The Eastern Sierra is famous for amazing fishing adventures. Our team of expert guides keep you informed with current conditions around the Mammoth area. Check out current fishing reports for the following areas:

• Hot Creek
• Upper Owens
• Crowley Tributaries
• Lower Owens
• East Walker
• Crowley Lake
• Mammoth Lakes Basin
• San Joaquin
• Bridgeport Reservoir

Weather/Water  [back to top]

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008: Hello Anglers

Great weather for the high country. Slightly above normal temps with a lot less haze from the fires across the state. The winds remain calm with only an afternoon breeze starting around 1:00pm! Excellent weather for fishing, camping, mtn biking, sightseeing, or just relaxing in the great outdoors. No real threat from T-storms this week but can always pop up this time of year. Temps - Daytime Highs in the upper to low 80s with night time lows in the upper 40s. Bishop highs will be near 100 with lows in the 60s, this coming weekend. Local area streams continue to fish well Upper Owens, Hot Creek, and the San Joaquin. Crowley Lake starting to show major improvement but will be crowded this weekend with a Tournament occurring.

Use extreme caution when BBQ or burning a campfire. Check with the local Forest Service, as fire restriction are in place with the dry conditions.

Wild flowers are nearing their peak in many locations around 8500 ft, so bring your camera. Great time to get out in the backcountry for fishing or making a outing down to Red's Meadow or up Rock Creek. The road to Reds Meadow & the Devil's Postpile is now OPEN! Mandatory shuttle required from Mammoth lakes Basin. June Lake area have been planted weekly. The weather has been nice for a few weeks and the action has picked up in both the Mammoth and June lake basin. Great weather to get out and enjoy.



Highway 120 is open to Yosemite and the Western Slopes, as are 108 and 88. Check with Cal Trans [1-800-GAS-ROAD] for the latest conditions.

Try to use good etiquette as there are plenty of places to fish.
Respect one another as we are all looking for the solitude and open space.

Remember to apply plenty of sunscreen, as the sun's rays are still very intense this time of year, especially in the higher elevations.

It is advisable to check on conditions before you depart on your journey.

Here are some web sites you can paste to your favorites for stream flows and weather:

Stream flows for the Owens River drainage
http://ladwp.com/ladwp/aqueduct/showAqueductMap.ladwp?contentId=LADWP_AQUERTD_SCID

East Walker River Flows
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/uv?10293000

Weather for the Eastern Sierra
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/

Trout don't live in Ugly Places!!

Let a Guide from the Wilderness Outfitters Staff take you out and show you some of the great Eastern Sierra's waters.

There are some GREAT photos online at MammothMountain.com galleries under Fishing 2008.

Hot Creek  [back to top]

Overview:

A beautiful catch-and-release wild trout spring creek, Hot Creek is located eight miles south of Mammoth. With stable flows most of the year, its nutrient-rich waters provide excellent habitat for trout with good daily hatches. Midges, mayflies, caddis, stoneflies and freshwater shrimp (scuds) make for a perfect trout menu. Rainbow, brown and the occasional cutthroat are the species you'll find at Hot Creek. Fish average about 12 inches, some up to 20. There is about a mile and a half of public access at this popular spot. Recommended equipment: 2wt-5wt rods 7x-4x tippet 9ft-6ft leaders.

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Game on! 6-7x tippet and match the hatch. Hot Creek remains fishing well. The weeds are starting to fill the channels in a lot of places, playing hide and seek with lots of places for trout to rest. Still a strong hatch of Caddis and the wind has not been a factor lately!!!!. The Caddis, still a few little Yellow Stone flies, More Trico's in the morning and evening! PMD'S and Baetis. Fish are starting to become more selective and a good drift is always productive.

