Your Guide to Relax in Bishop – Meandering down the Lower Owens River 

The sound of water trickling past. Snow-covered peaks in the distance. The warmth of the sun against your skin. A light breeze flows past you. You let out a sigh of contentment. This is what you needed. You cast your lure into the waters of the Lower Owens River, suddenly feeling a tug on your line. If you’re a fan of the outdoors or just need some time to disconnect, here’s our guide on how to meander down the Lower Owens River. 

A Bit of History 

One of Bishop’s biggest redeeming qualities is being surrounded by public lands. It allows visitors and locals a vast outdoor playground, including the Lower Owens River. One of the reasons for this, for better or worse, is the Los Angeles Aqueduct in Bishop’s history, which provides water to the city of Los Angeles. The lands that were obtained by the LADWP allows unrestricted access to its lands so that both visitors and locals can enjoy. What started as a serious threat to the local environment has, through the timely intervention and ongoing work of numerous individuals over many decades, transformed the Lower Owens Valley into a bastion of wildlife and plant life. 

Lay of the Water 

The Owens River can be divided into three sections: the Upper, Middle, and Lower. Each provides unique attractions as well as fishing opportunities. For this article, we’re focusing on the Lower Owens River segment. If you wish to learn more about the entire river and its fishing opportunities, please check out the Scoop on Fly Fishing the Owens River. 

When to Visit 

Located at 4,000 feet above sea level, the Lower Owens Valley is a unique part of Bishop’s backyard. You can typically expect sunny weather and comfortable temperatures from fall through spring, with each season offering something special. Summer days can get quite warm, with highs reaching the triple digits, but thanks to the region’s high desert climate, you can avoid the heat by heading outside early. 

A Year-Round Fishery 

Regardless of when you visit, one activity that is always on the docket is fishing. While the general fishing season in the alpine lakes, streams, and other bodies of water runs from the last Saturday in April through November 15th, the Lower Owens River is one of the few places where you can fish year-round. Winter fishing here isn’t just satisfactory. It’s incredible! On a good day, it’s easy to land 20 to 30 trout per hour. 

If you want to find the “honey holes” to catch a trophy fish on this stretch of the river, consider hiring the Bishop Fishing Guide Service. 

Wildlife Safari 

Another great winter activity in the Lower Owens River area is taking an auto tour. You can go see some of Bishop’s residents, such as the Tule Elk and Desert Bighorn. As the snow covers the upper elevations, many of Bishop’s animals migrate down to the valley floor in search of greener pastures. To learn more about the wildlife and where to spot them, check out the pages for Tule Elk and Desert Bighorn. 

Spring Bloom 

As anyone who has taken a road trip on Highway 395 can attest, it’s the land of extremes. Big snows in the mountains during the winter are the lifeblood of the Owens River, helping it swell in the spring and contributing to a wildflower bloom that can last in the region for up to six months! It all starts with the Lower Owens River region, which can begin as early as March. To learn more about when to visit and best places to take in the “show,” check out the Wildflower homepage.