A real winter for the state of California has happened, as we near the meteorological spring. It doesn’t look like March will be any kind of slouch however when it comes to snowfall, as we have a few storms already on track for the region next month. We are finally getting a break from the sub-zero temperatures of February as the sun angle starts to climb each day. I am ecstatic to go outside and feel my toes again while fishing on the Upper Owens River and will take 40-45 degrees for a high all winter long if I can get it. We did have an absolutely brutal couple of weeks of extremely cold temperatures that brought ice down the Upper O and hard freezes to our fly fishing equipment. Excellent fishing has been had on the Upper O this year and we expect that not to change for most of the month of March. We have been running solid the entire month with the snowmobiles and with more snow on the way, that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. Hot Creek will really start to pick up now with the warmer days, but there will be some run-off to deal with for a little while. Good midge activity in the mornings and into the afternoons. Still only access by foot here. The East Walker should really take off and open up more holding areas as Bridgeport Reservoir starts to fill up. Look for a flow increase here soon which will get the bite going big time. The Middle Owens River is increasing in flows daily as the LADWP begins its release from Crowley Lake to make room for the incoming snowmelt.

Middle Owens River/Wild Trout Section (Bishop Area)
The late winter/early spring flow releases have now commenced, and the river is rising a little each day or two. The river has reached the 200 cfs mark which is still good for drift boating but will make wade fishing along the Wild Trout section tough. We are pleased to see a gradual raise in flows and not the abrupt increases of the past. This opens up more holding areas for the fish along the river, but does not completely blow out the river. It may slow the BWO hatch for a couple of days between increases as the colder water comes into the river. Streamers will remain the best all around flies for targeting the resident trout here, and they have been accounting for the biggest fish as well. Best flies for these area have been #10 Loebergs in all colors, #8 Spruce-a-bus in light and dark, #16 Punk Perch, #14 Crystal Leech, #18 Assassin Light, #16 San Juan Worm Red, #18 Blue Winged Olive, #22 Parachute Midge, #18 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge, and #18 Crystal Caddis Larva Olive Dubbed-Black.

Upper Owens River
A warm up period has set in on the river, melting some snow along the banks as we await the coming storm. The sub zero temperatures of this past month are starting to dissipate now and the typical winter daytime highs of 45-50 degrees are now becoming the norm. Road conditions going into the river are still a bit sketchy as melting snow which becomes soft and slushy can can bog down a vehicle and leave it stranded. Best access is still by snowmobile or foot. The fish are moving once again, and with the coming storms we will see the next push of fresh fish fill the empty spots on the river. Knowing the best holding areas right now is key to getting into good numbers.  6mm Otter Eggs in Tangerine Opaque, Kiwi Flash, Dead Egg, and Apricot, #14-16 San Juan worm red and Bead San Juan Worm red, #14-16 Level Crystal Leeches, #14-16 Parallel Assassin Dark and Light, and #16 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge are lighting up the fish!

Hot Creek
Walk in access only here and this isn’t going to change anytime soon as storm after storm hits the region. Great midge fishing in the mornings and into the day.  There’s been a great window for throwing dry flies (BWO’s) during the afternoons as the trout are really keying in on them. There has also been a shortage of angling pressure here too, so fishing has been quite good. Otter eggs have been accounting for some bigger fish in the deeper runs.   #18 BWO’s, #18-22 Parachute midges, and Otter eggs and SD Crawlers have been getting some serious looks and takes from the resident trout.

East Walker River
This place has really taken off with the bigs going on the chew. They are stacking up big time in the deeper pools and with the weather jumping up in temps a few degrees it is going to get really good. With a flow increase here soon you will start to see more fish spreading out along the river.  Otter eggs in all colors, #18 Copper Tiger Midges, #14-16 Parallel Perch, #14-16 Level Leeches, and Assassins dark and light both Parallel and normal have been great patterns to hang. SJ worms and Drifters’ Crawlers also working well.