Nymphing Patterns: Surface emergers, olive/brown scuds, Caddis emerger patterns. San Juan Worms, Pt's. Brassie's Beadhead stonefly patterns are all Standard pattern to start with. 18-22s

Dry Fly Patterns: Bwo's,Schroeder's parachute caddis, Brook's Hot Creek caddis, Headlight Caddis, Low profile caddis, Brooks Baetis sprouts, size 18-22s Headlight yellow Sallies 16s PMDs size 16s, Female compara duns tricos size 18-22s

Attractor Patterns: Small stimulators orange/yellow 18's

Upper Owens  [back to top]

Overview:

Open meadows, undercut banks and big oxbow bends best describe this spring creek north of Crowley Lake. The Owens starts as snow melt from Mammoth Mountain and the San Joaquin Ridge, fed by water pouring from the rocks at Big Springs. The Owens meanders for a half mile below the springs and then flows through three private ranches before it is again accessible to the public via Los Angeles Department of Water and Power lands. Good hatches and plenty of water to cover make the Owens an adventure. The fishing here can vary, depending on the time of year and which end of the river you fish. Above the Benton Crossing bridge, you are subject to special regulations, while the portion of the river below the bridge to a fishing monument near the mouth of Crowley Lake is open to general trout regulations. Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat from 12-14 inches move out of Crowley Lake and migrate upriver, creating dry fly, nymphing and streamer opportunities. Recommended equipment:4wt-6wt rods 3x-6x tippets 9ft -71/2 ft leaders

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Song remains the same. A little more crowded. Etiquette is a must as there is plenty of area to fish here, Water levels are low, as little to no water is being deverted from the Grant lake area via the Eastportal. Caddis and Tricos morning and evenings lots of smaller wild fish taking the dry flies, Both the upper and lower sections are holding plenty of planters as DFG has be planting on a regular schedule. The Mosquitoes are out bring bug repellent!! The area from the Benton bridge up to the power lines as been producing. The water is low and clear once you get above the Hot Creek. Tribs best in the mornings and evenings. Larger fish holding in the pools and cutbank areas. Remember the area above the Benton Bridge is under Special Regulations.

The Upper Owens River is under special regulations. It is best to look at your CADFG regulation booklet for current regulations.

Nymphing Patterns: Beadhead Prince Nymphs, Bead Pheasent Tails, Hares Ears, San Juan worms, Are all good flies to start with.

Dry Fly Patterns: Adams, Orange Stimulators, Bwos, Baetis, caddis patterns in size 16-20s

Streamer: Egg sucking leech, Black or Olive Wolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows you will need some weight to get them down no dip and strip necessary. Size 8.

Crowley Tributaries  [back to top]

Overview:

McGee, Convict, Hilton and Crooked Creeks and Mammoth Creek, Rock Creek, Rush Creek, Owens Gorge: These smalller streams all provide fly fishing opportunities. They range in size from a few feet across to medium-size mountain creeks/rivers and all are freestone streams with a variety of settings. Some spots fish much like a spring creek, others like classic freestone streams with pocket water, rifles and pools. A few of these fisheries are seasonal, meaning they fish well only during certain months. Some fall under special regulations during different times of the year so check the Fish and Game Regulations. All hold wild fish populations and most are planted throughout the season. All have insects hatching throughout the season (Caddis, Mayflies, Midges and Stoneflies). These streams do not receive the attention or the pressure that other popular fly fishing fisheries in the area do. They can be great places to get away from busy weekend and holiday crowds. Travel time to the different streams from Mammoth ranges from a few minutes to an hour or so. All are accessed from Highway 395. Species found are brown and rainbow trout. Some waters hold brook trout. Recommended equipment: 2wt-5wtrod, 6x-tx tippets, 6ft-9ft leaders. A word of caution abou the Owens Gorge: access to the gorge is via a paved road down to the canyon floor. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. Look out for rattlesnakes and stinging nettles.

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: No change. Water levels have come down and the insects are out. Now is the time, if you want to make an adventure. Stoneflies Caddis, Mayflies, Midge. Water has slowed down and the fish will be in the pools. Approach with some stealth.

