The Forks (Upper Owens)on Upper Owens River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Blue-Winged Olives are the dominant hatch
- 01Blue-Winged Olives are the dominant hatch, providing dry fly action.
- 02Midges are consistently present subsurface.
- 03October Caddis hatches are fading but can still offer strong days.
- 04Lake-run Rainbow and Brown Trout migration from Crowley Lake is beginning.
- 05Water temperatures are dropping to upper 50s/low 60s, with fish turning on around 58 degrees.
- 06Stealth and precise presentations are crucial in the clear water.
What to tie on at The Forks (Upper Owens)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Pine Squirrel Leech
Small leech patterns, as recommended in nearby reports, are excellent for mimicking sluggish baitfish and annelids, enticing larger, opportunistic trout.
Buy at AmazonMicro Egg
With rainbow trout spawning activity, egg patterns are always a strong choice in the spring on the Upper Owens River.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
Trophy trout are actively hunting streamers, especially during low-light conditions in the warming spring waters of the Upper Owens River.
Duracell Nymph
This attractor-style nymph is proving highly effective in current conditions, likely due to increased flows and subsurface insect activity.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
Trout are primarily feeding on mayfly nymphs subsurface, and this pattern is a consistent producer during spring BWO activity.
Jujubaetis
Blue-Winged Olive nymphs are active and about to emerge, making this an essential subsurface pattern for discerning trout.
Buy at AmazonCopper John
A versatile attractor nymph, excellent for getting down to fish in varied spring flows and imitating general mayfly nymphs.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary food source year-round, and trout are keying into midge pupae subsurface in the Upper Owens River.
Buy at AmazonTactical Peeping Caddis TH Jig
Caddis pupae are actively emerging in spring, and this weighted jig nymph is excellent for targeting fish on undercut banks.
California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.