The flows are still high on the Lower Owens but with effort you can still catch some good fish

Owens River - CA


by Tom Loe
5-12-2011
Website

The mighty Mississippi has nothing on the LO these days! Just kidding. The flows have been very high most of May. They have even crested the banks in some areas and flooded some access roads.

Despite the high releases we are still "catching" with a good amount of effort. As of this report the flows (440cfs) are beginning to drop substantially, and as the snow begins to melt off in the southern Sierra you will see continuing decreases in the wild trout section as the creeks and drainages swell with run-off. Look for some JUICY conditions in early June people.

Concentrate your efforts on the soft water along the reeds and willows. Don't bother with the larger pools; the fish are just too difficult to reach at flows above 350cfs.

FLY CHOICES:
The Spruce-A Bu has been my best pattern by far recently fished with a heavy 24 foot sinking tip line. There are some caddis flies (#18) showing up on a regular basis, as well as PMD mayflies #18-20.

A WORD OF CAUTION:
Be careful along those cut banks folks, it is deep & steep and can be dangerous with breathable waders on if you take a spill.






4-27-2011
We got the most recent email from Tom Loe which included a video preview of the 2011 Trout Opener. ...... Read More