I've been out on the local rivers & streams every day this week. I'm happy to report that a lot of good things are beginning to materialize...
Lower Owens flow gauge has been stuck at 255cfs all week, but the flows are actually closer to 175cfs. This flow is PERFECT - perfect for wade fishing, perfect for drift fishing, perfect for opening up a lot of water to explore!!
Midges are active all day and the mayfly action is getting better each day with bugs hatching late afternoon up #16. Many people make the mistake of fishing too early in the morning right now - some of the best dry fly fishing is late afternoon through 4pm!
Rumor has it the LADWP might be raising the flows at the end of the month; I've heard as much as 400cfs? Nobody really knows for sure as the whole operation is very complicated and complex to manage.
My advice is to GET ON IT NOW!!!!!! February is historically a great month for the mayfly grab and epic dry fly fishing. If we are lucky to have reasonable flows in March, that is usually the time the caddis explode.
Upper Owens is running a bit dirty but clarity is ok to fish. We may be between the big fish run that comes out of the in the fall/winter and the springtime surge - but there are still a view around. Big brown trout lurk here all the time!
Access on the Upper O is pretty good, watch for mud in the late afternoon... err on the side of caution. It's better to walk an extra 100 yards than get stuck in the mud!!
Usual suspects of San Juan Worms and flashy attractor nymphs. Throwing a glow bug in there is a good idea, too, obviously. Bwo, midges and caddis larva all good focus bugs. Cover lots of water and keep fishing and you will find some fish! enjoy the views and quiet.
E Walker is still at 25cfs.
Hot Creek... the little creek that could!! Fishing here can be great in the afternoon-especially dry fly fishing - which is a great way to honor this fine little spring creek that produces amazing wild trout and solid hatches! If you really have to catch 'em throwing wooly buggers you can do that all day on the Upper Owens for holdover stocked trout. HA! Did I say that outloud?
Midge and mayflies are super active and fish are responding well on the surface. Get a good drift and you will be rewarded. Rise forms are difficult to spot at times. Slow down and be observant.
**Note flows for Hot Creek... many websites list the flows of Hot Creek at 4-10cfs during winter. THIS IS NOT the flow on Hot Creek where we fish!!!! The gauge that a lot of websites report is on Mammoth Creek below Hwy 395. This creek is a trickle in winter. Hot Creek is mostly spring fed when there is no water influence from the freestone creeks of: Laurel Creek, Sherwin Creek & Mammoth Creek. Hot Creek flows consistent in temperature and flow - usually around 35cfs +/-.
Have fun and go fishing. The weather is fantastic!!!
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