The flows on the Lower Owens are low enough to wade and there is a lot of

Owens River - CA


by Tom Loe
3-1-2012
Website

She's running at 125cfs below the dam at PV currently. The gages are "kaput" on the LADWP real-time website, no word on the repair date. These flow rates will be on the rise very soon, Crowley is full.

I am seeing caddis flies, midges, mayflies (BWO's with some huge drakes), and golden stoneflies emerging this week. It has been pretty windy and that has slowed down the great dry fly action a few days but the streamer fishing remains good overall with some larger rainbows showing up consistently.

At 125cfs wading is very easy in the sections nearest the dam located by Pleasant Valley Reservoir. Nymphing with pheasant tails, bird's nest (assassin's) and midge's #14-20 will work well. High riding adult mayfly patterns are best for the afternoon hatch #16-18. #8-14 streamer patterns used with a sinking tip line are my choice in the drift boat areas until we see some noses start to pop around noon. Loeberg's, punk perch, and the deadly Spruce-A-Bu are all working now.

The Sierra Drifters Guide team would like to thank the San Diego Fly Fishing (SDFF) club for their support once again this year. We had a great time drifting and wade'N the Owens Rivers with you all on your annual winter trek to the Sierra.

The main photo shows a grinning 2012 SDFF Prez, Lee McElravy with one of several nice rainbows he caught on his drift with us recently.

"Best trout of my career. Kudos to all, especially Doug R. who went out of his way to put us on some great fish. Not quantity, but great quality. Thanks again, Lee"

Other Lower Owens photos:

Photo #1: SDFF member Preston Parrett with a colorful bow caught on a float trip with the Drifter's;
Photo # 2: Former SDFF Prez, Art Reifman tight to a leaping rainbow on his drift;
Photo # 3: Bobby Stafford bringing "another to da net" also with the SDFF gang of fly fishers and a veteran Drifter;
Photo # 4: Dick Ugoretz had a fine day wade fishing with us getting quality browns like this while nymphing and fishing BWO adults in the afternoon. "Thanks, Tom. The photos are great and a reminder what a good day it was. Dick";
Photo # 5: One more look at the Inventor's "Good Year blimp" nice fish Dave! "Good morning Loe's! Nothing like a good fishing hangover. Thanks and have a great day! Dave";
Photo # 6: This is not a Trinity River steelhead. This is first time fly fisher Carly Amatisto and an Upper Owens Troutzilla that looks like a steelhead! Eat your heart out guys, what a fish! Way to go Carly & Two Bug this is the fish of the year so far, congratulations.