Eastern Sierra Fish Reports

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Owens River > Lower Owens River Report

Flow Rates and Water Conditions

Water Conditions:Poor At Best

The flows on the Lower are down to 149 cfs for what it's worth since the water is very dirty. There is virtually no access above the cement plant and even downstream most of the dirt roads are blocked off.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Poor

ALERT, ALERT: DON'T DO IT, at least until things quiet down. The water is very muddy and almost no access. The Pleasant Valley Dam Road is closed at the highway and Chalk Bluff Road is closed at the cement plant.

I'm leaving the following report up for now with slight hope things will improve some in the near future. 

It will be interesting to see if the Grannom caddis hatch comes off this year. Normally it occurs the second half of March (give or take a week on either side). Arguablly the most exciting hatch of the year but also the most frustrating, both in its inconsistency and its incredibly localized appearance. Water quality has gotten worse and the flows have gone up, now over 300cfs. Basic formula: Crowley and PVR are both stable so if you add Crowley outflow (222+/-) the Gorge(39) Rock Creek/Pine Creek(60+/-) you'll get a pretty good estimate. Still finding fish in the1-2 foot riffles. We've been doing well on scud patterns in cream to light olive and gray #14-18. Midmorning on is all midges with an occasional Cranefly, especially the further downstream you go. The Baetis hatch is picking up but somebody better let the fish know. If you're looking for surface activity key on the backwaters. Sizes of the mayflies are less varied but generally from # 16-18. Every cycle of mayflies trends from big to smaller, early on you're seeing bugs from last fall but towards spring they are products of this year. The longer the nymphs have to grow the bigger they get. BIG NEWS: We've been seeing a lot of small stonefly nymphs but today bigger stonefly adults appeared, in #8-10 size. The stoneflies tend to be an afternoon occurrence. The Baetis hatch is now starting around 12:30 and going until 3 but 1-2 is still the best time for them.These hatches can be very localized so don't stick with one spot if you're not seeing them. Now that the water has gotten colder, you'll start finding leeches on the fish. This is quite normal, when the water gets cold enough the fish start resting on the bottom.

DRIES: Stillborn Midge #20-22  | Giffith's Gnat #22-24 |CDC Transition midge #20-22 | No Mercy Midge #18-24 | Boroff F/Homie #20, 24 | Para CDC Baetis #16-22 | Para Adams #14-22 | Stimulators #8-10

NYMPH:  Pheasant Tail #14-20 | Hares Ear #16-20 |Caddis Cased #12 | Zebra Midge #18-22 |Weiss BP light or dark #18-20 | Bottom Roller Phsyco Rhyco #10-14 | Pearl & Orange #16 |Chamois caddis #16-20 | TB Millers +1 Lt #16-18  | Lexi Girdle Bug Tan/Black #6 | HDA Fav. Variant #12-16

STREAMERS: Wooly Bugger Olive & Black #10-12 | Mini Sculpin Olive & Black #10-12


The Trout Fitter Staff (Updated 2023-03-17)
Pleasant Valley Reservoir > Tentative new date for the Blake Jones Derby will be Saturday, May 13th, 2023

After careful consideration, The Bishop Chamber of Commerce regrettably announces the decision to postpone the 2023 Blake Jones Trout Derby which was scheduled for March 11th.

As everyone is aware, the Eastern Sierra has received unusually large amounts of snow this year. While it is sunny today, there is another very wet storm predicted for this weekend. Inyo County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about avalanches and potential flooding. CalOES plans to utilize the Tri-County Fairgrounds as an evacuation site. Snow, ice and mud make access to Pleasant Valley Reservoir difficult and the Owens River is high and flowing faster than normal for this time of year.
For all these reasons and because we truly value the safety of our Blake Jones participants and volunteers, we have decided to postpone the derby. Tentative new date for the event will be Saturday, May 13th, 2023.
This is not a decision taken lightly. The chamber had been making plans for many months and invested several thousand dollars in advertising, insurance, fish stocking and prizes. They also understand the financial impact to the local economy; however public safety must be the highest priority.
Thanks for understanding!

Bishop Chamber (Updated 2023-03-07)
Lake Sabrina > 2022 Season Wrap Up

A little late but WE ARE CLOSED for 2022.
 
What a ride & what a BLESSING 1st seasonat Lake Sabrina has been - to be working up here in God's country with great folks is.amazing!
 
A MEGA thanks to all who supported us in this transition! Everyone who visited, rented boats, kayaks, ate at our cafe, ordered pie, sipped some draft beer on the deck or just stopped in to say hello, we thank you!
It has been an absolute pleasure serving all our locals & visitors this season & we have some great momentum going into next year!
 
Pray for snow!
Cheers!
The Sabrina Crew 2022

Lake Sabrina Boat Landing Staff (Updated 2022-10-21)
Bishop Creek > Awesome C&R Brook Trout

Another FABULOUS CATCH {and release} from our girl Emily! She’ll hook you up with all the hot tips and fishing info in the Cardinal General Store! Just ask!


Cardinal Village Resort (Updated 2022-08-19)
Lower Owens River Report


Tentative new date for the Blake Jones Derby will be Saturday, May 13th, 2023


2022 Season Wrap Up


Awesome C&R Brook Trout