I would have lost money if you bet me that the flows would still be under 300cfs in mid-April. This is a rare occurrence that only happens in light snow years with reservoirs that are full. The "catching" has been pretty darn good most days, with the only drawback down in the OV being some persistent and nasty winds that have made casting and fishing dry flies difficult some days. We are seeing the early emergence's of PMD's (pale morning dun) mayflies and the final stages of the spring caddis hatches. Midge activity remains strong on the high pressure days and a few little yellow stones are also in the stew at times. Wading is mediocore at flows below 300 for most of the wild trout section, and you will have difficulty crossing and getting into the more secluded runs along the tulle's and willows. Use plenty of weight to get your nymphs along the bottom. A couple BB shot or even twin AB's may be needed to get down in the faster runs and deeper pools at this flow rate. Use crystal olive zebras, broken back zebras or tiger midges in the morning. Switch to bird's nest or flashback pheasant tails before you see the snouts sipping or smashing the caddis or mayfly adults in the foam lines or eddies in the larger pools.

The streamer fishing from the drift boats has been consistent since the flows have stabilized and we are seeing very aggressive takes using heavy sinking tip lines and streamers in the slower runs and at the tail outs near the rear of the pools. The wind has put the Ki-bosh on the dry fly action for us recently but when it calms down surface activity has been good. The willows and roses are greening up and the trees are beginning to bud along the river. It is really pretty here while drifting this time of year and while the flows remain stable you should visit the LO this spring.

Photos

Main Photo Above: What could be better than spending your Dads birthday on the Lower Owens drifting. Aaron and Kelley Kissinger did just that and opened many presents during their float!

Photo # 1: The birthday boy bangs another one!