EAST WALKER- The flow just came up today and is currently 67 cfs.  With a little more water in the river we should see the fish start to spread out a bit more.  Continue to look for fish in the slower and deeper slots.  Fishing has been good most days with nymphing and dry fly opportunities.  Hatches of midges and BWO's are still the main attraction.  Recommended flies are Brassies 18-22, Zebra Midge 18-22, Disco Midge 18-20, Barr's BWO Emerger 18-20, Micro Mayfly 16-18, P.T. 18-20, BLM 18-20, Griffith's Gnat 16-22, Sprout Midge 18-22, Hatching Midge 18-22, Stuck In The Shuck Midge 18-22, Para Adams 18-20, Bivisible Dun 18-20, Biot Dun 18-20.

HOT CREEK-Light crowds and great fishing.  Most anglers are fishing the public access by the hatchery, hiking into the canyon will give you a bit more solitude.  There is still snow on the trails leading to the creek so watch your step.  You can nymph the deeper pockets and pools but most fish can be reached with a dry-dropper rig.  Midges, BWO's and caddis can be found hatching most days.  Recommended flies include Cardinal Midge 18-22, Disco Midge 18-20, W.D. 18-22, Brassies 18-22, P.T's 18-20, Barr's Emerger 18-20, Micro Mayfly 18-20, Chamois Nymph 18-20, Fox's Poopah 16-18, Para Adams 16-20, Bivisible Dun 16-20.

UPPER OWENS-Recent warm weather has melted the snow so access is no problem for now.  Nymphing will get you into fish, but don't neglect the dries.  Look for risers in some of the eddies and slower pools.  Expect to find midges, BWO's and some caddis hatching.   We are seeing mostly hatchery fish with some smaller browns mixed in and the occasional spawner showing.  Recommended flies are W.D.'s 18-22, Wired Zebra Midge 18-20, Midgeling 16-18, Brassies 18-22, P.T.'s 16-20, Copper John 18-22, BLM 18-20, Prince 16-18, Hot Wired Prince 16-18, Bird's Nest 16-18, Hatching Midge 18-22, Sprout Midge 18-22, Para Adams 16-18, Bivisible Dun 16-18, Elk Hair Caddis 16-20.

LOWER OWENS-Fishing great most days!  Flows are right around 100 cfs which is just perfect.  Start the day off fishing nymphs on the bottom, then switch to dries as the day warms and you begin to see consistent surface activity.  Midges, BWO's and Caddis (sound familiar?) can be found throughout the day.  The Wild Trout section has been particularly good and we've seen some big rainbows lately.  Recommended flies are W.D.'s 18-20, Zebra Midge 18-20, Brassies 18-22, Midgeling 16-18, BLM 16-20, P.T's 16-20, Micro Mayfly 16-20, Poxyback Stone 16-18, Copper John 16-20, Bird's Nest 16-18, Chamois Nymph 16-20, Prince Nymph 16-18, Para Adams 16-20, Bivisible Dun 16-20, Elk Hair Caddis 16-20.

Cold and stormy weather has returned to the high country.  February could see our snow pack double in depth, a good thing, as California has been in a drought for the past few years.  The cold weather has slowed the fishing just a little.  The biggest problem has been keeping ice out of the guides.  Long range forecasts are showing a chance for a wet spring so keep your fingers crossed for more precipitation.

EAST WALKER - The flows have remained steady at 20 cfs for the bulk of the season.  Water temps are still low so look for fish to hold in the slower, deeper water.  Nymphing continues to be the most productive method with opportunities for dry flies during mid-day and afternoon. Midges continue to be the main attraction with hatches of BWO's on warmer days.  Look for Skwala stoneflies to begin hatching as we get closer to spring.  Recommended flies include Silver streak 18-20, W.D.'s 16-22, Disco Midge 18-20, Brassies 16-20, Biot midge 18-20, P.T.'s 18-22, Micro mayfly 18-20, Poxyback stone 10-14, San Juan worm 10-12, Sprout midge 18-22, Griffith's gnat 16-20, Para BWO 16-20, Para Adams 16-20, Bivisible dun 18-20.

