Fish the more realistic patterns instead of attractor patterns on the Upper Owens

Owens River - CA


by The Trout Fitter Staff
9-29-2012
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Water Conditions: Good as of 9/26 the flows are steady at 64 cfs. Tons of Mud Snails so clean your gear before you wade somewhere else!

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Good not much changing here week to week. Section below the bridge closed as of October 1st. The fish are wising up to the big attractor flies, and it's become necessary to start fishing some more realistic patterns. Still in larger sizes, but not as flashy as we've been using. Hopper Dropper rigs are working best way up above the Hot Creek confluence where the water is clearer and dredging the bottom of the deep end pools is working down below the campground closer to the lake.

Recommended Flies:

DRIES:
Royal Coachmen #18, Kaufman Stimulator #18, Parachute Adams #20,Elk Hair Caddis #16-18, Clown Shoe Caddis #18, Mercer's Missing Link # 16-18, Parachute Caddis #18, Griffifth's Gnat #20, Rubber Leg Stimulator #16, Chernobyl Ant, Taylor's Fat Albert #14

NYMPHS: Black Bead Birds Nest #14-16, Nitro Caddis Tan #14-16, Zebra Midge #16-18, Copper John #14-18, Flashback Hare's Ear #16, Tungsten Zebra Midge #18-20, Copper Zebra Midge #16-18, Nori's Caddis Pupa #16, Olive Bird's Nest #16, Red/Pink San Juan Worm, Prince Nymph #14-16, Miracle Nymph #16-18, Black Bead Bird's Nest #14-16

STREAMERS: Doc's Twin Lake Special Black Meat Whistles, Olive Wooly Buggers, Slump Busters, Perfection Perch, Punk Perch, Stinging Sculpin