Nymphing Patterns: Hares ears, Soft Hackles, PT's, Prince Nymphs. Micro Mayflies lighten Bugs and Midges.

Dry Fly Patterns: Caddis and Mayflies patterns will take fish midday. Try a orange or yellow stimulator! size 16-18.

Streamer: Larger streamers 6-8s.

Lower Owens  [back to top]

Overview:

This tail water fishery, 40 miles south of Mammoth and eight miles north of Bishop, provides excellent year-round fishing when flows are suitable. Five miles of catch-and-release, great access and friendly wild browns make the Lower Owens a fly fishing paradise. Flows are stable any time of the year but summer, when LADWP needs dictate water levels. Outstanding hatch abounds: a great trico spinner fall, late evening caddis, midday mayflies, yellow sallies stoneflies, winter midge action. Temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees here in summer, so plan to fish early mornings or evenings in July and August. Recommended equipment: 3wt-6wt rods 4x-6x tippets 9ft-71/2 ft leaders.

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Hot, as in the weather. It is best to have your line wet early and late! Flows have been holding at the 350 mark making wading tough. Be perpared, by noon it will be hot day-time highs nearing a 100. If you plan to fish, look for the seams, eddies, in the runs to hold the fish. Mostly Caddis,Beatis action. You will need some weight to get your nymphs down if your nymphing. Good Trico and Caddis action this time of year,

Nymphing Patterns: Try nymphing in the mornings with WD-40s and Brassies, then go to Bead Head Pheasant Tails, Olive Surface Emergers, Barr's wet emergers or RS Emergers. Sizes 18-20s 18-22s.

Dry Fly Patterns: Small midge patterns, bwos Beatis, Trico and Caddis pattern 18-20s.

Attractor Patterns: Small Stimulator, Trudes, Wulffs.

East Walker  [back to top]

Overview:

The East Walker River straddles the California/Nevada border near Bridgeport(about one hour north of Mammoth). The east fork of the Walker river is a tail water freestone stream with trophy size fish. The East Walker has become increasingly popular with the fly fishing community following its full recovery from the dewatering of the Bridgeport reservoir in the late 1980s.The state line divides two main areas of the fishery: special regulations exist on the entire California side of the river, while the five miles of catch and release water on the Nevada side known as the Rosaschi Ranch . Their are large flat water runs and plenty of riffles and lots of pocket water. The upper two thirds of the California side has the most access and the biggest diversity, and the lower third of river on this side has plenty of pocket water. That area is difficult to fish when the flows are up because of the willows, salt cedar and Russian olive trees lining the stream bank. The East Walker is known for it large brown trout and is also home to large rainbow trout, cutthroat, trout and whitefish. Small bait fish and chubs help to keep the large fish healthy-it is a very fertile environment. Most think of it as a nypmhing/streamer fishery, but there are dry fly opportunities. Check the flows before heading up. Flows below 250cfs are fishable, but stronger flows make wading harder. Stream cleats and a wading staff can be beneficial. Many different insects inhabit the river so check with the shop for up dated hatches. Recommended equipment: 4wt-7wt rods 6x-2x Tippet 6ft-12ft Leaders.

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Flows remain near and around 200cfs. The water temps have climbed to the low 70s. Morning will be your best bet! A strong trico spinner fall along with adult Damsel and Caddis. I fished up there for three days this last week with these results. Weather is very warm! Water temps are the largest factor! Fishing was fair at best. Mornings witnessed the most action with mostly smaller fish and a few larger fish feeding on the surface taking the Trico spinners and the females duns. Some fish jumping on the adult Damsel hoovering over the stream. The East Walker is not an easy fishery this time of year but can produce trophy size trout and maybe a fish of a life time. Good drifts and solid understanding of Tail-Water fisheries! Remember high water temps will strain the fish and may harm them. If water temps are in the 70s it would be best to move on to another fishery.