HOT CREEK - Flows are hovering around around 6-7 cfs with consistent fishing most days. Nymphing has been productive during hatch and non-hatch periods.  During the warmest part of the day expect to see a light BWO hatch with fish rising in slower pools.  Recommended flies are the same as the Walker.

UPPER OWENS RIVER - Access has gotten a little tougher with recent snow but the river continues to fish o.k. for persistent anglers.  Some nice fish have been caught recently as long as the weather cooperates.  Once again, nymphing is the way to go with midges and small mayflies getting grabs as well as eggs and san juan worms.  Try to pick a day with nicer weather and little wind and you may be pleasantly surprised. Recommended flies include Pettis' unreal egg 12-14, Stevie's Panama red 16-18, Zebra midge 16-20, Brassie 18-22, Mercer's midgeling 16-18, Poxyback baetis 18-20, S.J. worm 10-12, P.T.'s 16-20, W.D.'s 16-22.

OWENS RIVER GORGE - Great fishing can be had by the adventurous angler with fish holding in every pocket.  Make sure to wade carefully, it's a long hike out on a twisted ankle.  This is perfect water for a dry-dropper setup, just keep moving and sticking fish.  Recommended flies include Prince nymph 16-20, P.T.'s 16-20, Micro mayfly 16-18, Bird's nest 16-20, Brassie 18-20, Zebra midge 16-20, Biot midge 18-20, Disco midge 18-20, W.D's 16-20, Para Adams 16-20, Bivisible dun 16-20, Para biot bwo 16-20, Elk hair caddis 16-18

LOWER OWENS RIVER - Flows dropped again and were at 109 cfs today in the wild trout section.  The lower elevation of Bishop makes this a great option during cold spells.  A decent hatch of BWO's is coming off mid-day and early afternoon providing some great dry fly action. There is also a heavy hatch of midges with the occasional caddisfly to keep things interesting. Recommended flies are same as above.

  We haven't updated our report in quite a while so we apologize for that but we have been chasing steelhead in Nor-Cal . We plan to do a lot of work to our website this summer and would like to hear some ideas of what you would like to see on it, so please send us your thoughts.

 When I returned to Bridgeport it did not feel like February , it was almost 60 degrees so I went down to the river around 10:30, I went to a favorite spot on the Mile and when I peeked through the willows I could see lips . They were eating pretty good and I was excited, what a homecoming. But all I had on me was 4x and that wasn't cutting it. The next day I came back prepared and had a great time working the run from the tail to the head catching about 9 fish on dries all 14 inches to 20. And now its snowing , I guess my point is we are in the transition time of winter to spring and that is a great time of year for fishing the E. Walker. Each day is as different as the weather , I have seen fish rising on cloudy days as well as sunny ones. As long as the air temps are not to cold the fishing has been good.

EAST WALKER  : Nymphs are the most productive method right now and small is the key to a successful day. Zebra midge 18-22 WD-40 18-22 Mercer's Root beer midgeling 18-22 Disco midge 18-20 Rainbow warriors 18 -22 Barr's blue wing olive emerger 18-20 Mercer's micro may 18-22 Silver streak 18-20 San Juan worms 14 - 12 Stone Flies 10-12.

Dries can be used on most days right now if you look in the right spots . Griffith's gnats 18-20

Neversink gnat 18-20 BWO"S 18-22 Blue duns 18-22 Brook sprout 18-22.

  Remember these are flies that we know work but don't forget to look through your box and change up flies and throw them something they might not have seen before.

HOT CREEK : Drew and I fished it three days ago and it was pretty fun. We had hoped for more dry action but it just didn't happen, so we mostly tossed a dry dropper - dropper set up and had a great time. we turned some rocks and it looked like the Beatis were almost ready so any day could be that epic one.

Nymphs - Brassies 18-22 WD-40 18-22 Zebra Midge 18-22 Mercer's  Poxyback Baetis 18-20

BLM 18-20 PTs 18-20 Biot Baetis 18-20

Dries- Para Adams 16-20 Parachute Baetis 16-20 Camparadun 18-20 Brook sprout 18-22 Griffith's Gnat 16-20.

