Owens Fishing Forecast
Eastern Sierra tailwater
Open First Sat in Mar — Nov 15
Eastern Sierra. Opens earlier than general season. Wild trout sections year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 8:49 PM
62°F
--
3 AM - 5 AM
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
44°F - 52°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days
March Brown
Mayfly
Western March Brown, afternoon hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| February | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| March(Now) | 44-52°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| April | 48-56°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| May | 52-60°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| June | 54-62°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| July | 58-66°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| August | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| September | 56-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 50-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 44-52°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for Owens
Hot Creek
Famous spring creek section with trophy trout.
Upper Owens
Above Crowley Lake with meadow fishing.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir
Access to gorge section.
Lower Owens
Below Pleasant Valley with wild fish.
How to Fish Owens: Tips & Tactics
The Owens River system offers diverse fishing from technical spring creeks to meadow streams. Hot Creek is legendary for selective, trophy rainbows in gin-clear water.
Best Times of Day
Morning Trico hatches at Hot Creek are famous. Midday PMD and BWO activity. Evening fishing can be excellent during caddis emergences.
Recommended Techniques
Hot Creek demands technical presentations with light tippet. The upper Owens fishes like a meadow stream. Sight fishing is productive when conditions allow.
Water Conditions
Hot Creek has stable spring temperatures. The upper Owens varies with irrigation. Pleasant Valley section has tailwater characteristics.
Fly Selection
Trico patterns in tiny sizes are essential for Hot Creek. PMD and BWO patterns work throughout. San Juan Worms for the lower sections.
Local Knowledge
Mammoth Lakes is the primary destination. Hot Creek receives heavy pressure but produces trophy fish. The Owens River Wild Trout section offers solitude.
Local Tips
Mammoth Lakes offers full resort services. Combine fishing with skiing, hiking, or mountain biking. Hot Creek is a must-fish destination.
When is the Best Time to Fish Owens?
Spring
Excellent fishing on the upper Owens. Hot Creek produces consistently.
Summer
Prime season for Trico hatches at Hot Creek. Fish early to avoid crowds.
Fall
Great fishing with fewer anglers. Browns become aggressive.
Winter
Hot Creek fishes well year-round. Midge and BWO patterns.
Recommended Equipment for Owens
Rod
8 to 9-foot, 3 to 5-weight depending on section.
Line
Floating line for all sections.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders, 6X-7X tippet for Hot Creek.
Waders
Breathable waders. Wet wading possible at Hot Creek in summer.
Essential Flies
Owens Fishing Regulations
Season
Hot Creek has specific season. Check California DFW.
Limits
Catch-and-release at Hot Creek. Varies by section.
Special Regulations
Hot Creek is catch-and-release, artificial only. Barbless hooks.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial only at Hot Creek and wild trout sections.
Notes
Crowley Lake opens October 1st for special fishing.
Always verify current regulations with California fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Owens
Local Fly Shops
- Kittredge Sports - Mammoth Lakes
- Sierra Trout Magnet - Mammoth Lakes
- The Trout Fitter - Mammoth Lakes
Guide Services
- Sierra Drifters
- Kittredge Sports Guides
- Mammoth Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
100 - 300 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
52° - 64°F
Ideal for active trout
Other California Trout Rivers
Sacramento (Upper)
Pit
Truckee
Walker
Fall River
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