The snow is heading our way once again. As of this report, it’s falling pretty steady now at the Sierra Drifters HQ in Crowley Lake. The next few days are forecasted for a good amount of snow with the possibility of blizzard conditions Wednesday night into Thursday. This could go either way as a massive dump or a lighter than thought snowfall. It is leaning more toward the heavier side though. So far this season as well as the past several, most major storms have moved the fish up river in the Upper Owens. This is great news considering the good amount of fish that have taken up lies in the usual spots already. We may even be breaking out the snow wagons for this one after all is said and done. Soft eggs have definitely been the game changer on these fish recently, with the occasional streamer/strymph fly thrown into the drift mix. It has been drive in access for most of the river, and the temperatures have been fluctuating but consistently staying on the cooler side. The East Walker River has also been giving up some nice ones as they are still huddled in the deeper pools of the river. Bridgeport may see a good amount of snow after this week as well. The Middle Owens River has fish in the soft water in the deep pools and along the slow and deep undercut banks. Most of the fish have been located at the tailouts of the pools and the bigger fish have been coming on streamers. Hot Creek has been fishing well in both areas. Nymphing and dry/dropper setups have been the most productive.

Middle Owens River (Bishop Area)
The river is holding at 88 cfs. This has come up a bit which is good for watering the river to move the fish around a little. With flows at their winter release rates for the past couple of months, it has become easier to locate bigger pods of fish. Some nice wild browns have been making  a showing in the slower pools around the bends in the river.  Streamers like Loebergs, Spruce-a-bu’s, Punk Perch, and Agent Orange have been fooling some nice fish recently. We can fish up to 3 anglers per boat and offer half day trips (4.5 – 5 hours) or full day trips (7 hours) to meet your needs.

Upper Owens River
It’s game on here folks, as a solid batch of new fish have entered the river during the last storm session. Couple this with another big storm arriving this week and we have the making for some epic winter trophy rainbow fishing. There are still some big browns being caught in the pool sections as well. It has been solid action on these big fish for the past couple of weeks. It may be time to drop the snowmobiles on the river after this next storm cell rolls through. This should in turn keep more of the angling pressure off the river. The section from the Benton Crossing Bridge down to the fishing monument is now closed.  Flows are now at 87 cfs. Crystal eggs, #14-16 San Juan worm red, #14-16 Level Crystal Leeches, #14-16 Parallel Assassin Dark and Light, and #16 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge getting the most bites!

East Walker River
Still going pretty solid here in the deepest sections of the river. Flows down to a meager 19 cfs but knowing where to fish can yield some real solid fish right now. The fish tend to concentrate in the deepest water this time of year as frigid temperatures and low water have them seeking out slightly warmer water.  Lots of juvenile perch have been washing through the pipe and stacking up below the dam area. A good mixed bag of fish sizes are biting on properly presented flies. Target the deepest pools and runs and you can be rewarded with some real beauties.  #18 Copper Tiger Midges, #14-16 Parallel Perch, #14-16 Level Leeches, and Assassins dark and light both Parallel and normal have been great patterns to hang. #18 flashback hare’s ears, #18wd 40’s, and SJ worms also working well.