The "Bigs" are not showing in the Lower Owens as they have in years' past

Owens River - CA


by Tom Loe
1-4-2013
Website

When I get down to the OV it seems like the freak'n banana belt compared to the upper valley! Flows remain very low (100cfs) and the fly fishing has become spotty the last week due to the cooler air/water temps. Gone are the big baetis hatches & I am only seeing some small midges during the afternoons currently. We got some snow here a few days back and it has melted for the most part so it is not a factor. The access roads are fine along the river. The drift boat trips are good and streamer fishing is the best way to fish the LO currently. Numbers have been good but I must say the bigs are not showing here this December as in seasons past? If you wish to wade the WT section use tandem nymph rigs with small olive crystal midges or #16-20 FB PT's or birds nest patterns. The deeper pools & softer pillow water are best locations to focus on.

Photos:
Above Photo:Debra Deppe & my long time friend Lee Marfoglia with Debb's first drift boat trout. Not a bad starter fish ehhh?
Photo #1:Levi with an aerobatic Lower Owens rainbow
Photo #2:Our drift boats have heaters in them to keep you toasty on the colder days
Photo #3:Mikey Nicholson had a great day fishing the LO with streamers, way to drop it back Mike!






12-26-2012
Vehicle access is now very limited on the UO due to recent storms. You will find 1-2 feet along...... Read More