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 now open. All roadside waters are fishing well. Run-off may be a problem in some areas. There are a number of waters that are open all year. Waters open all year include the main Kern River, the Lower Owens River, the Upper Owens River, Hot Creek, East Walker, Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Lake Isabella, and Haiwee Reservoir. 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/. There is some strong opposition to some of these new regulations. The concern is the impact on Hot Creek and the East Walker. These are both fragile areas and the impact of all year fishing could be very detrimental to the fisheries. This concern is being expressed by a number of people in Bishop, Mammoth, and Bridgeport, including a number of guides. The commission has decided to keep the all-year regulations. LADWP has closed Haiwee Reservoir to public access due to possible terrorist attacks. The main Kern flows are high and fishing is tough. If you hit the right spots you can have some very good fishing. Flow on the Lower Owens has been increased to 550 cfs, makinf for tough fishing.

KENNEDY MEADOWS. The flows are good on the South Fork of the Kern. The water is a little off color but fishing well. The same goes for Fish Creek. Your standard dries and nymphs should work.

MAIN KERN. Flows are very high due to run-off. Fishing is tough but you can have decent results by seeking out the quieter back waters. 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. Water level is low but is coming up due to the run-off. 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 has been increased to 550 cfs. This makes for tough fishing and wading. Recently there have been 4 fires along the river. Reportedly there have been 700 to 1200 acres burned. 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.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR Float tube fishing on Pleasant Valley Reservoir fluctuates with changes in flow from 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. As the weather warms up be alert that the snakes will be out.

EAST WALKER RIVER. The Fish and Game Commission has approved the all year fishing. Check the regulations. You might consider the concerns being expressed by some about making this an all year fishery. Water flows have improved and some big fish are being caught, primarily on big streamers. Can have some good fishing on the Nevada side; open all year round.

WEST WALKER RIVER. Reports are that the West Walker is fishing well. You need to seek out where the fish are holding. INYO COUNTY. All the roadside waters are open and fishing well. Can have some run-off problems on some waters.

MONO COUNTY. Fishing reports are good in the streams and lakes. There are a number of waters open all year. These include the Upper Owens River, Hot Creek, and East Walker. Check the regulations. You might want to consider the concerns being expressed by some about making Hot Creek and the East Walker all year fisheries. Snows are melting allowing better access to the waters. With warmer days the run-off will discolor the waters.

BISHOP AREA. The season has opened with very good reports from Crowley, Hot Creek, and the Upper Owens. Lower Owens open all year (see Lower Owens River report).

ROCK CREEK AREA. Reports are good for open waters. Snow is clearing and ice is leaving.

MAMMOTH AREA. Lake Crowley, Hot Creek, and the Upper Owens have produced some excellent fishing. Hot Creek and Upper Owens may be impacted by run-off. 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. Fishing reports are good with some nice fish being caught in the lakes on streamers and nymphs.

BRIDGEPORT AREA. Opener on East Walker and Bridgeport Reservoir was very good. Some nice fish taken on streamers and nymphs. The East Walker remains open all year. Water conditions are improving and the fishing is picking up. East Walker on Nevada side is open all year.