Spring creeks emanate from a ground water source and are generally very consistent with regards to water temperature and flow rates. They are considered to be the best habitat for trout and many of our hatcheries are located on these types of waters.

The Upper Owens will open up this weekend from the Benton Bridge to the monument. The fishing should be very good here but crowded. The cooler weather will improve the water clarity and this area will be a good choice until the air temps get warm again. There are still a good number of spawning fish in the Owens that have migrated upstream from Crowley. San Juan Worms #12-16 with a tiger or zebra midge dropper's #16-18 are deadly here. Flashback bead head PT's #14-18 are also a good choice for nymphing. If you have clean water the larger trout will smack streamer patterns used in conjunction with a moderate sink tip line. Fish the undercuts or deep side of the channel and especially concentrate on the tailouts or back sections of the larger runs and pools. It is here that you will find the slammers during the spawning migrations.

Ray Sebastian had a great day on the Upper Owens with Drifters guide Doug R. This rainbow is showing off his custom paint job for the camera. Ray got into fish on dries and nymphs for his trip as the fish'n conditions were excellent that day.