The BWO hatch is the highlight of the day on the Lower Owens

Tom Loe

Report Date:

https://tomloe.com/

Get it while you can folks. Crowley is full pool and you can expect the discharges to go up significantly in early March. Flows are perfect at 125cfs. below PV Rez currently. I will post changes on my Facebook page when needed. The real-time online gages for the LADWP are not working in several areas. I do not know why or when they will be accurate again. Wading is very good in the wild trout section and the Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatch is the highlight of the day, if not the entire season currently. The baetis begin popping after noon and continue for a couple hours most days. The wild fish are focused on this emergence and one may find slower fishing before and after this hatch. Use mayfly nymphs as your imitations if you do not see the high winged adults floating in the suds.

Drift boat fishing has been on and off despite ideal conditions. My own theory is that many fish migrated upstream during the extended period of flood last season to escape the silt and debris in the lower sections and have not returned. We have had some good trips using streamers like my Spruce-a-Bu and Punk Perch and sinking tip lines. We are also targeting the afternoon mayfly hatch at times and getting into some fun surface action.

Photos
The main photo shows Conor Richards landing one of his many rainbows on the Lower Owens recently. Conor had bragging rights for all categories this day as his father Bill and Grandpa Chuck look on. Dad had this to say to Tom when he received the photos, "Hi Tom, Thanks for the photos. I'm sure I'll never hear the end of it from Conor, which is the best I could ask for. We all had a great time. All the best, Bill"

Photo #1 has Scott Okamoto showing off one of several nice bows he caught on a recent drift trip with us. Scott had this to say, "Hey guys, Tim Pagnotta and I had a great time drifting with Doug. It was Tim's first time fly fishing and he is now hooked. You can teach an old rock star new tricks, after all. Looking forward to fishing Crowley this summer. Thanks again for a great time, Scott"

Photo #2 is Robbin Okamoto hanging on to a leaping fish while Steve Soldo watches the fun.

Photo #3 shows Gary Deaton tight to a nice fish with an incredible scene in the background. His pal Terry Oliver is about ready to hit one while using the "dip & strip" method with streamers.



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