Hot Creek
spring creek in California
A tiny, bug-rich spring creek that is a must-visit for any fly angler traveling to Mammoth Lakes.
BWO hatches are a key target
- 01BWO hatches are a key target, especially in the afternoons.
- 02Subsurface nymphing with midge and mayfly imitations remains productive.
- 03Streamers can entice larger, aggressive trout.
- 04Scuds are a year-round food source in vegetated areas.
- 05Egg patterns are effective below any spawning fish.
Past reports week by week
12 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Glo Bug
Fall is spawning season for some fish, and egg patterns are highly effective for opportunistic trout feeding below spawning areas.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Pheasant Tail
A versatile nymph that imitates various active aquatic insects, including BWO nymphs, which are prevalent in the fall.
Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, and a high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes from trout feeding in the film.
Copper John
A versatile attractor nymph that remains effective year-round, imitating a variety of subsurface insects in the current.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are a classic fall hatch on spring creeks, providing reliable dry fly opportunities for selective trout.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in spring creeks with aquatic vegetation year-round, and pink/orange variations can be excellent attractors.
Buy at AmazonPMD Comparadun
Pale Morning Duns can be active in the fall on spring creeks, offering another crucial dry fly option for rising fish.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A classic searching streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective for enticing larger, aggressive trout in colder fall waters.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round in spring creeks, making this a staple subsurface pattern.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Hot Creek Interpretive Site
The primary parking area for the catch-and-release section, offering access to the most productive public water.
Lower Canyon Access
A more secluded stretch downstream from the interpretive site requiring a walk into the canyon.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop
Get Hot Creek reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Best Spring Creek Fly Fishing in the USA – Limestone Waters
Discover America's premier spring creeks and limestone streams offering challenging, technical fly fishing for selective trout in crystal-clear waters.
Steelhead Decline: What's Happening & What Anglers Can Do
Steelhead populations face unprecedented threats. Learn the causes behind their decline and how anglers can help protect these iconic fish.
Quick answers
Common questions about Hot Creek.
What flies work best on Hot Creek?
Our top scored fly patterns for Hot Creek right now are Glo Bug (80% confidence), Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
Is Hot Creek fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Hot Creek each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.