Top 4 Spots for Winter Fishing

October 20, 2020

There are a two of reasons to fish in the winter. 1. You can! 2. Refer to reason one.

With ski-season opener comes fishing-season closer, but don’t be so quick to pack away your fly rods just yet. While all lakes and streams west of Highway 395 close for fishing on November 15, some rivers east of the highway have special winter regulations. Before you cast a line, be sure to double check seasonal fishing regulations with the California Department of Fish and Game.

Here are our four favorite spots to fish near Mammoth this winter:

Upper Owens River

The Owens River is the main watershed in the Eastern Sierra. Fed by spring creeks and snow-melt, the tributaries of the Owens River begin high in the mountains before flowing through Mono County and Long Valley. Known for its grassy meadows, alpine views, and oxbows the Upper Owens is one of the most popular trout fishing streams in California. The Upper Owens River is accessible in many locations. During winter months, the regulations change, however fishing is still open with special regulations. Access beyond the Benton Bridge depends on snow accumulation. 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.

Hot Creek

The nutrient rich spring creek is home to a healthy population of bugs, which are makes for an ideal feeding zone for trout. California Department of Fish and Game surveys have counted 8,000 to 10,000 trout per mile making Hot Creek the most trout dense stream in the state. Mammoth, Sherwin, and Laurel creeks are tributaries of Hot Creek, which eventually flow into the Upper Owens River. While Hot Creek Ranch is a private fishing resort, the section downstream in the canyon is a favorite among locals and visiting anglers. Winter regulations: Hot Creek from the State hatchery property line to the confluence with the Owens River is open all year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. Zero limit. Hot Creek Ranch closes for fishing November 15.

Lower Owens River

The Owens River continues flowing south from the Crowley Lake outlet through the Owens River Gorge and to the Pleasant Valley Reservoir. The Lower Owens River is a popular section among anglers and is in lower elevation, which means it’s often warmer and sunnier during winter months. Winter Regulations: 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. The lower Owens River 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. Please refer to the California Department of Fish and Game for all current regulations.

Author

Edina Ingram