Bob Marriott's Flyfishing Store - High Sierra Fish Report

HIGH SIERRA'S
Updated: May 5, 2008

Hot Creek
The fishing is still good and the crowds where light for the opener. Midges and BWO’s have been the main stay for the last few weeks. Make sure to keep an eye out for Yellow Sallies and Some evening Caddis on the warm days. Try using #14-18 scuds#12-16stonefly #16-18 Pheasant Tails,#18-20 G/B Micro May in Brown or Olive, #16-20 Surface Emerger, #18-20 Baetis Mighty May, #20 Tiger or Zebra Midge, and #20-24 WD-40 in Gray, Black or Olive. For dries try a #18 parachute Adams, #20-22 BWO Last Chance Cripple, #20 Comparadun BWO, #20 Hatch Master Baetis, #20-24 Griffith's Gnat, #20-24 Brook's Sprout Midge in Black or Cream and #20 Parasol Midge Emerger in Black.

Lower Owens
The fishing has been tough with the flow increase. Nothing has changed hatch wise. The increase in flows will make fishing less easy. There is still a good BWO and Caddis hatch everyday. Try using #14-16 Prince Nymph, #18-20 Pheasant Tail, #18-20 Copper John in Green, #18 Wonder Baetis, #18-20 Barr's BWO Emerger, #18-22 Biot Midge and # 16-18 Bubble Back Caddis in Green or Tan, #16-18 Elk hair caddis #18-24 Parachute Adams, #18-20 Last Chance BWO, #18-20 Comparadun BWO, #18-20 Brooks Sprout Baetis and #18-22 Griffith's Gnat.

Owens River Gorge
The fish are becoming more active as the water temps start to come up. Midges, Mayflies and Caddis are the main hatches right now. Do watch out the raising air temps. Make sure bring lots of water and a good hat.

Upper Owens River
The fishing is still great and the crowds are light. Midges and BWO’s have been the main stay for the last few weeks. Make sure to keep an eye out for Yellow Sallies and some evening Caddis on the warm days. Hopefully as summer kicks into full swing the fishing will improve.

Crowley Lake
The fish are for the most part located in areas that have a gradual decrease in depth, the west and north side of McGee Bay, the McGee "parking lot" and Stormy Flats. These shallower areas warm up through the day and they eventually feed. Before 11 am it is slow but a few fish can be picked up if you are patient. A few fish are along Green Banks and spread around the water farther out towards the channel but generally slow. Slow stripping seemed to out produce midging. The good news is that the spawn is just getting going so there are some big fish in the area staging. Blood worms before the bite gets going and anything very realistic with 6X tippet in the very clear water. Gray and black or olive, dubbed head Optimidges, light green Gillies in sizes 18 are doing the best. Slow strip or troll olive Wooly Buggers right on the bottom. They won't chase much in the cold water but will grab it if pulled right in front of their nose.

West Walker River
Fishing is fair. The water is getting slightly off colored in the latter part of the day due to snowmelt. Flows are at good levels and nymphing is producing some nice fish. Golden stonefly nymphs in sizes 8-12 and a small BWO dropper are catching a few fish. San Juan worms are also a go to pattern when the water gets discolored in the afternoon. Cover water to find actively feeding fish. Also try some streamers.

East Walker River
The fish are sluggish with the cold nights and the water from the reservoir is very cold. Look for deeper holes and slow runs for the fish to hide. Baetis and Midges are a main stay for the fish on the Walker. There are a few Stones moving in the lower parts of the river. Make sure to have a few on hand. Try using #18-22 PT's, Zebra Midges, Silver Streaks, and Hare's Ears will get you into fish. Pull some #6-8 weighted streamer patterns through the deeper pools and hang on.

Pleasant Valley Reservoir (Float Tubing)
No reports this week.

San Joaquin
The road to the Red's Meadow/Devil's Postpile area is closed and should remain so until about 4th of July. Call the Forest Service for updates.

June Lake Loop
You want to be fishing the far side of June lake near any type of weed line. Both midging and Streamers will get you bent. Most of the fish are small but there are a few Alpers roaming around.

Bridgeport Reservoir
Fish are spread out but tubers did well right in front of the marina area both stripping and midging. Zebra midges in gray and silver as well as blood midges early were doing the best. Matukas did the best for strippers.

Mammoth Lakes Basin
The Twin Lakes are open but has only by stocked with Alpers; they are starting to get fished out. Fishing has been slow because of cold water temps. Try using Flash Buggers, Wooly Buggers, Mini Leech,16 Lightening Bug, #16 Kyle's Super Flash P/T, #16 Tiger Midge, #14Flash Prince.

Kern River
The river is flowing at 1250+ cfs. Fish the edges of the slower water. Big stone flies are showing between the park area and the power plant. Some dry fly action on BWO’s March Browns and Yellow Sallies. Try nymphing with golden stone fly patterns, Robo PTs and Kern Candy. At these flows wade carefully and use a wading staff.

THIS REPORT IS COURTESY OF:
The Trout Fly, Sierra Drifters, Kern River Troutfitters and Fish First.

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