Fishing Report
December 29, 2025
Hot Creek
Winter has fully arrived at Hot Creek following the Christmas storm, with heavy snowfall covering the banks and limiting access to anglers willing to snowshoe or cross-country ski in from the Hot Creek Hatchery Road. Fishing has remained solid for those making the effort, especially during the warmer part of the day. Midges continue to dominate, with trout feeding primarily below the surface, though calm or overcast conditions can bring fish up on small dries. Nymphing remains the most productive approach, and precise drifts with lighter tippets are key. In the canyon section, access remains difficult but improving weed die-off has made nymphing more manageable, with fish holding along softer edges and near-bank water.
Upper Owens River
Winter conditions have limited access on the Upper Owens, though fishing remained excellent right up until the storm. Trophy rainbow trout above Benton Crossing Bridge were holding in deep holes, longer runs, and along cutbanks, with both Euro rigs and indicator setups producing. Larger nymphs, egg patterns, worms, and mop flies have been the most consistent producers, with a peach-colored tungsten egg standing out. Snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles are now required to reach most productive water upstream.
Lower Owens River
Fishing on the Lower Owens has remained steady through December, with trout holding in classic winter water, particularly at the tail ends of riffles feeding into deeper runs. Cold water temperatures have kept fish sluggish, making subtle takes common and quick hook sets important. Nymphing continues to be the most effective method, though midday BWO activity can bring fish to the surface during favorable conditions.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies
Blue-Wing Olive Parachute (#18–20)
Adams Parachute (#18–20)
Griffith’s Gnat (#20)
Nymphs
Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail (#16–20)
Hot Spot Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (#16–18)
Green/Gold Brassie (#18–20)
Zebra Midge (#18–22)
Streamers
Woolly Bugger (Olive or Black, #6–10)
December 16, 2025
Hot Creek
Winter conditions persist at Hot Creek, and after a relatively dry stretch, a new storm is expected to move in soon. Until then, access has remained good, with recent snowfall having little impact on reaching the Interpretive Site. Fishing has been steady, especially during the warmer part of the day.
Midges continue to dominate, with the most consistent activity occurring from late morning through early afternoon. Trout are feeding primarily below the surface, though small midge emergers and occasional Blue-Wing Olives can bring fish up during calm or overcast periods. Nymphing remains the most productive approach, and lighter tippets with precise drifts are key.
In the canyon section, lower weed growth has improved drift quality, and many fish are holding close to the banks and along softer edges. Don’t overlook near-bank water, especially during midday when trout slide shallow to feed.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies
Blue-Wing Olive Parachute (#18–20)
Adams Parachute (#18–20)
CDC Transitional Midge (#20–22)
Nymphs
Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail (#18–20)
Olive Quilldigon (#18)
Black or Olive SOS Nymph (#18–20)
Zebra Midge (#20–22)
Streamers
Woolly Bugger (Olive or Black, #6–12)
Upper Owens River
Trophy rainbow trout continue their upstream migration on the Upper Owens above Benton Crossing, though fishing pressure has increased with easy road access and favorable conditions. Fish are spread out but generally holding in deeper pools, longer runs, and along cutbanks where they can rest. Covering water and focusing on prime holding lies has been the most effective strategy.
Egg patterns, worms, and larger nymphs remain the most consistent producers. Please be mindful of actively spawning fish and avoid targeting or disturbing them to help protect future runs.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies
Chernobyl Ant (#8–12)
CDC Transitional Midge (#20–22)
Zelon Midge (#20–24)
Nymphs
Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail (#14–18)
Chamois Caddis (#16–20)
Olive Quilldigon (#18)
Clown Egg (#14)
Zebra Midge (#16–24)
Streamers
Woolly Bugger (Olive or White, #6–10)
Lower Owens River
Flows on the Lower Owens remain steady around 76 CFS. Fishing continues to improve, though cold water temperatures are keeping trout somewhat sluggish. Nymphing has been the most productive method, but anglers need to stay alert—takes are subtle, and any slight indicator movement should be met with an immediate hook set.
