While water conditions can suck on the Upper Owens this time of year, that is not the case this year

Owens River - CA


by Tom Loe
5-18-2012
Website

Flows are stable here and about double winter or fall release rates. Water conditions can really suck here this time of year, however this has not been the case thus far. Numbers are decent for smaller fish in the open waters sections. Note that the UO remains closed to ALL fishers from the Benton Bridge downstream to the fishing monument about 1/2 mile up from Crowley Lake until May 26th. Way more fish in this section, although they are on average about 11-14 inches with only a few bigs in the mix. Nymphing with SJ worms and roe patterns, flashback PT's, and olive crystal caddis will get you takes. Access is very good to all the open sections this spring although the wind has shut down the UO many times since the opener. If you see the "dust devils" while driving in-you might as well hang a U-turn and go elsewhere. Streamer fishing using a medium sinking tip line can also be fun on the UO this time of year and will keep you on the water if it is windy.