BY ERNIE COWAN
MAMMOTH LAKES—Maybe it was good that it came over the holidays, but as WON told you in the last Sierra Report, a major winter storm was headed to the high country with loads of cold temperatures, high winds and deep snow.
What had been more like late fall fishing, quickly changed to mid-winter conditions as the first of a series of winter storms slammed the High Country.
Areas that were easily accessible quickly turned to challenges as roads closed, limiting access to foot, ski or snowmobile transportation.
But the old saying, “if you know, you know,” remains true, and those who know the rewards of winter trout fishing simply make some equipment changes, and head to winter waters with the right gear for those trophy rainbows and browns lurking in the chilly waters.
Unlike the balmy days of summer, winter trout fishing in the Eastern Sierra is a whole new level of difficulty once things get serious.
First is access.
The devout winter angler has the snowmobile tuned up and humming and an equipment load that includes warm clothing, survival gear and the rods, reels and flies that work for trout that act differently in fridged waters.
Then there are the tactics. Winter anglers don’t just toss out a gob of doughbait or dangle a twinkly lure in the water and begin hauling in limits.
Winter trout are spooky, and often not very hungry. Instead of tossing a fly that they think is delicious, you might be trying to irritate them, so they strike defensively. That’s best done with slow retrieves and pauses to get a reactive response.
The smart winter angler will spend some time with a good trout guide who is equipped to get you into those winter glory holes and who know what’s working where and when.
But if you prefer learning things on your own, many winter anglers focus on a very productive section of the Owens River known as the Wild Trout Section.
This section of the Lower Owens begins just below Pleasant Valley Reservoir and is not stocked but populated entirely by wild rainbows and browns. There are also special regulations here, so make sure you know before you go to avoid an expensive encounter with a game warden.
These are stealthy, aggressive and beautiful fish and make any angler’s hearts beat faster when it’s “fish on.”
HUNT THE SNOWBOWS—A series of strong winter storm is accumulating snow on the Upper Owens, limiting access to snowmobile or a long, difficult hike through deep snow.
The Wild Trout Section is also generally below the snow line, so while it might be chilly, anglers don’t have to fight snowdrifts to get to the water.
Winter fishing also means adjusting to the weather that often means sub-freezing mornings and if things warm up enough a midday midge hatch that can turn a slow outing into a fishing frenzy for a few hours.
Yes, Eastern Sierra winter fishing did slow down over the holidays, thanks to the massive storms that swept through, but anglers are turning to winter waters again with that new gear that Santa may have brought.
So, let’s take a look at the most productive winter waters for the latest reports.
The Lower Owens from Pleasant Valley Reservoir south are free of snow and generally milder temperatures than higher elevations.
River flows below Bishop are ideal for drift boats and wading and the more pleasant weather make this a popular area for winter anglers.
The Wild Trout Section sees a lot of pressure on weekends, but weekdays are quieter, and Sierra Bright Dot guide Fred Rowe said river levels are perfect for wading up stream, casting nymphs and dries to trout holding spots.
“A few trout are rising to hatching Blue Wing Olives middle of the day. These trout will take a size BWO parachute, a size 20 Adams parachute and a size 20 Griffith’s Gnat,” Rowe said.
The Upper Owens River is prime water for winter anglers, but this is where deep snow adds to the challenge.
Make no mistake, a four-wheel drive vehicle will not get you into the Upper O when there is snow on the ground. Deep drifts or mud bogs can often mean an expensive tow bill to get out once you become stuck.
At best, a snowmobile is needed to get to prime areas, but a few hardy anglers will snowshoe or ski, but it’s a workout, for sure.
The good news is that those trophy snowbows from Crowley have moved into the river and are feeding on nymphs, egg and worm patterns and mop flies.
This is an area where weather extremes are possible, so anglers should go prepared for subzero temperatures and intense storms. Check weather reports just before heading out.
Hot Creek is another prime location for winter anglers, and the recent storms have closed the roads into the area, requiring anglers to park at the winter closure and hike in through deep snow.
The good new on Hot Creek is that winter conditions are killing off the weeds, opening the run up to longer drifts.
Anglers and guides are reporting some nice wild rainbows and browns to 15 inches are taking nymph patterns such as Frenchies, flashback Pheasant Tail, olive Quilldigons, green/gold Brassies and thread midges in tiger and zebra patterns. Use smaller, size 18 to 20 flies.
The other popular winter areas are on the Nevada side of the East Walker River north of Bridgeport and on the West Walker River.
Jim Reid at Ken’s Sporting Goods in Bridgeport said recent storms have kept most anglers off the water in those areas.
January and February are the coldest months, but ass the whispers of spring arrive in late February, winter fishing conditions often become more like springs. It’s a great time to be on the water.
THE WINTER—There is not snow on the Lower Owens River, and the wild trout section below Pleasant Valley Reservoir continues to be red hot for winter anglers despite very chilly mornings. Guide Chris Leonard hit that section over the holidays and found good action for wild rainbows.
