The blue algae bloom is peaking & should be decreasing in the near future. The lake level is now falling quickly due to high releases on the Middle Owens. The submerged aquatic weeds are now protruding making the deeper weed lines easy to identify. This condition will set the stage for some great fly fishing in August as the perch fry, & damsel nymphs hide along the edges. Sandy Pt. & Hilton have had decent snaps depending on algae conditions. Tubers should be looking to troll some damsel nymphs along the weed lines in McGee, Sandy Pt. and Hilton Bay. The aquatic weeds are currently growing out to 18 feet in most sections of Crowley. The trend of fishing deeper while still water nymphing will persist for a while. 18-23 feet is the best depth. The trout are concentrating in the cooler, more oxygenated water emanating from McGee Creeks influence, & the insulation that deeper water provides. The damsel nymph emergence is also triggering aggressive feeding behavior as the trout follow the nymphs towards the submerged aquatic weed lines. Hang your flies above a clean mud bottom in close proximity to a hard weed line for consistent action. We are having good fortune at times near the inlet to McGee in 4-7 feet. Locating a weed free area large enough to work is not easy, & the spots are limited. Gillies, broken back midges, crystal zebra, or tiger midges (big ones), and damsel nymphs are all good calls while fishing below an “sliding” Under-cator. My go to rig the last few days has been an Assassin #14/16 as the upper, with a dark crystal tiger midge (#14), or broken back copper tiger (#16) as the larva pattern. Keep the tigers 6-12 inches off the deck.

This fishery opens last Saturday in April & closes November 15th.

Rainbow Trout

Micky Middleton did fantastic for her first time on Crowley. This jumbo rainbow fell to a Punk Perch in short water near the inlet to McGee. The bigs are hunting the multitude of damsel fly nymphs that are now present on Crowley.

Photo Credit: Sierra Drifters

Rainbow Trout

Sir Charles Middleton displaying a quality rainbow that slammed a Drifters Punk Perch near McGee Creek.

Photo Credit: Sierra Drifters

Brown Trout

Young gun William Hull battled brownzilla to the net on his guided trip with Doug Rodricks.

Photo Credit: Sierra Drifters

Rainbow Trout

Bako boy Darren Thornberry got into some nice fish off Sandy Pt. with Doug Rodricks.

Photo Credit: Sierra Drifters

Rainbow Trout

Congrats to Ryan Schramm for besting this awesome rainbow. Ryan fished Assassins off Sandy Pt. with Doug Rodricks.

Photo Credit: Sierra Drifters

Brown Trout

Courtney Schramm showing off a beautiful brownie she got using Assassins on Doug Rodricks Ranger boat.

Photo Credit: Sierra Drifters