Check out the photo in the 08 fishing gallery of the Trico spinner fall.

Nymphing Patterns: Pheasant Tails, Olive Surface Emergers, Brassies, Red Copper Johns, Bead Head Black and Olive WD-40s, Disco Midges, Barr's Wet Emergers, Zebra Midges, Olive & Natural Birds Nests, Prince Nymphs, and Green Nori's Caddis. San Juan Worm (red) size 14-16.

Dry Fly Patterns: BWO, PMDs, Hemingway Caddis, EC Caddis, Schroeder's Para Caddis and Adams in sizes 16-18, Orange and Yellow stimulators sizes 14-16.

Streamer: Try Muddler Minnows, Wool Head Sculpins, Bunny Leech's, Woolly Buggers and Dave's Chubs. Use size 6s and see what happens.

Crowley Lake  [back to top]

Overview:

The powerhouse fishery of the Eastern Sierra. This man-made reservoir has abundant food and habitat for trout. Fish growth rates in this lake are some of the fastest in the world and can exceed that of most hatcheries. Crowley is surrounded by meadows and sage brush, and fed by spring creeks and snow melt from mountain streams along with natural springs. All of this helps maintain a perfect Ph for trout and aquatic insects. Crowley Lake trout are known for their hard-fighting nature and acrobatic jumps. Trout can exceed 24 inches on this stillwater and average 16 inches. Four strains of Rainbows inhabit the lake: Coleman, Kamaloop, Eaglelake, and Colemankamaloop highbreds, along with Lahontan cutthroat and brown trout. Crowley is located 20 minute south of the town of Mammoth Lakes. The lake has a full-service marina-the Crowley Lake Fish Camp. There is also good drive-up along it northeast side (four wheel drive is recommend). A four mile drive on a washboard dirt road accesses its shores via Benton Crossing Road off US 395. Float tubing or fishing from a boat are ever-popular methods to approach this lake. It is the largest body of water in the area. Caution - the wind can come up fast on the lake and make it very rough . Stocked with over 300,000 subcatchable trout each year, it can produce incredible days that fly fisherman/women dream about. Fly-fishing tactic varies depending on time of year and what part of the lake you fish. Crowley Lake is a great place to hire a Wilderness Outfitter Guide and learn stillwater tactics. Midges, Callibaetis mayflies, Scuds, Snails, damsel flies, Leeches and Perch fry all in habit the lake and can be specialties in their diet. Two seasons exist on Crowley: the last Saturday in April until July 31st falls under general trout regulation and the second half of the season from August 1st until October 31st falls under two Trout 18 inches or larger and you most use artificial flies or lures with a single barbless hook. Recommended equipment: 4wt-6wt 9ft rods 2x-6x tippet 6ft-12ft leaders and a variety of sinking lines along with a floating line. This will allow you to fish the different depths more effectively.

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Good news, Crowley lake is waking up! Bad news is it will be a zoo with boats!!! Most of the boats will be camped out on McGee Bay for the next few weeks. The lake level is still dropping!! Overall conditions have improved. This is a normal pattern for this time of year, given the lakes level and the weather pattern, heav-it and leave-it will be the practice in McGee Bay! The Lake Born Mayfly Caliibaetis have make their appearance along with Damsel flys. Water Temps are now in the mid to upper 70s, at the surface, on most parts of the lake by midday. The shallow areas will be the target were cooler water sources can be found. Nothing new here. The algae is the lagest factor along with warm water in the main body of the lake! if the wind blows from the West, the fish bite the best. If the wind blows from the East, the fish bite the least. Strip streamer's will produce, as some larger fish have moved into McGee.

*****Use common sense when driving on the backside of the lake, as there are areas where the ground is very soft, and a tow truck will be costly.

Nymphing Patterns: Gray Midges with Black or red and wire have been the best, size 16-18s. Callibaetis Nymphs size 16. Brown and Olive leeches getting some good strikes!!

