Water Conditions: Clearing up and improving

Flows are 88 cfs as of 8/6

The flows above Hot Creek have dropped and cleaned up, not as much debris now.

Deadman and Glass creeks run over very porous ground so even in normal years by late fall large stretches above Big Springs are dry. 

The stretch of river above Benton Crossing Road is artificial, barbless, catch and release only. Below the bridge is now artificial but not barbless ( I have to much respect for my body and clothes to fish with a barbed hook ) 2 fish limit 18" minimum.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Fair-Good

Hatches and the fishing are starting to improve. You will probably notice that we are finally into the summer mode with fewer variations in hatches and water conditions.

Outside of the Mosquito population exploding things are definitely picking up. Water temperatures are coming up, the magic number of 58 degress is being reached by midday. Hatches are good throughout the river with the addition of Calibaetis to the mixture of Trico, midge, caddis, PMD, cranefly and damsels. There's a caddis migration until around 9 a.m. Above the bridge it's now caddis, midges and Tricos early, followed by PMDs and Calibaetis midday. With the reduction in flows the Tadpoles are being forced out of the swampy water and in to the main river, much to the trout's delight. It also means that the Grasshoppers now have access to the riverbanks, another plus for the fish. They have stopped stocking below the bridge but the planters continue to spread out.

It's good to remember that there aren't a lot of "resident" fish in the Upper Owens, it's basically a nursery for Crowley Lake and as they get bigger most of them will move down to the lake. The fish that haven't gone to the lake yet tend to be pickier because it's their natural environment. Not to say there aren't big resident fish but they tend to spend their entire adult life far back under the cut banks, venturing out to eat a 12 incher every once in a while.

So much for the temperature gauge, it lost its funding and has been shut down. If you're not familiar with it, to get to the upper most branch of Hot Creek, go through the first drive through gate on the main road and immediately turn left. The confluence is between the first and second walk-thru gates.

Recommended Flies

DRIES: Spent Partridge Caddis #16-20 | Upright Organza Trico Spinner #18-20 | Parachute Adams #18-22 | Hippie Stomper and Rubberleg Stimulator #12-16

NYMPHS:  Zebra Midge #16-22 | Copper John #14-16 | Nori's Caddis #18-22 | Bling Midge #22-24 | San Juan worms assorted colors | Birds Nest Natural #16-20 | Prince Nymph #12-18 | F/B Hares Ear #16-18 | Tungsten Drowned Ant #16-18 | Pheasant Tail #12-18 combo flash and or bead

STREAMERS: Shock Collar Leech #10 | Woolly Bugger White, Olive and Brown for the Tadpoles #6-14 | Punk Perch light or dark #10-16 | Baby Fat Minnow |

EURO Streamers: GD UV P/Jig White #12 | Kaslar M/G/S Olive #12