Fishing is tough on the Lower Owens due to the flows

Owens River - CA


by Tom Loe
5-28-2012
Website

Flows went to 460 cfs and pretty much shut down good wade fishing in the wild trout section. I was hoping they would stabilize at 400cfs but the LADWP opened the valves even more a few days ago. It is tough to get your nymphs down at this release, and crossing or positioning can be difficult with this much water coming out of PV Reservoir while wading. Drifting has been also poor, however if flows continue to hold or drop a little fishing can be very good in the lower sections of the river fishing with streamers.

Heavy sinking tip lines are a must, and you need to concentrate your efforts on the softest water and slower runs along the tulle's and willows. The larger pools are very deep currently with too much water coming over the drop-offs and entries to effectively get your streamers down to the fish. Look to fish much different water and sections than you would in the winter under lower flow rates. I believe early fall will be awesome this year on the LO. Flows will begin to back off or peak by mid-summer and in years like this we start to run drift trips earlier with good opportunities for dry fly action.