Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Upper Gorge (near Crowley Lake Outlet)on Owens River Gorge

    Accessed from the upper rim, often requires a steep descent.
    Owens River Gorge reportDirections37.5600°N, 118.6010°W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    What's working on Owens River Gorge

    1. 01Fall BWO hatches are starting to show on the Owens River Gorge, especially on overcast afternoons.
    2. 02Midges remain a staple food source, active year-round in consistent flows.
    3. 03Larger brown trout are becoming more active, looking for baitfish as water temperatures drop.
    4. 04Concentrate on slower currents, deeper pools, and undercut banks.
    5. 05Immaculate drifts and lighter tippets will be critical for selective fish.

    What to tie on at Upper Gorge (near Crowley Lake Outlet)

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge (Black)

    #20#22#24

    Midges are a primary active insect even in cold water, making this a staple year-round pattern. It's highly effective for enticing finicky Brown Trout in the Owens River Gorge.

    egg80%

    Blood Dot Egg

    #10#12#14

    Fall is the egg season for trout, and this pattern is highly effective for opportunistic brown trout keying into dislodged eggs in the Owens River Gorge, if any spawning activity is occurring.

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    dry80%

    Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun

    #18#20#22

    Fall BWO hatches are a key event on the Owens River Gorge, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults, especially on overcast days.

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    Black Woolly Bugger

    #4#6#8

    A reliable year-round streamer, the black Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from brown trout in the Owens River Gorge during the cooler fall months.

    nymph80%

    Jujubaetis

    #18#20#22

    A versatile and highly effective Baetis nymph available year-round, making it a reliable pattern for brown trout feeding subsurface in the Owens River Gorge during fall BWO activity.

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    emerger80%

    Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger

    #18#20#22

    BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, and this high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes from brown trout in the Owens River Gorge when fish are feeding in the film.

    streamer80%

    Olive Sculpin (Drunk and Disorderly)

    #2#4#6

    Fall is prime streamer season for large brown trout, as sculpins are a significant food source. This pattern effectively imitates them, drawing aggressive strikes in the Owens River Gorge as water cools.

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    California season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

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    18MISierra Trout Magnet Fly ShopBishop