LOWER OWENS : Was flowing at 135  when we fished it  two days ago.  This outstanding winter fishery is  getting near prime time.  We start out fishing nymphs with baetis and midge patterns and then switch to dries if we see any risers.  Most days you can expect to see fish feeding on dries and emergers by early afternoon.  As with Hot Creek,  be prepared to imitate midges and baetis with smaller flies 18-22.  See fly recommendations above.

UPPER OWENS : The upper river is fishing well, weather permitting.  We've had a few storms roll through this last week helping out our dismal snow pack.  We've been seeing some nice fish lately but please leave actively spawning trout alone.  Most of the fishing has been nymphing but streamers can entice the odd fish as well.

Nymphs- San Juan Worms 10-12 Brassies 18-20 W.D. 18-20 Disco Midge 16-20 Mercer's Micro May 16-18 Prince Nymph 16-18 Egg patterns 14-18

East Walker River

The good news is that the water temps have come down to perfect levels.  The water coming out of the dam is in the low 60's so the fish are a bit happier.  The bad news is, well, there isn't any.  The river is fishing well with lots of fish being caught, although many of them are small.  You just have to weed through the little guys to get to the nicer fish.  You can try streamers if you're looking for the big guys but the 8 inchers will still eat 'em too.  All tactics will take trout right now but most of the nicer fish are being caught underwater.  We're still waiting for the water to clear up a little, it's not keeping the fish from finding the flies, but it will be nice to fish without feeling like you're standing in a bowl of pea soup.  Recommended flies: Autumn Splender #6-8,  Zuddlers #6-8, Sculpins #2-6, Hornburgs #6-10, W.D. #20-22,  Serendipidy #18-20, Sparkle Caddis #16-18, Fox's Poopah #16-20, Micro Mayfly #18-20, Psycho Prince #16-18, Elk Hair Caddis #14-20, Trico Spinner #20-24, Parachute Adams #18-20

West Walker River

The west is still pretty wide open once you find the fish.  Try down by the town of Walker or up in Pickle Meadow.  As always, make sure to keep moving until you find fish.  There have been some nice fish down lower with stocks of Alpers and DFG brooders in the last few weeks.  Try the old hopper/dropper combo or streamers.  The October Caddis should get going in the next couple of weeks which can lead to some great evening dry fly action.  Recommended flies: Zuddlers #6-10, Autumn Splender #6-8,  Wooly Bugger #8-12, Parachute Madam X #8-10, Stimulator #8-12, Parachute Hopper #8-12, Copper John #12-18, Psycho Prince #14-18, Prince #14-18, Micro Mayfly #16-18, GRHE #12-18

Hunewill Pond

This pay to play stillwater is unmatched in the area.  For the last month or so this water has been unbelievable with average catches of 10-30 fish between 13 and 25 inches.  Contact Ken's Sporting Goods for booking information.

San Joaquin River

Flows are low but the fishing is good as long as you stay down below the postpile.  Hopper/dropper is still the way to go.  Recommended flies: Parachute Hopper #8-12, PMX #8-10, Stimulator #8-14, Parachute Adams #14-20, Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, GRHE #14-18, Copper John #14-18, Prince #14-18.

Hot Creek

The weeds have started to thin out a little, just a little.  Fishing is excellent for the experienced angler targeting specific fish or casting to likely looking spots.  Don't try for the 20 foot drift, it just 'aint gonna happen.  Instead go for short, accurate, drag free drifts over feeding fish.  As long as the wind doesn't come up too bad there is good fishing for most of the day.  Make sure to change patterns if fish won't eat your flies.  Recommended flies: E/C Caddis #18-22, Parachute Caddis #18-22,  Parachute Adams #20-22, Bivisible Dun #20-22, Trico Spinner #20-24, Beetle #14-18, Biot Midge Emerger #20-24, Barr's Emerger #18-22, Cardinal Midge #18-22, Brassie #18-22.

