Middle Owens River Fishing Report

Owens River - Middle - Bishop, CA (Inyo County)

The Chang sisters had a fun day on their trip. Celina shows off her trophy ‘bow that took her for quite the ride. This fish wrapped itself around everything it could to escape. Well deserved photo, Celina!
Photo Credit: Sierra Drifters

by Tom Loe
1-7-2017
Website

Flows have increased to 162cfs this past week. Water color has turned slightly, but the big rainbows are still biting. Smaller streamers like Loebergs and Punk Perch working well in clear water and larger flies like Spruce A Bu’s are better for off color water. These bigger fish can be pretty wild once they are hooked. There are more exposed structure areas for these fish to head for when they are trying to spit a hook, so using the rod to control the fish is important. Keeping these fish out of the reeds and submerged wood is crucial and a lower rod angle will pull them out of the main current and into the net. Look for some school sized rainbows podded up in the depressions around the transition zones. BWO hatches have been coming off daily, and #18 Mayfly patterns will get the job done. We have seen some bigger fish chasing these down all the way back to the boat, so being ready for a last minute take may tie you into something special.

This fishery remains open year around. Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.7 miles downstream.


The section upstream from the Benton Bridge is open year around with special regulations. Seasonal closures, and angling restrictions apply downstream from the bridge, check regulations before fishing in this section.


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