Copyright 2010 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Lower Owens River
California
The Lower Owens River consist of two different
tailwaters. The uppermost tailwater lies below Crowley
Lake Dam. This section is known for its high steep walls
that are a sight to see. It's a narrow canyon and the
Owens River flowing through the gorge is relatively
small. It has a huge population of brown trout that
probably average about 10 to 12 inches that are known
to take dry flies well. It consist of pocket water with lots of
riffles and runs with only a few small pools. You can only
get to the water by foot. Fly fishing the Owens River in
this area takes some foot power.
The lower tailwater (with trout) is below Pleasant Valley
Reservoir. It has a designated "Wild Trout" section that
has a huge number of trout and provides year-round
fishing opportunities. It's easy to wade and access.
There are many areas to park and fish along the stream
in the upper area. Due to the almost constant water
temperatures it fishes best during the Fall, Winter and
Spring seasons but Summertime fishing is also good.
The Wild Trout area extends from the dam downstream
to Five Bridges. Below the wild trout section, the river is
difficult to access in many areas. The banks are lined
with willow trees. This section is best fished from a drift
boat. The lower section is heavily stocked with rainbow
trout. The Lower Owens River gets larger the farther you
travel downstream.
The Lower Owens River is located at Bishop California.
Highway #395 runs along the river the entire distance.
Access roads extend off the highway to the river at
several points. The river winds its way along through a
valley with undercut banks and aquatic vegetation
providing cover for its wild brown trout. A trip in a drift
boat is usually short, or only about two or three miles
because the flows are usually slow. There are several
take out points. There are some special regulations at
different months regarding gear restrictions. Some areas
are barbless hooks only, so make sure you check on the
current regulations.
Remember, the flows can vary greatly. It's based on the
need for water in L. A. For safe wading the flows should
be below 350 cfs.
Seasons:
The season is year-round in some areas and shorter in
others.
Spring:
Springtime is a good time for fly fishing the Owens River.
Winter:
Wintertime is also a good time to fish the river.
Summer:
Summertime is hot, but the water stays cool and the
fishing is good.
Fall:
Fly fishing the Owens River is great because the brown
trout spawn in the Fall.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies
California
The Lower Owens River consist of two different
tailwaters. The uppermost tailwater lies below Crowley
Lake Dam. This section is known for its high steep walls
that are a sight to see. It's a narrow canyon and the
Owens River flowing through the gorge is relatively
small. It has a huge population of brown trout that
probably average about 10 to 12 inches that are known
to take dry flies well. It consist of pocket water with lots of
riffles and runs with only a few small pools. You can only
get to the water by foot. Fly fishing the Owens River in
this area takes some foot power.
The lower tailwater (with trout) is below Pleasant Valley
Reservoir. It has a designated "Wild Trout" section that
has a huge number of trout and provides year-round
fishing opportunities. It's easy to wade and access.
There are many areas to park and fish along the stream
in the upper area. Due to the almost constant water
temperatures it fishes best during the Fall, Winter and
Spring seasons but Summertime fishing is also good.
The Wild Trout area extends from the dam downstream
to Five Bridges. Below the wild trout section, the river is
difficult to access in many areas. The banks are lined
with willow trees. This section is best fished from a drift
boat. The lower section is heavily stocked with rainbow
trout. The Lower Owens River gets larger the farther you
travel downstream.
The Lower Owens River is located at Bishop California.
Highway #395 runs along the river the entire distance.
Access roads extend off the highway to the river at
several points. The river winds its way along through a
valley with undercut banks and aquatic vegetation
providing cover for its wild brown trout. A trip in a drift
boat is usually short, or only about two or three miles
because the flows are usually slow. There are several
take out points. There are some special regulations at
different months regarding gear restrictions. Some areas
are barbless hooks only, so make sure you check on the
current regulations.
Remember, the flows can vary greatly. It's based on the
need for water in L. A. For safe wading the flows should
be below 350 cfs.
Seasons:
The season is year-round in some areas and shorter in
others.
Spring:
Springtime is a good time for fly fishing the Owens River.
Winter:
Wintertime is also a good time to fish the river.
Summer:
Summertime is hot, but the water stays cool and the
fishing is good.
Fall:
Fly fishing the Owens River is great because the brown
trout spawn in the Fall.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies
| Type of Stream Two Tailwater Species Rainbow Trout {Stocked) Brown Trout (Wild with holdovers) Size Small to Medium Location Eastern Sierra California Nearest Towns Bishop Season General season is the Last Sat. of April through Nov. 15. Some areas are open year-round. Access: Good Non-Resident License State of California Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart Perfect Fly Hatch Chart (Coming soon) Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies |
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Photo Courtesy of Stephen Lamb
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Lower Owens River California
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |