Upper Owens River Report

Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley) - Eastern Sierra, CA (Mono County)


by Doug Busey
6-6-2024
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As mentioned, this year’s Cutthroat run up from Lake Crowley has been one of the best we’ve seen in years although a bit different...... Most of the Cutts were in spots we haven’t seen them in for quite some time or never and not in places (or to a lesser amount) they’ve set up shop in the past ten years. Having not fished it for a couple weeks a secondary run, which sometimes happens, may have taken place. We’ll see next time out. Most caught were “Stray Cutts” in the deeper water below spawning runs with a beaded Yellow Spot nymph and a few on Wooly Buggers. When we do get back out there still may be some but not likely. So what’s next? Typically over the years when the Cutthroats have returned to Crowley it comes alive with Browns and Rainbows now that they’ve got the river back to themselves. We’ll continue nymphing the deeper bends and cut banks in the morning and switch to Caddis or Mayfly patterns for the afternoon. As the temps warm up we should see more hatches of both usually about mid-day. Are we going to see a good hopper season? Hope so! After last year’s no show it’s anyone's guess. If conditions are right we may start seeing them by late July into September producing some great top water action and drawing up some big Browns from Crowley to get in on the buffet. Fingers crossed! (Not while fishing though)


Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you have a question. a report in our local fishing area or have a photo of your catch, send it to [email protected]. Hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines.