  “2010 a trout odyssey” seems appropriate as I look forward to fishing with you next year. 

It has been colder than a mother-in-laws kiss recently here in the Eastern Sierra.  This has slowed the fishing (and catching) down considerably in most of the year around fishing areas.  The Upper Owens/ Hot Creek region received a couple feet of snow around mid-December and combined with some Arctic air temperatures made for some challenging conditions.  The East Walker River has also seen several days in which the temps have gone sub-zero leaving a good amount of anchor or bed ice in the channel.   The Owens Valley picked up measurable snowfall on several occasions in December; however, the weather has become much milder since the mid-December Arctic blast.  The weather Guru’s are forecasting a relatively mild start to 2010 a trout odyssey and I am looking forward to this! 

SPECIAL DEALS:                                             

“Be the Fly” Rewards Program

We greatly appreciate you special people who have generously referred business to us for over a decade, and recognize that without you our business could not have grown.  To show our gratitude we will reward you by discounting your future trips if we book from a direct reference from you.  In addition, a trip that results from a referral from you shall also receive a 5% reduction per trip on our standard guide trips and posted prices.

Here’s how it works for new clients.  Tell a friend or family member to e-mail or give us a call by 6 pm, September 1^st 2010.  If they want to “Be the Fly” and book a trip we will automatically reduce their cost 5%, and you will also get a 5% reduction off your next trip booking.  Give us four new clients by September 1^st and get 10% off a trip that you book.  Make sure we get your full name and contact information from them so you get credited for the referrals.

There is no limit as to how many future trip discounts you may receive.  The more you refer, the more you save!   

The Sierra Drifter that gives us the most referrals by the deadline will be rewarded with back to back guided trips for two people, lodging, and dinners in Mammoth Lakes for the 2010 fall trophy trout season!!!

Runner up will get a free guided trip next fall. 

So get the word out to those that have not been guided by us before and start accumulating “Be the Fly” rewards points. 

 “The Square Deal Guide Package”

Back by popular demand for the 2010 season “The Square Deal Guide Package” Pre-pay for 4, two person full day trips during the 2010 calendar year and you save $180.00 off our regular rates.  $350.00 bones for a full day guided trip and we supply all your gear!  There are some restrictions for special trips so call or write us for details please. 

Fly Fishing Clinics for Beginners and Intermediates: 

If you or someone you know wants to learn the basics of fly casting, knot tying, and the fundamentals of wet and dry fly fishing from full time fly fishing professionals, here is a great opportunity! 

We will be conducting casting and knot tying clinics located at Sierra Drifters beautiful private trophy pond overlooking Crowley Lake at McGee Creek for next season.  You may enroll for an on the water instructional seminar in addition to the pond session for the second day.  

These clinics were a big hit last year and we had high marks from those who attended the classes.  We are adding additional dates for next season and have greatly reduced the cost thanks to last years demand.  The four hour clinics cost $100.00 per person/day.  You may choose a single day if you wish, and we will limit the classes to five students per guide to insure you get excellent personal instruction.  These classes are a great way to learn the basics of fly fishing by pros at a very affordable cost. 2010 dates available are:  May 21&22, June 4&5, 18&19, July 2&3, 16&17, 30&31, August 13&14, 27&28, September 3&4. Please contact us by phone or email for more details and enrollment; we can customize family or group clinics to suit your needs. 

Online fly sales…New Lower Prices for 2010. And, new for 2010 a trout odyssey…the broken back “Black and Blue Midge” #18 and the broken back Dark Zebra Midge #18.  These smaller sized versions of our time tested and deadly broken back #16 patterns are a must for still waters as well as moving waters that hold trophy trout.  The new colors give you additional options for the ever changing water and light conditions. 

Introducing SD “Two Bug Doug’s” Under-Cator (patents pending) 

Two Bug’s vision has led us to come up with the ultimate strike indicator/bobber.  It is available online now and in stores February of 2010.  This versatile strike indicator comes in two popular sizes and can be used by fly fishers or spin casters.  It is high riding and easy to see- never needs floatant or drying, adjusts quickly and easily without slipping, and casts beautiful. Unlike others it needs NO tools or torque wrenches to install on leaders or lines from 25lb.-7X.  It won’t slip, kink, or damage your line like others.  A user friendly custom thumb screw (patents pending) locks the Under-Cator onto your leader or line securely and easily!  

This strike indicator/bobber has gone through extensive guide testing and trials on both still waters and rivers for over a year. It is the most innovative and versatile of its kind available.  Check out pictures or place an order for Two Bug Doug’s Under-Cator by clicking on the online sales button .  

Lower Owens River: 

Easterner, Derrick L. fished with SD Guide, "Fill" recently and was rewarded with this chunky rainbow...