Dry Fly Patterns: Adams

Streamer: Olive leeches and Wolly Buggers, Damsel fly Nymphs. Try a dropper fly above your streamer with intermediate sinking line.

Mammoth Lakes Basin  [back to top]

Overview:

Both chains of lakes have great accesses and provide good fly fishing opportunities. The lakes vary in size from a few acres to over a hundred acres. A float tube is recommended for fishing these lakes. Most have good parking and shoreline entry. All are stocked on a regular basis and have wild trout populations; species found are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout. Species vary depending on which lake you fish. Both the Mammoth Lakes basin and the loop fantastic alpine scenery with Aspen and pine trees lining their shores and the high Sierra as their backdrop. The Mammoth Lakes basin is right in the town's backyard-about a ten minute drive up Lake Mary Road. Lakes to fish include Twin Lakes, Lakes Mary, Mamie, George, Horseshoe and McLeod. Twin Lakes is one of the best areas to fish because of its habitat: Callibaetis and Damselflies hatches are exciting to fish. The middle lake section is the most popular, but upper or lower sections can be equally as good. Lake Mamie is anther great place for the beginner float tuber. It is the smallest of the lakes, protected from the wind. For a little hike and adventure try McLeod Lake, a half-mile above Horseshoe Lake on the Mammoth Pass trailhead. This lovely catch-and-release lake holds Cutthroat trout. The June Lake loop, located 25 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes off US 395, has four lakes to fish: June Lake, Gull lake Silver lake and Grant Lake. Silver is a great place to start. It has great habitat-look toward the back of the lake for large brown trout that cruise along the shallows. All the lakes in this area can produce very large trout. Grant Lake has produced brown trout over 12 pounds. For an all-day adventure in the June Lake area, Parker and Walker Lake can fish very well. Both lakes require a drive on a dirt road and a short hike in. Take the North June Lake loop entrance and look for the Walker Lake and the Parker Bench turn-off. Remember water and snacks for the hike. Equipment recommended: 4wt- 6wt 9ft rod 3x-6x tippets 9ft-12ft leaders and a variety of sinking line along with floating line. This will allow you to fish the different depths more effectively.

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Great weather continues at the Lakes Basin and all are well stocked with the exception of Horseshoe. Winds have been calm. Twin lakes & Mamie should have some Calibaetis action mid morning, Also, try the Evening as some ants and beetle winged Termites are getting blown into the lakes. The wild fish will come to the surface along with some Alper's. Try an Adams dry Fly and a PT dropper or a Bead head Zebra midge. If you want to get away, the lakes up from Mary toward Duck pass might be the ticket.

Use streamer patterns in the Olives, Black, Brown. Olive & Browns tend to be the best producer. A local favorite is the Doc's Twin Lake Special. A dropper fly behind the streamer can work well. Beadhead Prince or PT and Hares Ear all can help your odds.

Nymphing Patterns: PTs Nymphs, Beadhead Hares Ears, Zebra Midges, sizes 16-20s

Dry Fly Patterns: Adult midges in the evenings when it glasses off or if it glasses off. size 16-20 patterns

Streamer: Your favorite Black or olive Wolly Buggers. Size 10-12s

San Joaquin  [back to top]

Overview:

This freestone stream is the crown jewel of scenic Mammoth fishing, with the Minarets as a backdrop and meadow wildflowers all around. A trail meanders along the bank, making for great hiking. Just over the west side of Mammoth Mountain, the San Joaquin is a backcountry setting with drive-in access. This is a great place for the beginning fly caster to practice his or her skills. There are hatches throughout the season: stoneflies, mayflies, midges and caddis. Fish often crash the dry fly. The wild fish here are small-6-10 inches-but make up the stature in beauty. The stream is planted weekly near the campgrounds; the further away you get from the campgrounds, the more wild fish you'll encounter. If you're really lucky, you'll hit a Sierra grand slam: brown, rainbow, brookie and golden/rainbow hybrid, all in a day's fun. From mid June through September, all visitors to the San Joaquin river valley must ride a shuttle that leaves from the Mammoth Adventure Center. Recommended equipment: 2wt-4wt rods 6x- 4x tippets 9ft-6ft leaders.

