Fly fish'n the alpine lakes has been very good this summer. Devon Preston, pictured dispalys an amazing Golden hybrid.

Fly fish'n conditions are mixed this summer. Some areas are suffering from the lack of water, while others that are typically blown out this time of year have very good conditions and are fishing well. Historically we experience high flows on many of the freestone creeks like the West Walker, San Joaquin, & Rock Creek. Not the case this year as the lack of snow melt has these areas with flows more like early September in a normal year. Crowley and Bridgeport Reservoirs are also very low and not fishing well at this time due to low water, weeds, and algae blooms. The tail water fisheries of the East Walker and Middle Owens Rivers have low flows and elevated water temps as well. The alpine regions are enjoying some great conditions with most back country destinations very accessible. With the hottest part of summer on its way, look to fish the low light periods in the mornings and late afternoons. Make sure you have a good selection of caddis fly imitations. Most moving water fisheries are seeing excellent caddis activity currently and are pretty much the main course on a trouts diet this time of year.