Forecast looking dry for the week with a slight chance of snow for the weekend, but nothing major. Temperatures remain cold at night, with warming reaching its peak around noon. Still some snow on the Upper Owens with most areas accessible. The cold nights and daytime temperatures have gotten the snowbow party started with some really nice rainbows and browns making their move into the river. The snowmobile rigs have been doing some work, as have the guides maneuvering them. Hot Creek experiencing a good micro-midge hatch after the frost melts off. Still great dry and dropper action being had here. East Walker holding steady at its winter release with the big fish continuing to bite here. Deeper pools are where it has been at. Middle Owens steady most days with some slow periods at times. Dropping every few day in flows and now starting to really clear up.

Middle Owens River (Bishop Area)
The hatches around noon are coming off daily now. Some good sized Blue Wing Olive mayflies are putting on a show and some fish are responding to them. We are seeing rising fish working the soft foam lines in the afternoons along the bends of the river. The river flows have dropped lower since last report and the water clarity is getting better. The new BWO generations have been emerging daily around the 12-2 window on most days.  Streamers like Loebergs, Spruce-a-bu’s, and Punk Perch have been fooling some nice fish recently. We can fish up to 3 anglers per boat and offer half day trips (4.5 – 5 hours) or full day trips (7 hours) to meet your needs.

Upper Owens River
 With very cold nights and lower flows, some larger rainbows and browns have moved up river. They are not concentrated in one area yet as they have really been on the move from day to day. Mornings have been extremely cold this past week, but the afternoon temperatures have been warming things up nicely. You will observe smaller fish taking small midges after the chill subsides in the mornings. Another solid storm should lay the foundation for the snowmobile rigs to navigate around on.  The section from the Benton Crossing Bridge down to the fishing monument is now closed.  Flows are now at 86 cfs. Crystal eggs, #14-16 San Juan worm red, #14-16 Level Crystal Leeches, #14-16 Parallel Assassin Dark and Light, and #16 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge getting the most bites!

Hot Creek
Flows now at 6 cfs as the cold has really slowed the runoff.     Midges, mayflies, and a few caddis have been showing up daily. The newly planted fish have been taking advantage of the micro midge hatch all day. Larger size trout have been keying in more on nymphs, strymphs, and worm and egg patterns. It can get crowded here while the weather is mild so finding a good spot on the creek can pay off.  #18 mayflies, #18-22 midges, #20 Brassies, and egg and SD worm patterns have been getting some serious looks and takes from the resident trout.

East Walker River
The river received a good amount of snow as well. This normally puts the fish on a solid bite if your timing is right. The fish tend to concentrate in the deepest water this time of year as frigid temperatures and low water have them seeking out slightly warmer water.  Lots of juvenile perch have been washing through the pipe and stacking up below the dam area. A good mixed bag of fish sizes are biting on properly presented flies. Target the deepest pools and runs and you can be rewarded with some real beauties.  #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. #18 flashback hare’s ears, #18wd 40’s, and SJ worms also working well.

Pyramid Lake
 Lots of fish moving in tighter to the beach. Good opportunity now for fly fisherman.Water temperatures have now reached the 52 degree mark and the big cutthroat trout have moved in shallow. We have been seeing fish to 14.5 lbs with some even pushing the 20lb mark. Popcorn Beatles, Midnight Cowboys,#12 Copper and Black Tiger Midges, Parallel Assassins, and Spruce-a-bu’s working well.   Call for more info.