Midges, stoneflies, and Blue-Wing Olives make up the primary food sources. Skwala stonefly nymphs have been a solid option, along with midge pupae in blood, zebra, or tiger colorations. During mid-morning BWO hatches, rising fish can be fooled with small, accurate dry fly presentations.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies
Blue-Wing Olive Parachute (#18–20)
Adams Parachute (#18–20)
Olive Sparkle Dun (#18)
Nymphs
Stoner Nymph (#12)
Copper John (#14)
Olive Quilldigon (#18)
Hot Spot Pheasant Tail (#16)
Jedi Master Baetis (#18)
Zebra Midge (#20–22)
Streamers
Woolly Bugger (Olive or Natural, #6–10)
February 4, 2025
Hot Creek
Hot Creek Winter conditions persist at Hot Creek, but recent snowfall hasn’t significantly hindered vehicle access to the Interpretive Site. Fishing has been steady, with midges dominating the hatch activity. Midday is the best time to fish, as trout are rising to small midge emergers and occasional Blue-Wing Olives. Nymphing remains the most productive method, with small midge pupae, olive quilldigons, and pheasant tail nymphs working well. In the canyon section, the lower weed growth allows for easier drifts, and trout are holding tight to the banks, so don’t overlook near-bank presentations.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Blue-Wing Olive Parachute (#18-20), Adams Parachute (#18-20), CDC Transition Midge (#20-22).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Black or Olive SOS Nymph (#18-20), Zebra Midge (#20-22).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & Black (#6-12).
Upper Owens River
Upper Owens River Above Benton Crossing Bridge, trophy rainbows continue their migration upstream, though fishing pressure has increased due to easy road access. The best approach is to cover water thoroughly, targeting deep pools, runs, and cutbanks where fish are resting. Egg patterns, worms, and larger nymphs remain the go-to flies. Spawning fish should be left undisturbed to support future populations.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Chernobyl Ant (#8-12), CDC Transition Midge (#20-22), Zelon Midge (#20-24).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail (#14-18), Chamois Caddis (#16-20), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Clown Egg (#14), Zebra Midge (#16-24).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & White (#6-10).
Lower Owens River
Lower Owens River Flows remain steady at 76 CFS, and while fishing is improving, trout are still sluggish due to cold water temperatures. Nymphing is effective but requires quick hook sets—any slight indicator movement should be met with a hook set. Midges, stoneflies, and Blue-Wing Olives are the primary food sources. Skwala stonefly nymphs are a solid option, along with midge pupae in blood, zebra, or tiger coloration. For rising fish, small BWO patterns will work during mid-morning hatches.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Blue-Wing Olive Parachute (#18-20), Adams Parachute (#18-20), Olive Sparkle Dun (#18).
Nymphs: Stoner Nymph (#12), Copper John (#14), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Hot Spot Pheasant Tail (#16), Jedi Master Baetis (#18), Zebra Midge (#20-22).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & Natural (#6-10).
Flows
December 18, 2024
Hot Creek
Winter conditions at Hot Creek make access challenging, with snow-covered roads requiring 4WD vehicles and high clearance. A recent storm has worsened road conditions, and the cold water has slightly slowed fish activity. Despite this, fishing remains productive. Nymphing is the most effective method, with dry-and-dropper rigs working well for spookier trout. With fewer weeds, drifting nymphs is easier, and trout are actively feeding on larvae. Midges dominate the hatches now, as tricos are done and caddis hatches are tapering off.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Adams Parachute (#16-18), Stimulator (#14-16), Chernobyl Ant (#8-12).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail (#18), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Hot Spot Pheasant Tail (#16-18), Olive Scuds (#14), Zebra Midge (#20).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & Black (#6-12).
Upper Owens River
The Upper Owens is snowy and cold, with roads in poor condition after the recent storm. Crowds are gathering near the bridge due to easier access. Trout activity has slowed slightly due to the cold water, but warming days should bring them back to feeding more actively. The river holds trophy rainbows resting in deep holes, runs, and cut banks. Lake-run fish are selective, but egg patterns, worms, mop flies, and streamers are productive.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Chernobyl Ant (#8-12), CDC Transition Midge (#20-22), Zelon Midge (#20-24).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail (#14-18), Chamois Caddis (#16-20), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Clown Egg (#14), Zebra Midge (#16-24).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & White (#6-10).