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Prefect conditions along with a great view of wildflowers. A little crowded on the weekends. Most of the insect hatching is occurring in the later afternoons. Caddis and Mayflies along with some Stone flies. Campgrounds will fill on the weekend and be busy throughout August. The San Joaquin is the Jewel of the Sierras as you are driving into the Backcountry in a true alpine setting! The wild fish are on the smaller size but the colors are great and there willing to pound a dry fly!!

Nymphing Patterns: BH PTS, Prince, Micro Stonefly, Zebra midges

Dry Fly Patterns: Adams, Humpies, lightCahills Stimulator in Orange & Yellows, Size 14-16s

Attractor Patterns: Royal Coachman, Royal Wluff's, Trudes in sizes 16-20s

Bridgeport Reservoir  [back to top]

Overview:

Bridgeport Reservoir is located one hour to the north of Mammoth lakes via 395. Located in a valley-surrounded by breath taking views of mountains and meadow. This Lake has some of the best habit for growing large trout as like it's cousin to the south Crowley Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir is a broad shallow body of water on its southern end and narrows up towards the dam with the deeps part up near the dam in the old river canal. This lake has tremendous abundances of food from Midges, Calibeatis Mayflies, Damsels flies, Scuds, Leeches, Snails, and several types of baitfish. This lake also has a heath population of aquatic vegetation just right for hiding fish and harboring insects. With Plenty of food and great habitat the Trout grow fat both Rainbow and Browns, on most years the lake has good access from April thru July after that the reservoir may be to low to lunch your boat with ease on large water years you may have access the entire season with a public and private boat ramp available, this reservoir can be float tubed but with good but limited access on the eastern shore a boat will help get you to the far western side of the lake where Buckeye Creek and Robinson Creek feed into the lake also feeding the lake is the Upper portion of the East Walker River located next to the Runway going north east out of the town this area can be accessed from the road with a short hike on high water years . Both streamers and still water tactic can prove to be very affective. The lakes biggest drawback is the water temp and conditions it can be much like Crowley lake and can get very dirty from the algae bloom. Best Months to fish are May thru Mid July and Sept. thru Oct. this will vary with the type snow pack the area received. If you're planning a trip here it would be best to call and get the latest conditions. The town Bridgeport has full amenities Gas, food, Lodging, and a local fly shop Ken’s Sporting goods.

Equipment needed : 4-6wt rod, Both floating line and full sinking lines if you plan to pull streamer. 3x-5x tippets

Report:

Last Updated Jul 21, 2008 by Harry Blackburn: Try fishing near Rainbow Point. Water is clear near that end of the lake. Large fish slurping on the surface taking Blood Midges and Mayflies on the calm mornings. The lake is about 2/3s full. Rainbow Point and near the private boat ramp, in 12' ft of water, adult blood midges have produced some nice fish on the surface, mid morning. Calibaetis are poping and the damsels flies are out. Fish are spread throughout the area. Look for some large rising fish taking adult midges and Calibaetis on the surface.

Nymphing Patterns: Red, Brown, Black/copper wire, midge patterns are working the best. around the 10-14 ft depth. Pts, Hares ears, Damsel fly patterns

Dry Fly Patterns: Adult Midge Some Large(red) ones and Calibaetis Patterns to rising fish.

Attractor Patterns:

Streamer: Large brown or Black leech patterns or hornbergs with a Hares Ear dropper. Damsels patterns,

Good luck and tight lines from the staff at the Wilderness Outfitters

For more information call:

Wilderness Outfitters Orvis Shop and Flyfishing Guide Service
Open 7am-7pm Daily in the Village!
760-924-REEL