Howdy friends and Sierra Drifters.  Here are the most recent Fish’N Conditions for the Eastern High Sierra this early spring. 

We have turned the corner on winter after a significant period of wet unstable weather here in the Sierra.  The forecast is looking good with regards to any major storms influencing the region.  Springs genesis is apparent everywhere with the transition into summer affecting hatches and feeding behavior noticeably on a daily basis. 

Break out those warm weather layerable clothes, and make sure you apply high test thermonuclear protection (sunscreen) before you hit the water.  It is getting nice in the Sierra these days! 

The “catching” is great in most areas and I have major changes to report on a couple fisheries.  Overall we are beginning to settle in on a pattern of active feeding behavior in the mornings with a slowdown occurring most days preceding the emergences.  The late afternoons are also providing increased activity for dry fliers and “nymph-maniacs” 

DFG NEWS; what’s up with all the dinks? 

There have been numerous rumors, reports and editorials drifting about regarding the hatchery programs throughout the state and how the state’s dyer financial situation will effect the allotments, distribution, etc… 

I contacted DFG hatchery supervisor Gary Williams regarding the unusual amount of sub-catchable sized fish being planted in PV Reservoir and the Lower Owens River.  These fish are small, (5-8 inches) on average and have been planted in large numbers in both locations.  This is not a novel practice, and I have witnessed to a far lesser extent the planting of “dinks” in both locations numerous times over the last twenty years. 

It has significantly influenced the quality of fishing.  I observed a standing ovation from a Blue heron and a raccoon family recently, but not from a number of anglers.  

Williams told me that due to Hot Creeks issues with the NZMS (mud snail) and the close proximity of Whirling Disease to the HC hatchery the DFG was not permitted to plant fish in waters that test negative for NZMS.  This is not breaking news, we were aware of this last year.  The small fish currently being jettisoned are “future brood stock” slated to be grown at the now closed Mt. Whitney hatchery that will not be needed as Hot Creek will not be supplying fish to traditional areas, and that the Black Rock, and Fish Springs hatcheries will “take up the slack” that HC has left.  

Fisheries such as Crowley, the Upper Owens, Hot Creek, (all NZMS positive) have proven habitat’s that allow sub-catchable fish to grow into a viable sized sport fish due to special regulations and biology.  Why not plant these fish in areas that allow these fish an opportunity to grow?  I have requested 2008 planting data from Williams for Crowley and will compare notes from prior seasons when I receive it.  I will report my findings on a future report.   

Planting small fish in such huge numbers alongside catchable sized fish promotes “culling” by anglers fishing on the LO and PV Rez.  These locations do not have special regulations.  Many catch and keep anglers will not take, nor consider these small fish as part of their limit and toss them back-dead or barely alive as I have witnessed many times over.  I find this practice disgusting and a waste of resources and license fees that all of us pay.  I confronted a gentleman that has tossed a dead fish into the river as it came drifting by me and he stated that “it would feed the coons” to justify his act.  One could reason that with all the issues regarding quotas a better strategy for distributing these fish could be implemented. 

Lower Owens River: 

I would lower the rating here to very good, down a couple notches from epic.  We have still had some excellent days recently but the “sick” bite has become more normal for this time of year.  The flows are holding steady around 100cfs below PV Rez but I would not be surprised to see a significant bump upwards in the flows by the end of the month due to the increase is snowpack we received in February. 

The spring generations of caddis are the big news making their appearance on stage in mid-March.  The aggressive, splashy takes you see on the surface are evidence that the trout have turned their sights on the erratic behavior caddis flies are famous for instead of the “sitting duck” mayflies and midges.  Water temps are commonly in the low fifties on the sunny days and I swatted the first mosquito of the year on a recent drift trip after lunch! 

The rainbows are very “spawny” these days and the streamer fishing has been great.  Trout get very aggressive during their mating seasons and will often attack anything that encroaches upon their nests.  I watched a large buck rainbow literally charge my dog Strider as he waded into a nearby creek to get a stick.  Strider nearly jumped out of his fur as the fish clipped his front leg and was quite dumbfounded by this assault! 

Tugging larger than usual streamer patterns with an erratic and aggressive retrieve cadence, coupled with longer than normal hesitations between movements has proven to be highly effective recently. 

By incorporating this technique one can take full advantage of the behavioral changes the trout undergo during the spawn and use their aggression to get hits as opposed to what they are eating. 

The dry fly fishing has been very good during the overcast days, and low light periods.  Have some #14-16 caddis ready to lock and load, as well as a selection of #16-18 BWO mayfly patterns.  Nymph-maniacs will do well using caddis pupa patterns, flashback PT’s, bird’s nest (natural) and olive crystal zebras all in the #16-20 range. 

We have numerous pics of quality trout caught by our clients on recent drifts to share with you... 

Steve C. & Keith H. with another Lower Owens Double...

L.O. San Diego Fly Fishers Club Outing...Gary S (holding fish). & Pete P...Trophy Bow...

SDFF Trip Organizer, Dick M. & "Two Bug" with Dick's Trophy L.O. Bow...

Doug...Thanks for the tips and a great day. Ron N. (SDFF)

White water rafting guide, Greg J., spends a day of drifting with Two Bug Doug on the L.O. & has a great day of fishing with many fish to the net including this nice Rainbow. Spending a day drifting and fishing with greg was more than delightful for me as we both share the same passions of drifting down the river, lots of stories, lots of laughs and lots of fish, doesn't get any better than that. Thanks, it was awesome, Two Bug.

