Nymphing before the storm with size 18 olive quilldigons, size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, size 16 green/gold brassies, size 12 stoner nymphs and size 18 thread midges in zebra and tiger colorations. It will take a few days for the runoff from the storm to move through the canal. This run off has the canal slightly higher than its been and off color. Once the canal clears up the fishing will pick back up for fly fishers nymphing with a Euro rig or under an indicator.
Fishing Report
Eastern Sierra Fishing photos compiled by our local guide staff and the rest of the information sourced from their crew and our wonderful guests. Thank You!!!
Photo @CarterMurphyPhoto
Lower Owens River
Trout continue to feed on mayfly, stonefly and midge nymphs. Working the tell end of the riffle as it dumps into the run is where you will find the trout feeding on nymph patterns. Fish with size 18 olive quilldigons, size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymph, size 18 Frenchie’s, size 16 bead head flash back gold ribbed hare’s ears, size 16 Duracell’s, size 12 stoner nymphs, size 18 green/gold wire brassies and size 18 tiger and zebra midges. If you’re in the right spot middle of the day you will see trout rising. Switch to a size 18 blue wing olive parachute, size 18 Adams parachute, size 18 olive sparkle dun, size 20 Griffth’s gnats and size 20 CDC midges. Key to success is getting into the river and wading upstream working your nymphs and dries up and across and thoroughly covering the water before moving up stream about 10 feet to thoroughly cover the water as you fish upstream.
To stay up with the changing flows check out Eastern Sierra water flows.
>> Complete Lower Owens Fishing Report by Sierra Trout Fly Shop
Upper Owens River
Above Benton Crossing Bridge
Right up to the day before the storm hit the Eastern Sierra trophy rainbow trout were taking flies presented on a Euro rig or under an indicator. The trout were taking size 12 stoner nymphs, size 12 green/gold Prince nymphs, size 12 gold ribbed hare’s ears and size 16 hot spot pheasant tail nymphs. Egg patterns, worms and mop flies have been the patterns the trophy trout have been keying in on. A peach size 14 tungsten taco was the egg pattern that was producing all of the trophy trout. With the amounts of snow left on the ground by the Christmas snow storm fly fishers will need cross country skis, snow shoes or snowmobiles to access the upper Owens River deep holes, deep runs and cut banks upstream of Benton Crossing Bridge.
The Owens River below Benton Crossing Bridge is closed until APRIL.
>> Complete Fishing Report by Sierra Bright Dot
Hot Creek
Interpretive Area: Snow in feet is filling the banks of Hot Creek. Come Saturday it will be time to count the total snow fall in feet from the Christmas storm. Access to Hot Creek will be limited to fly fishers willing to snow shoe or cross country ski into the Interpretive site from the paved Hot Creek Hatchery Road. For those willing to access the Interpretive Site nymphing and dry flies are producing wild rainbow and brown trout from six to 14 inches. For dry flies use size 20 Adams parachutes, size 20 blue wing olive parachutes, size 20 olive sparkle duns, size 20 CDC midges and size 20 Griffth’s gnats. For nymphs use size 18 olive quilldigons, size 18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, size 18 Frenchie’s, size 20 green/gold brassies and size 20 tiger and zebra thread midges
The Canyon:
The Canyon Section of Hot Creek will need some warmer weather to open up access to the creek. For those willing to make the trek to get into Hot Creek Canyon you will be rewarded with few to no fly fishers. The weeds are slowly dying off making it easier to fish nymphs in the canyon section. If you see consistent rising fish throw a size 20 blue wing olive parachute, size 20 Adams parachute, size 20 olive sparkle dun, size 20 CDC midge, size 20 Adams bastard midge and size 20 Griffiths gnat. For the nymphs use size 20 pheasant tail emerger, size 18 olive quilldigon, size 20 green/gold brassies and size 20 thread midges in zebra and tiger coloration.
Invasive Golden Mussel !
The discovery of these new golden mussels present threats to more local waters than the Quaggas and Zebras because they need less calcium in the water and can survive higher and lower temps. Bottom line, we need your help to spread the word to keep the invasive species from spreading into our lakes and streams. Best practice for boats, trailers and gear is Drain, Clean & Dry.
www.wildlife.ca.gov/mussels
866-440-9530
Bishop Creek Canal
Starting on Sunday November 16th, 2025 the canal goes to catch and release fishing with barbless lures and flies.
> Complete Bishop Creek Canal Fishing Report by Sierra Bright Dot
Crowley Lake
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.
Please keep the fish in the net and let them have a chance to revive before releasing them. These warmer water temperatures can really put a lot of stress on the fish.
https://www.crowleylakefishcamp.com/fishing-reports
All boats entering Crowley Lake will need to be inspected.
Fishing Reports by top ranked Fishing Guides – Owens River, Hot Creek, Bishop Creek and Eastern Sierra Lakes
- Local Fishing Report by Sierra Trout Magnet
- Weekly Fly Fishing Report by Sierra Bright Dot
- Bishop Creek Fishing Report by Parchers Resort
Fishing Maps
Bishop Creek
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.
Courtesy of Parchers Resort and South Lake Landing
Storm’s past, snow’s melting, and the color keeps coming. It’s so pretty out here.
BOOK ONLINE
Sabrina Boats – www.VisitLakeSabrina.com
South Lake Boats & Parchers Cabins– www.ParchersResort.net
Latest about fishing Bishop
The warm fall has come to an end. Christmas in the Sierra this year is a white one. Getting snow and lots more on the way. Looks like it will be cross country skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles to access the waters of Long Valley. Owens Valley is getting lots of rain. Dirt roads in the Owens Valley will be muddy for a week or two until they dry out. Midges and mayflies are the insects the trout are feeding on particularly the larval form of these insects. For those wishing for a white Christmas your gift has been delivered.
Year-Round Fishing
