This has been an exceptional year on the Upper Owens with regards to the mild weather and incredible fishing overall for migratory rainbows and browns moving up from Crowley Lake. Access has become good to the UO, however many of the two track roads leading down to the river are frozen in the morning but mud pits when it thaws. You need to closely evaluate where you drive or expect a hefty towing bill.

Flows remain higher than normal and the water can be off color at times, especially when it gets above freezing in the mornings. The fall run rainbows and browns are beginning to thin out substantially and I have seen numerous hens that have dropped their eggs and are spawned out. The next wave of spring bows (Kamloops and Eagle Lake strain) are beginning to arrive with the much smaller population of Cutts not far off if this weather pattern holds. The numbers of smaller fish have also decreased substantially and are returning back to Crowley. This migration shift is about a month earlier than normal due to the mild winter. Good midge activity on the high pressure days, with some baetis popping on the warmer days after 1:30 pm. Nymphing with an Under-cator has been the best means of getting into the bigs and a variety of patterns will get you grabs. I have always believed it is the "archer", not so much the arrow - in this type of fly fishing. Remember the three "P's"- Positioning, Presenting, and Playing. This rule will get you a shot at seeing one of these gorgeous fish.

We have been getting fish on everything from midges to mayflies with a side of "ham & eggs" (Roe and a San Juan Worm) patterns. These spawning fish are not looking to feed folks; it is a programmed behavioral response that gets them to take a fly. Because they are cold blooded, their metabolisms will rise or fall with the water temperature. They are very stoic at times and will not move far to take a fly. Redundant drifts in front of their snouts are what will get you opportunities.

The main photo shows a happy Art Prangley who had a huge day on the Upper Owens with an incredible flurry of bigs coming in the late afternoon. Photo #1 also shows Archer Arthur Prangley punished the fish using dark Assassin's as his "arrows" and executing the three "P's" When all was said and done Art had this to say, "Tom, Thanks. It was a great day...strike sideways...important lesson. Best, Art"