Owens River

This is still one of the best bets on the East side for the novice angler or guy who doesn't mind stockers.  The fishing has been so good we're not even gonna bother with recommended flies.  Your mission ,should you choose to accept it, is to find a fly they WON'T eat.

East Walker

The river has been coming back up and is currently flowing at 101 cfs. Make sure to check our link with the USGS to get the latest flows. Water temps are still ok with 68-69 degrees at the dam but please land all fish as quickly as possible and fully revive all trout. The fishing has been pretty steady with mornings seeing a good trico spinner fall and midge hatches. There is a lull during the heat of mid-day and then fishing picks back up in the evening with caddis, midges, and small bwo's. This time of year terrestrials can also play a major role in trout diets so don't be afraid to try hoppers and beetles with droppers underneath. Recomended flies include : Drowned Trico Spinner 20-22, Miracle Nymph 16-22, Mercer's Poxyback Trico 20-22, Micro Mayflies 18-22, W.D. 18-22, Copper John 18-22, Silver Streak 18-20, Disco Midge 18-22, Fox's Poopah 16-20, Brassies 18-22, CDC Midge Emerger 16-18, Chubby Chernobyl 8-12, Parachute Hopper 8-14, Foam Beetle 12-16, Parachute Ant 14-20, Parachute Adams 18-22, Outrigger Caddis 14-16, X Caddis 14-18, Parachute Caddis 14-20, Upright Organza Spinner 20-22, Triple Wing Trico 20-22.

West Walker

The river has dropped to late summer flows. This is still a good bet if you can find the fish. We have seen alot of pressure on this river lately and the fish have been getting hauled out. Make sure to keep moving until you start hooking fish. The best fishing has been down in the canyon toward the town of Walker. Recomended flies include : Chubby Chernobyl 8-12, PMX 8-10, Parachute Hopper 8-12, Rubber Leg Stimulator 8-14, Hot Wired Prince 14-18, Psycho Prince 14-18, Copper John 14-18, Micro Mayfly 16-18, Zug Bug 14-16.

Hot Creek

The creek has gotten weedy which is typical for this time of year. Make sure to fish in the slots between and the pockets behind the weed beds. The upper flats have been good but very technical, look for the faster water downstream for easier fishing. The whole creek is still kicking out some nice fish. Recommended flies include : Cardinal Midge 18-22, Brassie 18-22, Disco Midge 18-20, W.D. 18-22, Micro Mayfly 18-20, Surface Emerger 18-22, Fox's Poopah 18-20, Buckskin 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 18-20, Brooks CDC Baetis Emerger 18-20, Brooks Baetis Nymph 18-20, Brooks Trico Nymph 20-22, Parachute Caddis 18-22, Hot Creek Caddis 18-22, Headlight Caddis 18-22, Upright Organza Spinner 18-22, Parachute Adams 18-22, Sprout Midge 20-22, Sprout Trico 20-22, Sprout Baetis 18-22, Parachute Hopper 8-14, Foam Beetle 12-16.

Upper Owens

This is still the best bet for numbers of hatchery fish with a few wild browns to keep things interesting. There are lots of people on the water, but there is plenty of room for everybody. Recommended flies include : Hot Wired Prince 14-16, Copper John 14-18, Rainbow Warrior 18-20, San Juan Worm 10-12, Drowned Trico Spinner 20-22, Fox's Poopah 14-18, Micro Mayfly 14-18, Zebra Midge 16-20, Parachute Hopper 8-14, Weir's Whopper 10-12, Stimulator 12-16, Upright Organza Spinner 20-22, Trico Spinner 18-22, Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, Hornberg 8-14, Matuka 10-14, Wooly Bugger 8-12.

San Joaquin

The river has dropped to late summer flows. We recommend fishing down lower and dropping the size of your flies at this time of year. This is a great option for wild fish in a pristine setting. Recommended flies include : Stimulator 14-18, Trude 14-18, Parahute Hopper 8-14, E/C Caddis 14-18, Chubby Chernobyl 10-14, Parachute Adams 14-18, Copper John 16-20, Micro Mayfly 16-20, GRHE 16-18, Zug Bug 14-18, Bird's Nest 14-20.

