Hot Creek Fishing Report

Hot Creek - Mammoth Lakes, CA (Mono County)


by The Trout Fitter Staff
10-2-2008
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Water Conditions:Good
The water is clear and cool. Most of the river is fishing about normal for September. Many of the deep holes have become small and most of the fish are tucking themselves under the branches along side the river. The weeds have grown substantially limiting the number of "easy drifts." The fish are still there, however, tucked in front of, under and beside the weeds or any other substantial structure. If you can make the drift, you can have an awesome day!
Water temps are in the low 60's.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches:Good
Hot Creek is still fishing fairly good. The small water makes landing big fish more difficult, so make sure to be ready for a battle. Please do not get into the water! The rainbows are already starting to spawn. Hatches are varying from day to day depending on the weather. If there is any cloud cover, beatis patterns (wet and dry) should hook some fish.
The daily caddis migration is impressive,but the fish mainly ignore the drys. However, a small caddis or adams with an emerger trailer should get some fish to come up. Tricos are still happening from 9:30-11, depending on the wind . Fishing spinners should pick up some fish, eit her on the surface or drowned.

Recommended Flies:
Dries-#20-24 Tricos, #18-22 tan and brown Parachute Caddis, Little Weedy Water Sedges CDC emergers in #22, #12-14 hopper patterns tan/light brown, EC Caddis #16-20 (killer evening), tiny hackled midge dries. Chernobyl Ants (why not).
Nymphs-Lots of tiny midges #22-24 Zebra Midges & WD-40's in olive, grey, black, rust. Olive scuds #16-18, #18-24 PT's, Trico nymphs and emergers #22, Cham Caddis Larva #18, tan Sparkle Pupa #18, Loop Wing tan CDC Caddis Emergers. Harrop's Surface Emergers and other baetis nymphs, #20, Hunchback Infrequents and Sulpher Emergers # 18-20.

Guide's Hint
With the weeds up and the water down, getting a good drift becomes more difficult. Stop and analyze your drift BEFORE making it. Accuracy of where you place the fly is important right now so that you can drift the channels between the weeds. Keep your drifts on the short side and try to minimize slack line on the water. Every drift is unique, however, keeping more line off of the water is generally helpful in getting a better dead drift.




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