Eastern Sierra Fishing Report

Whether it’s your first time fishing in the Eastern Sierra or you have been coming to one of the world’s greatest trout fishing destination for years, every trip is a new experience.

Water conditions are always changing, different flies become the day’s popular food supply seemingly over night and the fish seem to get smarter every season.

This fishing report will help you have your best day on the water every time you visit Mammoth Lakes. We work with local guides to tell you what’s working in each of the waters in the area.

Plus the Eastern Sierra fishing map can help you discover new fishing spots along Highway 395 in both Mono and Inyo Counties. Download a copy of the map below so you have it on hand when the fish aren’t biting in your favorite spot or you just need a change of pace. It’s the perfect secret weapon to have the perfect fishing season in Mammoth Lakes.

DOWNLOAD THE FISHING MAP

Trout Stocking Update

In partnership with Mono County Tourism and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mammoth Lakes Tourism stocks trout in local waters throughout the season. For more information about stocking schedules and the type and size of trout stocked in each body of water, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Exact stocking days can depend on weather and other factors.

Stocking is scheduled for the week of 9/15.

What’s Working

Our local fishing experts are out on the water testing what bait, lures and flies are working in the waters around Mammoth Lakes. Check back regularly for updates. This fishing report is brought to you by The Trout Fly and The Troutfitter, Convict Lake Resort, Kittredge Sports and Sierra Drifters.

WATERBAIT & LURESFLIES
MAMMOTH LAKES BASINStimulators, Yellow Sallies, Parachute Adams,Red Copper John, Zebra Midge, Docs Twin LakesSpecial in brown, olive or black
CONVICT LAKEInflated Nightcrawlers, Garlic PowerBait,Pinched Crawlers
CROWLEY LAKECopper Zebra, Shaft Emerger, Copper Clowns
UPPER OWENS RIVERStimulator, Extended Body BWO,Parachute Adams, Hares Ear, Caddis,Zebra Midge, Woolly Bugger Olive & Brown
HOT CREEKWoolly Bugger Olive & Brown, Bopp LeechOlive & Brown, Stimulators, Parachute Ant,Caddis
SAN JOAQUIN RIVERKrystal Humpy, Hippie Stomper,Hares Ears, Red Copper John

Water Conditions

This fishing report is brought to you by The Trout Fly and The Troutfitter.

WATERCONDITIONS
MAMMOTH LAKES BASINFall temperatures are on the way to the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Anglers are seeing successstripping streamers and mirroring hatches along the weed lines and drop-offs.
CROWLEY LAKEFishing has been a bit spotty in Crowley recently. Surface temps are below normal, and fishseem to be moving toward the streams.
UPPER OWENS RIVERFlows are at 126 CFS above the confluence and 360 below as of 6/12.The Upper Owens River has been fishing well. Stay above the confluence to avoid muddy water.
HOT CREEKFlows continue to drop at Hot Creek (around 19 CFS as of 9/12). Hoppers are out and about, but fish are also going for smaller flies.
SAN JOAQUIN RIVERThe San Joaquin is fishing well mid-day, although flows are getting low (32 CFS as of 9/12).

Want More Inspiration And Fishing Tips?

Visit the main fishing page for inspiration or check out the reports from these Eastern Sierra guide services and local marinas.

Fishing
With access to an abundance of high alpine lakes, reservoirs, streams and creeks, Mammoth Lakes offers some of the best trout fishing in the world.
Learn More