L.O. Drift with Captain Ron...Laying on the wood! .

Another one bites the dust..

T. Loe & Kaylen with her dad, Capt. Ron..."Being the Fly"...

L.O. Drift with Jeff & Eric...

Ripp'n some big lips while doing the "dip & strip"...

Upper Owens River: 

The overall numbers of fish are considerably less than a month ago but you can still scout out good pockets of catchable sized fish in the larger pools.  The numbers are better closer to the Benton Bridge, more bigs further upstream.  Covering a lot of river is the best way to locate the 20 inch plus fish, and a downstream approach fishing streamers is my choice, and should prove to be the most effective way of getting into the bigs this time of year. 

Excellent midge activity, with sporadic baetis on the overcast days.  #20-22 parachute midge adults, #18 bwo’s are good choices on top.  San Juan Worm’s, Egg imitations,  PT’s, crystal tigers and olive zebras, hares ear in natural and olive #16-20 are solid choices for indicator nymphing.   

Access has improved greatly as of mid-March but you will still encounter some really nasty mud as you get close to the river on the feeder roads emanating from the main east side access road. 

The Upper Owens is open UPSTREAM ONLY from the Benton Crossing Bridge at this time.  ZERO LIMIT, BARBLESS ARTIFICIAL LURES OR FLIES ONLY.  Report poachers! 1 888 DFG-CALTIP (888 334-2258), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

East Walker: 

The flows have come up to 75cfs and the EW has really picked up since the larger release of water.  Lot’s of perch fry drifting in the river and #14 Punk Perch as the upper proved to be deadly on a tandem nymph rig dead drifted in the deeper runs according to Drifters very own Doug R.  I would also not pass up the opportunity to toss a Loeberg or Spruce-A-Bu into one of the larger holes during early mornings or late afternoons.  You gonna get ripped!  Doug is also reporting that there is some killer dry fly activity with midges in the morning followed up by clouds of bwo’s around lunch.   

The rainbows and browns are downright obese displaying little wear and tear after a long winter with low flows.  We are really looking forward to fishing here this spring and if you want a shot at one of the best tailwaters this state has to offer, give us a call and well put you on these “footballs with tails!” 

The real time flow data link is posted above for your convenience.  We like the release to be at least above fifty cfs to fish here. 

Doug R. and Chris V. with a quality bow on the EW...

& another one!...

Hot Creek: 

Ummm, Ummm, good!  The gate was opened March 20th so you may now drive in.  Conditions will even get better as the flows increase from Mammoth Creek.   

Have a good selection of M+M’s (midges and mayflies) on hand in the #18-22 range. 

Dry dropper combo rigs using Pt’s, WD-40’s and bird’s nest patterns under a larger dry like a Stimulator or Sofa Pillow will do the trick. 

The cast and carve idea is catching on like gangbusters and it can get pretty darn cozy on the weekends here.  You may want to bundle up and do the casting in the morn-carve the corn in the afternoon during the congested periods for a while. 

Pleasant Valley Reservoir: 

It has been awesome down here. The “mother of all stink bait tournaments” is over on 3-15 and if they don’t burn it down like a group of contestants did last year, (a huge section of the wild trout area was destroyed by an illegal campfire) …is a good choice for tubers and the dry/dropper enthusiast. 

Stillwater nymphing on the drop-off near the west side has been very good using chironomid patterns #16-18.  Streamers fished at 10 feet will get you into some of the nice planted trophy fish (if any are left from this blood, guts, and beer Armageddon like event).  Focus on the launch ramp section towards the inlet. 

The small creek area has been the finest kind for dry dropper tandems.  You will also see a good show of caddis and bwo’s for some fun on top. 

Enjoying PV... "The Foaminator & Doc Bailey" with their double...

"Baetis Spinner"

The Gorge: 

It is difficult to pack a keg, patio chairs, and a boom box down in here so this area will be pretty much left unharmed after the BJ Tourney.  This is prime time for this area and you can find solitude, a bunch of eager wild browns, and see if you still have the ability to keep up with a Mountain Sheep! 

Little golden stones #16 are fun to use as patterns here with a smaller caddis or mayfly of your choice as the trail fly around two feet back.  Otherwise you can tie on a small bead head tiger or Pt nymph as a dropper to fish the deeper, faster water. 

Sierra Drifters Flies are available at the following great fly shops and stores: Crowley Lake Fish Camp & The Crowley Lake General Store in Crowley, Bridgeport Marina at Bridgeport Reservoir, Kittredge Sports in Mammoth Lakes, Malibu Fish’n Tackle in Thousand Oaks, Stroud’s Tackle in San Diego, The San Diego Fly Shop in San Diego,  The Fishermen’s Spot in Van Nuys, Bob Marriott’s in Fullerton, Buz's Fly Shop Too in Bakersfield, & Crosby Lodge at Pyramid Lake, Nevada.  There are links to these locations at the resources tab above. We pride our Guide Service & Products on Innovation not Imitation! 

Be the fly friends…Tom Loe

Sierra Drifters Guide Service    

760-935-4250

Driftfish@qnet.com 

and Michele Loe Michele@MammothLakes.com