Lower Owens River
Flows on the Lower Owens are steady at 125 CFS, offering great fishing conditions despite recent cold weather. The storm has made the water colder and slightly slowed fish activity, but it’s picking up with warmer afternoons. The river holds plenty of small, healthy wild rainbows (6–8 inches), with some larger fish up to 20 inches and browns in the 8–13 inch range. Focus on nymphing deep runs and riffles, and watch for trout occasionally rising to small dries.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Adams Parachute (#16-20), Blue-Wing Olive Parachute (#18-20), Elk Hair Caddis (#14-20).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail (#16-18), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Zebra Midge (#20-22).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & Natural (#6-10).
Flows:
December 11, 2024:
Fishing Report December 11, 2024
Hot Creek
Access to Hot Creek during the winter requires a 4WD vehicle with high clearance due to snow-covered roads. The effort to reach the creek is well worth it, offering excellent fishing opportunities. Most success currently comes from nymphing, but dry-and-dropper rigs are also effective to avoid spooking the trout. Reduced weed coverage makes drifting nymphs easier, and trout are actively feeding on larvae. Techniques like Euro nymphing, dry-and-dropper setups, and indicator nymphing are highly effective. Covering large areas and properly weighting your flies to bounce along the substrate are keys to success. Trico hatches are over, and Caddis hatches are nearing their end, leaving midges as the dominant activity. Focus on midge pupa, emergers, scuds, eggs, and worms to match the hatch. Monthy Fly Boxes are tested here and are working very well here right now.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Adams Parachute (#16-18), Stimulator (#14-16), Chernobyl Ant (#8-12).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail (#18), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Hot Spot Pheasant Tail (#16-18), Olive Scuds (#14), Zebra Midge (#20), SOS Nymph (#18).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & Black (#6-12).
Upper Owens River
The Upper Owens is snowy and cold, with tough driving conditions contributing to crowding near the bridge. Despite these challenges, the river offers opportunities to target trophy rainbow trout. Larger attractor patterns are effective, as hatches are minimal, and lake-run fish remain selective. The water is off-color but clearer than it has been recently. Focus on deep holes, runs, and cut banks where trophy trout are feeding and resting.
Fly fishing with egg patterns, worm patterns, mop flies, and streamers is productive for larger fish. Nymphing under an indicator using gold-ribbed hare’s ear variations, Copper Johns, and green/gold Prince nymphs is the go-to method for targeting trophy trout. Resident rainbows and browns can be caught with olive quilldigons, size #16-18 bead head flash back pheasant tail nymphs, and size #16-18 hot spot pheasant tail nymphs. The Winter Box and the Monthly Fly Boxes are producing very well here and they will continue to throughout the winter.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Chernobyl Ant (#8-12), TRS Double Griffiths (#18-20), CDC Transition Midge (#20-22), Zelon Midge (#20-24), Stillborn Midge (#20-22).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail (#14-18), Chamois Caddis (#16-20), Olive Quilldigon (#18), Clown Egg (#14), , Squirmy Wormy (#12-14), Zebra Midge (#16-24).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & White (#6-10).
Lower Owens River
Flows have dropped to 125 CFS and remained steady, creating great conditions for fly fishing. The cold snap slowed activity temporarily, but warmer days have brought the trout back to feeding actively. The river holds a mix of wild trout, with most rainbows around 6 inches—small but healthy and abundant. Larger rainbows, up to 20 inches, and browns in the 8–13 inch range are also being caught.
Indicator nymphing and Euro nymphing are highly effective. Focus on deep runs and riffles, ensuring your flies are weighted correctly to reach feeding fish. Surface activity is sporadic, but in the right conditions, trout can be caught on dries. The Sierra Mix Monthly Fly Box is producing very well here and it will continue to throughout the winter.
Effective Flies:
Dry Flies: Adams Parachute (#16-20), Blue-Wing Olive Parachute (#18-20), Elk Hair Caddis (#14-20).
Nymphs: Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail (#16-18), Olive Quilldigon (#18), SOS Nymph (#16-18), Zebra Midge (#20-22).
Streamers: Woolly Bugger Olive & Natural (#6-10).