East Walker River Updated 7/19/08
The water coming out of the dam is 68 degrees. As the temps increase be sure to play fish as quickly as possible and fully revive any fish landed. Having said that, the river is still fishing well. Nymphs, dries, and streamers will all take fish. The miracle mile has been seeing a lot of pressure which is no suprise. Make sure your drifts are good and change flies to find the bug of the day. Recomended flies: Brassie 18-22, Midgeling 18, Disco Midge 18-20, W.D.'s 18-22, Buckskin 16-20, Fox's Poopah 16-20, Nori's Caddis 16-18, Bird's Nest 16-20, Hot Wired Prince 16-18, Elk Hair 14-20, E/C Caddis 16-20, Skittering Caddis 14-16, Spent Partridge Caddis 16-18, Chernobyl Ant 10-12, Parachute Hopper 8-12, Parachute Ant 16-18, Cone Head Zuddler 8-10, J.J. Specials 8, Hornberg 8-12.

West Walker River
The flows have dropped to perfect levels. From now until the end of the season this is a great option for beginners or those who don't mind catching 20-40 stockers. Try to fish any of the slower or deeper pockets and pools. Our standard rig for the river is a hopper/dropper combo. Any high floating attractor dry will do with a beadhead underneath. Recomended flies: Parachute Hopper 8-10, Chernobyl Ant 10-12, Rubberleg Stimulator 8-12, Hares Ear Trude 10-12, Copper John 14-16, Prince Nymph 14-16, Micro Mayfly 14-16, Zug Bug 14-16.

Hot Creek
The flows have come down to summertime levels. Weed beds have covered a lot of the creek but there is still great fishing to be had in the open slots. We are seeing a lot more fish in the 14-18 inch range which is how it should be. Both dries and nymphs are fooling these fish. The PMD's and Little Yellow Stones are starting to taper off but there are plenty of midges and caddis to take their place. We are just starting to see a few Tricos in the morning and a BWO is coming off mid day. Recomended flies: Cardinal Midge 18-22, Brassie 18-22 W.D.'s 18-22, Disco Midge 18-20, Micro Mayfly 18-20, Barr's Emerger PMD 16-18, Barr's Emerger BWO 18-20, Surface Emerger 18-20, Copper John 20-22, Z-Wing Caddis 16-20, Fox's Poopah 18-20, Buckskin 16-18, Pearl Caddis 18-20, Brooks Trico Nymph 20, Brooks Baetis Nymph 16-20, Parachute Caddis 16-20, X Caddis 16-20, CDC Caddis 18-20, Parachute Adams 18-22, Foam Beatle 14-18, Chernobyl Ant 14-16, Parachute Hopper 10-12.

Upper Owens River
This is about as good as it gets. Lots of fish, lots of bugs, and lots of people. This is another great place for the novice. There are plenty of stockers spread throughout the river with enough wild browns to keep things interesting. This is one of those rivers where you never know what you might connect with. There are definately some big fish lurking in some of those holes. You can use whatever technique you like right now. Recomended flies: Copper John 14-18, Bird's Nest 14-18, Prince Nymph 14-18, Pheasant Tail 16-20, Fox's Poopah 16-18, Micro Mayfly 16-20, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, Yellow Stimulator 14-18, E/C Caddis 14-18, Parachute Hopper 10-12,
Wooly Bugger 10-12, Cone Head Zuddler 8-12, Hornberg 10-14, Matuka 10-14

San Joaquin River
Another great river that is in prime shape. There is no more spectacular place to fish for wild trout. What these fish lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Access the river through the campgrounds and hike a little to get away from the crowds and hatchery fish. There is no reason to fish anything other than a dry/dropper combo. Recomended flies: Copper John 14-18, Bird's Nest 14-18, Pheasant Tail 14-18, Prince Nymph 14-18, Gold Ribbed Hares Ear 12-18, Stimulator 12-16, Trude 12-16, Parachute Madam X 12-14, Humpy 12-14, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, Parachute Hopper 10-12, Parachute Ant 12-16.