OWENS RIVER
 

Fly Fishing the Owens River: Flies & Tactics

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The Owens River is the backbone of Eastern Sierra fly fishing - miles of accessible water ranging from the meandering Upper Owens to the famous Wild Trout Section of the Lower Owens near Bishop. There’s a stretch of the Owens fishing well in just about every season.

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On the Upper Owens, focus on deeper pools and undercut banks, and go deep and slow with nymphs - in spring, please avoid fishing over spawning redds and shallow gravel beds to protect the fishery. On the Lower Owens Wild Trout Section, higher flows fish well and the evening caddis hatch can bring fish to the surface around dusk. Early morning and evening are your best windows.

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Pheasant tails in their many variations are the single most important fly family for the Owens, backed up by small caddis and midges. Carry a range of sizes and you’ll rarely be caught out.

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Top flies for the Owens River:

• Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–16 - the number-one Owens nymph

• BH Pheasant Tail Sparkle Back and Pearl Thorax Pheasant Tail - flashier variations

• Elk Hair Caddis #16–18 - for the evening hatch

• Zebra Midge #18–20 - a small, deadly dropper

• BH Olive Hares Ear #14–18 - a versatile searching nymph

• Mop Fly Brown - an attractor for stained or rising water

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Planning an Owens trip? Tell us the section and the date via chat and we’ll recommend a fly list.