Alex & Garrett S., Father & Son "Dip-n-Strip" Drift

It has been tough here towards the later part of December.  Frigid weather and fluctuating flows at times have attributed to some very slow days in the drift boat and wild trout sections.  Water temps have been down in the thirties at times and this has made the fish very lethargic.  Zero activity on the surface save for a sporadic midge hatch on the very warmest mornings.  Our best days involved fishing streamers #6-12 near the bottom and getting them to hit the flies more out of aggression than hunger.  Nymphing right on the bottom will produce some fish in the very deepest pools using midge and caddis larva patterns #18-20. 

Look for the fish to hold in the softest, deepest water you can locate in any given stretch.  They are not holding at the base of riffles or in the traditional transition lanes most of the time.  Looking into the crystal ball I see a warming trend developing in the first part of January and this could be the catalyst to get the fish feeding consistently once again. 

Keith & Ron H...The Fireman vs. The Butcher

Battle for the Owens!

Brian S. and father Tom... One of many for this Fly Fishing Duo...

Upper Owens River: 

Please exercise caution if you decide to drive on any of the two track roads that lead to the river.  There are some substantial snow drifts currently, and others may develop quickly with any amount of wind making the roads impassable as you will become “high centered” when you hit them.  Four wheel drives just take you further in to get stuck! 

I have been fishing this area a bunch this winter and have been rewarded with some of the best trophy sized rainbow trout the area has to offer.  The scenery is spectacular, the solitude is wonderful; however, it is not for everyone and you should be prepared for some brutal cold and ice in your guides, (and on your guide) most of the day. 

Joe "Big Fish" R. with his Trophy Buck

1st Timer, Brendon C..."The Banker" putting on some heat...

Brendon C. and SD Guide, T-Loe with a Magnificent Owens Hen

The flows have gone up here and are currently running over 125cfs leaving the UO off color and over the banks.  This has made getting down to the fish much more difficult.  There are some treacherous ice shelves that have formed along many sections of the bank.  They are nearly impossible to walk on safely with boot chains or large cleats.  If you have felt soles, you WILL fall! 

Numbers are down from last winter at this time, but the fish we’re seeing for the most part are trophy sized and fight like pit bulls!  I wish I had skis for a few of the bigs hooked.  They ripped line downstream and it would have been better to ski after them instead of plodding after them at the speed of a glacier!  Indicator nymphing with broken back patterns #16-18, flashback PT’s #16-20, and copper tiger midges have been working well.  It is not so much the fly, as it is the guy and how he or she gets the bugs down to the hogs holding in the deeper pools.  The high flows have the fish out of the tailouts and streamer fishing has not been as effective under these conditions as nymphing along the bottom. 

Hot Creek: 

The pics are taken on Christmas Day.  Fishing has been sporadic here as well. There have been quite a few people fishing and waterfowl hunting the area despite the cold weather.  The canyon walls are slippery, with funky trails.  Do not hike in your felt wading boots!  

Hot Creek and the Upper Owens are spring fed creeks and have an inherently higher base water temps due to geo-thermal heating.  The fish do not become as lethargic in the winter in these areas, and neither do the aquatic insects that hatch year around in both areas.  Midges and smaller mayfly patterns are your best choices this time of year; keep the imitations in the #18-22 range. 

East Walker River: 

Conditions need to improve in the Cal section.  A prolonged warm snap could turn this area on big time in late January.  The area is receiving a fair amount of early snow and this is good news opening the door for the possibility of increased flows earlier than usual.  We are perched like vultures waiting for the change! 

Pleasant Valley Reservoir: 

Disappointing.  The rez level is way too high for good inlet fishing.  There have been several areas in 2009 that have had bastard conditions during what is normally a good time of year to fish.  It needs to drop three feet for good access at the inlet.  The small river section is fishing ok, but has been heavily fished over the holidays.  Dry/dropper bead head rigs are best here. 

Freeze tubers are tugging on decent numbers, but they are working for them.  Full sinking type 4&5’s used with “strymphs” and streamers trolled along the drop-off on the west side near the launch ramp and south of the first big bend near the inlet are good locations.   

The Gorge: 

Substantial amounts of ice and snow will keep you focused while hiking and walking along the creek.  Hit the deeper pools only, nymphing is best with bead heads in the #16-20 range.

For Sale: 

One of our "Fish Magnet" bay boats is now for sale. Doug-R has upgraded to a 24' model and is selling his 2006 Ranger Bay Boat. This 20' boat is equipped with a Yamaha 150 4-stroke outboard, Lowrance X-25c fish finder and GPS-2000, Motorguide trolling motor, Standard Horizon VHF radio, Bennett trim tabs, 3 batteries w/ 3-bank charger and voltmeter, Clarion stereo w/ Bose 6" speakers (w/ipod interface), live well,  (2) claw anchors, (3) Willie gunwale mounted fly rod holders, (2) Ranger adjustable swivel seats, console cover and 3 seat covers, Ranger Trail  2 axle trailer and full boat and engine weather cover. It has never been in saltwater, but can fish the southern California bays just as well as Crowley Lake for all you saltwater addicts out there. Contact Doug for more info at: (760) 935-4450 or email fishhead2500@yahoo.com 

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

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