Conditions on the Upper Owens are pretty good overall considering the water flow

Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley) - Eastern Sierra, CA (Mono County)


by Tom Loe
11-11-2013
Website

I would like to see more water flowing here to assist the migrating fish coming up from Crowley; however conditions are pretty good overall. You will need to cover quite a bit of water to locate the larger fish "podding" up for the fall spawn. Nymphing with mayfly imitations like assassin bird's nest, flashback PT's, and broken back midges are good choices on the warmer days and during emergences after lunch. On the cooler days and morning periods I suggest you use attractor patterns like SJ worms, glow bugs, and egg imitations, or streamers. After 11-15 the UO will be closed to all anglers downstream from the Benton Bridge. It will remain open with restrictions above the bridge year around.

Photos:
Pictured Above:
Tommy Kaa with a gorgeous fall hen he got with us on an assassin pattern while nymphing.
Photo #1: Heather and Two Bug with a trophy bow she got on an egg imitation
Photo #2: Steve M. got into a few of these beauties with us while nymphing the "honey holes" we have mapped out.
Photo #3: Jeff M had several photo opps with fish like this on his guide trip. Nice job buddy! They can swim, but they can't hide from us, we know where they go!
Photo #4: Patrick ripped some lips on the UO while fishing the deeper pools with flashback PT's. High fives Pattie, way to stick them!
Photo #5: Steve S. wet waded into a bunch of these. Break out the waders here folks, its cooling down in the high country.