Flows are on the rise and I have been told they will go to 550 cfs soon. Despite the rising water we have had some good days in the upper sections of the LO nearest the PV rez dam. We are getting into some larger fish on streamers while drifting, but the numbers continue to be poor and inconsistent in the planted sections.

We are seeing strong caddis activity on the warmer upward trending barometric pressure days #16-18 for adults and nymphs, BWO's #18-20 after lunch-use a PT or birds nest pattern 18-20 for nymphing.

You can access real time release data from the link we have provided to the LADWP website at the top of the Fish'N conditions page. Look at the release flows just below PV Rez, and the outflows on the N. fork of Bishop Creek to get the entire picture.

I have received many emails this season about what constitutes good flows to wade and fish the LO . The fish do not pack up and leave the river, they just alter their holding areas whether the flows increase or decrease. Stability allows the fish to adapt to new conditions and minimizes the effects turbidity, debris , and water temp changes cause on feeding behavior and aquatic hatch cycles.

GUIDE TIP
I happen to be a somewhat vertically challenged individual. For the record- 250cfs discharged at the PV dam outlet is about the maximum I can access and reach 90% of the water by wading in or around the LO upstream from the confluence of the Bishop Creek. At 300cfs I can only safely wade 60% of the water. Lebron James ( seven foot NBA all-star center) may not be quite so intimidated, but for the average wader it is not advisable to cross in moving water much over your thighs, and should never be done when water depth is higher than your waist and has a moderate velocity to it. Buddy wading, a stout wading staff, a secure belt, and studded boots will all help to get you into more difficult and less fished spots. At flows above 400cfs the LO gets nasty for wading and you can only walk & wade less than 30% of most sections. Crossing at these flows is not possible in many of the tailouts.

As I said before the fish are still there, but as the water levels increase it is more difficult to get nymph rigs or streamers down in the feeding lanes. As the water warms you will find good opportunities to fish caddis adults, and Ephemerella may flies (PMD\'s) especially in the eddies of large pools.

The dip and strip method using heavy sinking tip lines and streamers has been the best method to get into quality fish while drifting the river. Blood sucking Vanderleeches, Loebergs, and Spruce-a-bu\'s are good choices currently.

The strong caddis activity is also providing opportunities to hit them on the surface some days. #16 elk hair patterns, olive bodies.