Note that our phone number has been changed to (760) 375-1126.

ALERT: If you are not aware of the New Zealand mudsnail problem please go to the DFG site http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/news04/04001.html and read about this snail. It is becoming more of a problem in our waters. As of now there is no plan to combate them although we are getting the word that DFG is getting ready to issue a new statement on this. The best solution is not to wade in infected waters. (Of concern here is that all waters have not been checked so not sure how extensive the mudsnail is.) If you are wading the easiest step to take is freeze your waders after use. Your boots will be the most likely carrier.

The regular season is closed but there are a number of waters that are open all year. The Fish and Game Commission has approved the all year fishing on Hot Creek, Upper Owens, and East Walker. The "Early Season" is now open in Inyo County from Independence Creek and south. The regulations are spelled out in the regulations under the special regulations section. You can check their web page at http://www.fgc.ca.gov/. LADWP has closed Haiwee Reservoir to public access due to possible terrorist attacks. The main Kern flows have settled down. Flow on the Lower Owens is now at 250 cfs; good fishing but tougher wading. Weather is the pacing item. A number of storms are moving through the area.

KENNEDY MEADOWS. Season is now closed. The South Fork was not stocked this past year. Depending on who you talk to, it may or may not be stocked this year.

MAIN KERN. No fishing reports from main Kern. Road access is more of a problem. From the east you cannot get around the west and north side of the lake due to road being washed out. Need to go around through town of Lake Isabella. There are essentially three sections to the upper Kern, above Lake Isabella. There is the section from the lake up to the lower power plant, the section from the power plant to Fairview Dam, and the section above Fairview Dam. They take water out at Fairview Dam and pipe it down to the lower power plant. The upper section can be broken down into two sections. Above Fairview Dam up to Johnsondale Bridge the fishing regulations are standard. Above the Bridge is the wild trout section with special regulations. This is helping to produce some very good fishing for wild trout when the conditions are right. The road leaves the river at the bridge so some walking is required to get to the fish. Once the river flow drops and the water clears should see good surface activity at times on Adams, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Stmulators, sizes 16 and smaller. Nymphing can be productive all year using bead heads such as Pheasant Tail, Gold Ribbed Hares Ear, Prince, Tiger Midge, Zebra Midge, and Copper Johns, sizes 14 to 18. Good source of information is the Kern River Troutfitters - www.kernriverflyfishing.com. They have a number of new patterns that are very productive on the Kern, and elsewhere. They can also give you up-to-the-minute fishing conditions. Also, Flip Chemnitzer's flies for the Kern produce. These include the Phyliss Fly, sizes 12 and 14, (which can be fished dry or wet), the Double Gray (dry fly), and the nymphs of Flip's Bag, Kern Blackie, and Bead Head Kern Blackie. This water is open all year. You can get a recorded message on flow rates by calling (760) 376-8821 or 1-877-537-6356.

LAKE ISABELLA. They are holding the water level low do to possible problems at the dam. They have been stocking the lake with Alper's trout. Should make for some very good fishing. Can pick up fish with streamers such as wooly buggers and jigs. This is primarily a warm water fishery but does produce some nice trout during the year. Fly fishing for Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill can be fun. Spring fly fishing for big carp is a big thing. Open all year.

HAIWEE RESERVOIR. LADWP has closed public access to Haiwee Reservoir due to possible terrorist attacks. This reservoir is a few miles north of the Hwy 14 and Hwy 395 junction.

LOWER OWENS RIVER. The Lower Owens is open all year; the fall and winter fishing has been good but strange. Have not had the Blue Wing Olive hatches as in past years. Most fish are being caught on nymphs. The flow has been cranked up to 250 cfs. Fishing is still good but wading is tougher. Streamer fishing is picking up. Be aware of New Zealand Mud Snail problem (see opening paragraph). The river flow is not significantly impacted by storms since the flow is controlled out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir. However, with any storm activity the access roads will be muddy. Cars can get stuck. The LADWP has fenced off the access along the Chalk Bluffs road for fire restoration. There are walk-through access points along the road. Walking over to the river in muddy conditions can be a challenge. Note: picked up a tick there recently.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR Float tube fishing on Pleasant Valley Reservoir fluctuates with changes in flow from the power plant. Also, water temperature plays a part. It is also open all year. Reports of some very good catches by float tubers at upper end of reservoir. Getting results on streamers and nymphs. Float tube fishing seems to be the most effective approach. May also see some midge activity.

OWENS RIVER GORGE. Another all year fishery, the Gorge, requires a short walk but can provide good fishing. Snow and ice conditions can make it treacherous if not impossible to get to the river. The flow is controlled at 36 cfs. Nice fish can be taken on both dries and nymphs. Pattern doesn't seem to be critical; use 16's and 18's. Fish are spooky; stealth and cunning pay off. Nettles can be a problem. Take plenty of water with you and use your sun block.

EAST WALKER RIVER. The Fish and Game Commission has approved the all year fishing. Check the regulations. Fishing had been very good but just recently started raising the flow. Can have some good fishing on the Nevada side; open all year round.

WEST WALKER RIVER. Closed for season.

INYO COUNTY. General season is closed. The "Early Season" opened on the 5th. Independence Creek and waters south are now open. Can have some fun fishing for smaller fish in all these creeks. The Lower Owens remains open all year. The rewatered section of the river should start to provide some interesting fishing this spring.

MONO COUNTY. General season is closed. There are a number of waters open all year. These include the Upper Owens River, Hot Creek, and East Walker. Check the regulations.

BISHOP AREA. General season is closed. Lower Owens open all year (see Lower Owens River report).

ROCK CREEK AREA. General season is closed.

MAMMOTH AREA. General season is closed. Hot Creek and the Upper Owens are open all year and have produced some excellent fishing. Some sporatic hatches during the day; be looking for Blue Wing Olives and midges. Check the regulations for special closures. Snow can limit access to both waters.

JUNE LAKE LOOP. General season closed.

BRIDGEPORT AREA. East Walker River is open all year. Fishing has been good; weather permitting. Raising flow rate which slows down the catching. Bridgeport Reservoir is closed for season. East Walker on Nevada side is open all year and can produce some very good fishing.