Upper Owens River
Since you just arrived in Mammoth Lakes and the fish won’t start feeding until mid-morning, you’ll want a leisurely morning. Swing by The Breakfast Club for a hot and hearty breakfast, and grab a fresh baked muffin to go for a late morning snack. The Troutfitter is conveniently next door, so you pop in and pick up any winter fishing supplies that you might need.
Once you are fueled up and have all the supplies you need, you’ll head out to the Upper Owens River. The river is the main watershed in the Eastern Sierra and is fed by spring creeks and snowmelt. Many tributaries to the river are in the upper elevations of the High Sierra.
Here in Mammoth Lakes, the Owens River is known for its grassy shores, abundance of oxbows, and unparalleled mountain views. You’ll be casting a line with Mammoth Mountain as a backdrop, hooking a brown or rainbow trout while the rest of the region’s visitors are carving turns at the ski area.
It's a popular spot in the summer, but winter is typically uncrowded and anyone who you see will most likely be enjoying the solitude as much as you are.
The Upper Owens River from Benton Bridge road crossing, upstream to Big Springs is open year round to fishing. The Upper Owens River from Benton Bridge road crossing downstream to Crowley Lake is open the last Saturday in April through July 31. Starting August 1 through November 15 only artificial lures may be used. This area is closed November 16 through the last Friday in April.
Depending on the snow level you may be able to drive to a number of parking areas to access the water. If you see a car parked, keep going to the next turnout because you will likely find a zone all to yourself. When the snow is deep or if you don’t have an off-road vehicle, the first parking area next to the turnoff from the paved road will be a good place to start.
Enjoy the mid-morning and early afternoon hatch and when the bugs stop coming off the water, switch to streamers and try the deeper holes. The sun sets early in the winter and you’ll want to be off the water before dark, so it’s never too early to head back to town and tell some fish stories at your favorite watering hole.
Hot Creek
Since the hatch won’t come off until later in the day, you might as well explore Mammoth Lakes in the morning. Grab a breakfast sandwich at Old New York Deli and Bagel and ride the Village Gondola to Canyon Lodge. If you are a skier or snowboarder you’ll have a couple of hours in the morning to sneak in a few laps on fresh groomers, or just ride the gondola back down for a scenic loop viewing town from above.
Once the day starts to warm up head to Hot Creek to cast a line on one of the most scenic streams in the region. The spring creek is known for having more trout per square foot than any other water in California. Because of the abundance of bug life, the browns and rainbows grow to healthy sizes.
Hot Creek is open to catch and release fishing from the State Hatchery property line to the confluence of the Owens River with artificial flies and barbless hooks. You’ll see bald eagles, blue herring, and hawks soaring above the canyon and deer crossing the creek. The thermal water fills the canyon with steam in the winter offering an unreal and dramatic backdrop for winter fishing.
Depending on the snowpack in the valley, you may be able to drive to the main parking lot, however, the road is not snow plowed in the winter and a deep snowpack can close the road where the pavement turns to dirt near Hot Creek Ranch. The fishing is well worth the hike into the canyon, so don’t let a few miles of walking stop you. Do some research on road conditions before heading to the creek.
Since the canyon walls block much of the sun during winter, the middle hours of the day are best for fishing. If you arrive before the hatch or want to explore once the fishing slows down, Hot Creek Trail is one of the most scenic places to hike in the winter. Take a stroll and enjoy the canyon.
Lower Owens River
The Lower Owens is arguably the best winter fishery in the Eastern Sierra. The lower elevation water is warmer so the fish will be more active and there is more water flowing. Before you get on the Highway to drive to the Lower Owens, fuel up for your adventure at a local breakfast spot. Then drive south on Highway 395 towards Bishop to fish the Lower Owens River. The drive is a little further, but the good news is you’ll most likely be enjoying the warmth and sunshine of the lower elevations while the temperatures are colder in Mammoth Lakes.
The Owens River flows south from the outlet of Crowley Lake through the Owens River Gorge and to the Pleasant Valley Reservoir. The Lower Owens River below Crowley Lake is open year round. From Pleasant Valley Dam downstream to the footbridge at lower end of Pleasant Valley Campground is open the last Saturday in April through November 15. Catch limit is 2 trout. From November 16 through the last Friday in April only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.
From the footbridge at the lower end of Pleasant Valley Campground east (downstream) 3.3 miles along Chalk Bluffs Road to the redwood sport fishing regulations sign is open year-round. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.
You’ll find a longer window of fishing because of the warmer temperatures and sun exposure. When the hatch slows down and the fish stop feeding, head back into town and catch a Golden Trout on draught at Mammoth Brewing Company to celebrate a great day in the Sierra.
