Upper Owens can be "On Again, Off Agin" right now

Owens River - CA


by Tom Loe
3-24-2012
Website

Hard to figure whats up on the UO these days. One day we spank big numbers and locate multiple large fish, come back a day later and it is tumble weeds and cactus. The snow is toatlly gone here and access is good. The water can be colored with tannin when it gets warm, however clarity is pretty good overall. The warmer days have a solid BWO hatch beginning around 2 pm. Our best results while guiding have been nymphing with an Under-cator in the deeper runs and pools. SJ worms and roe imitations in the mornings, switch to broken bach midges, flashback PT's, birds nests late morning. Flows are low for this time of year so streamer fishing is tough to get a decent presentation near the fish without spooking them. We have seen a good number of smaller fish the last couple of trips when the bite is on. These fish are moving into the riffle water and tailouts of the pools to feed on the BWO's hatching well after mid-day. #18 blue winged olive patterns fished "on the tail" can be the best way to present an adult riding in the foam here without spooking or lining the fish in short water.

Our photo shows Steve Reich who caught this huge "birthday" rainbow while nymphing with a flashback PT on the Upper Owens with us on 3-22-12.




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