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. Check your regulations. Most roadside waters are fishing well. High country areas are now closed. The open waters include the main Kern River, the Lower Owens River, the Upper Owens River, Hot Creek, East Walker, Pleasant Valley Reservoir, and Lake Isabella. The Fish and Game Commission has approved the all year fishing on Hot Creek, Upper Owens, and East Walker. 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 are good and the fishing is good. Flow on the Lower Owens is down to 120 cfs, making for some good fishing. Days have cooled. It is time for the Fall fishing to take off.

KENNEDY MEADOWS. The South Fork of the Kern and Fish Creek are now closed.

MAIN KERN. Flows are down but any storm activity at higher elevations quickly muddies up the water. With the weather cooling down the fishing is improving. Hiking up the canyon should be much better. 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. 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 the new 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 is usually very good. The flow is down to 120 cfs. This makes for very good fishing. We were there recently and picked up a number of fish on nymphs and streamers. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. 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.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR Float tube fishing on Pleasant Valley Reservoir fluctuates with changes in flow from the power plant. 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. 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. Water flows are still very low. Recommending that the fish be given a rest. With the change in the weather, the fishing should be improving. Can have some good fishing on the Nevada side; open all year round.

WEST WALKER RIVER. West Walker is now closed.

INYO COUNTY. The regular season is now closed. The Lower Owens remains open all year. The rewatered section of the river should start to provide some interesting fishing.

MONO COUNTY. The regular season is now closed. There are a number of waters open all year. These include the Upper Owens River, Hot Creek, and East Walker. Check the regulations. Weather has cooled down to provide some very good fall and winter fishing.

BISHOP AREA. Regular season has closed. Lower Owens open all year (see Lower Owens River report).

ROCK CREEK AREA. Regular season is closed.

MAMMOTH AREA. Lake Crowley, Hot Creek, and the Upper Owens have produced some excellent fishing. Some very good hatches during the day; be looking for Caddis, Blue Wing Olives, and midges. We fished the Upper Owens recently and had excellent fishing on nymphs and streamers. Took three fish of 20 to 22 inches. The Fish and Game Commission has approved the all year fishing on Hot Creek and the Upper Owens. Check the regulations for special closures.

JUNE LAKE LOOP. Regular season is closed.

BRIDGEPORT AREA. Regular season has closed. East Walker River is open all year but the levels are still very low. Asking that fish be given a rest. Bridgeport Reservoir is closed. East Walker on Nevada side is open all year.