Heading to Mammoth Lakes next week

[left field]

I know there are a few rivers or sections open, but is there any point in bringing a rod?

I'll be with a 10-year-old and would love to help him get his first trout.

Thanks.

[Larry S]

@left,
Fish are moving from Crowley up into the Upper Owens; check the reports on "sierradrifters" - Tom Loe's site and
the "troutfitter." Easiest access would be at the bridge where the Benton Crossing Road meets the river. Find this road
south of Mammoth Lakes about 8 miles. Look for the old "green church." Regulations do not permit fishing below the bridge.
With the recent rains/snows, the ground could be quite soft/mushy. Good luck and have fun.
Best,
Larry S

[left field]

Thanks, Larry.

So it look like the only open water is Hot Creek and certain sections of the U Owens. Is the L Owens is closed? The Gorge? Never fished the latter.

It's been awhile since I've been there, but can we get by without waders?

[Larry S]

@left,
Check Loe's "sierradrifters" site or the troutfitter for Gorge and Lower Owens info. Should be open.
Regarding the Upper River, if you park and fish near the bridge, you should be able to do without
waders.
Best, Larry

[cdevine]

@left,
Check Loe's "sierradrifters" site or the troutfitter for Gorge and Lower Owens info. Should be open.
Regarding the Upper River, if you park and fish near the bridge, you should be able to do without
waders.
Best, Larry

I just got back from that area last week. I fished a few of the waters mentioned. Here is the deal.
1. Upper Owens - Above Benton Crossing. Some fish are moving up from Crowley but its been really slow. I talked to several guides and both said the same thing. Prepare to walk a lot. Good access right now. A little snow on the ground. (crystal leeches, SJ worms, egg patters). I caught a few nice residents but none of the big ones.

2. I fished the gorge the next day. I consider myself in very good shape. I'm a pretty active trail runner. I wouldn't even think about going down there if you aren't in good physical shape. I have a garmin GPS and it was 800 feet down from the rim. Once you get down there you are traversing around boulders and this needle like brush. I can't recall the name but its nasty. It fishes like a spring creek. Flows are in the 40's and water temps aren't much better. 45-48 degrees. Awesome 2-3wt stream. All wild browns in the 10-12" range. I've heard of fish up to 15" inches but I didn't get any. All mine were little guys but rockets. Small Indo with size 18-20 PT's, Trico's, Hares ear.

IF you like isolation then Gorge is calling you. I didn't see a soul. But that sort of fishing isn't for everyone.

You can also read up on the middle owens which I didn't make it too. The high elevation stuff is frozen over now and done for the winter. The west walker on the way over actually had a little more h2o in it. I believe its open all winter now w/ special regs.

You would be crazy not to bring waders. Its about 14 degrees in the morning and there are spots where you have to cross the upper owens. Its not deep but who wants to walk in ice cold water. Flows are pretty low and be very stealthy. Fish like to hang under those banks.

Good Luck!

[Larry S]

@cdevine,
Great report! You might have run across a friend of mine last week - white Subaru Outback. He fished both
the Upper O and Crowley @ North Landing. He had moderate success at both places.
Best,
Larry S

[cdevine]

@cdevine,
Great report! You might have run across a friend of mine last week - white Subaru Outback. He fished both
the Upper O and Crowley @ North Landing. He had moderate success at both places.
Best,
Larry S

Larry-

The folks I talked with were super nice. Small world and the subaru sounds familiar. No funny looks or anything. We just scratched our heads and both looked a little worn out from walking. Ha ha… I think they got into some nicer fish than i did. What a beautiful area. I got an opportunity to hike to some of those small remote lakes earlier this year surrounding Mammoth. That was awesome. I've read good things about Hot, Rush, and Mcghee Creek but I haven't had a chance to fish any of those. Like the western sierra the drought has taken its toll.

Larry, best of luck out there. Weather should be nice until mid tuesday-Wed according to the reports.

[left field]

Thanks for the tips. Never fished the gorge - could I do so by rock hopping? Pain in the ass to fly waders and boots in for one day. Maybe I can rent at troutfitter.

[Fly Guy Dave]

The plants that cdevine is referring to are the stinging nettles, which are indeed nasty if you brush up against or grab them. Plenty of it down in the Gorge, but easy enough to avoid if you know what it looks like. The Gorge is a place where you will find very solid fishing for wild browns and if you have any company, it will usually be from rock climbers, not other anglers. Since the water down there is so small, I would wager you could get by without using waders.

[stickboy]

IMHO pleasant valley would be the best place for you and your son. It has a stream that turns into a river that ends up in a reservoir. Lots of options there. Flies lures and even bait is fair game. Good luck