03/11/2026
Upper Owens River
Conditions: Snow is mostly gone, but roads remain muddy.
Fishing: Good fishing for large trophy Rainbow trout.
Technique: Use nymphs (Stone, Green Gold Wire Prince) in deep holes and runs. Egg patterns and mop flies are also effective.
Hot Creek
Access: Fully drivable to both the geological and interpretive sites.
Hatch: Midges and mayflies are hatching from mid to late morning.
Suggested Flies: Size 20 dry flies like Blue-winged Olive Parachutes, Sparkle Duns, Adams Parachutes, CDC Midges, and Griffith's Gnats.
Lower Owens River
Crowds: Expect high traffic on weekends due to Southern California fly fishing club season.
Hatch: Caddis and Blue-winged Olives are active.
Surface Flies: Size 18 Blue-winged Olive or Adams Parachutes, and size 16 or 18 Elk Hair Caddis.
Sub-surface Flies: Size 18 Olive Quills or Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tails.
Bishop Creek Canal
Conditions: Water levels are at their lowest for the year; a stealthy approach is required to avoid spooking fish.
Suggested Flies: Size 18 Adams Parachutes (surface) or size 18 Olive Quills and Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tails (sub-surface).