Winter Fishing in the Sierra provides a great experience
Winter Fishing often brings thoughts of crazy guys sitting on the ice as I snowshoe by on my next adventure. However, a great Fall “back country” fishing trip with a friend over on Sonora Pass has me paying more attention to the ins and outs of fishing in the Sierra. A purely Novice fisher, I would be the last one to shoot a fishing video or provide you with a fishing tip beyond location.
Edina Ingram from Visit Mammoth provides a great list of four winter fishing hot spots to check out.
There are a two of reasons to fish in the winter. 1. You can! 2. Refer to reason one.
While all lakes and streams west of Highway 395 close for fishing on November 15, some rivers east of the highway have special winter regulations. Before you cast a line, be sure to double check seasonal fishing regulations with the California Department of Fish and Game. Here are our four favorite spots to fish near Mammoth this winter:
UPPER OWENS RIVER
The Owens River is the main watershed in the Eastern Sierra. Fed by spring creeks and snow-melt, the tributaries of the Owens River begin high in the mountains before flowing through Mono County and Long Valley. Known for its grassy meadows, alpine views, and oxbows the Upper Owens is one of the most popular trout fishing streams in California. It flows southeast across the Long Valley Caldera, through Lake Crowley reservoir, then descends through the 20-mile-long (32 km) Owens River Gorge, emerging at the north end of the Owens Valley northwest of Bishop. The Upper Owens River is accessible in many locations. During winter months, the regulations change, however fishing is still open with special regulations. Access beyond the Benton Bridge depends on snow accumulation. Winter regulations: The Upper Owens River from Benton Bridge road crossing upstream to Big Springs is open year round to fishing. From November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Zero limit. The Upper Owens River from Benton Bridge road crossing downstream to the monument is closed and the section from the fishing monument to Crowley Lake closes annually on November 15.
LOWER OWENS RIVER
The Owens River continues flowing south from the Crowley Lake outlet through the Owens River Gorge and to the Pleasant Valley Reservoir. The Lower Owens River is a popular section among anglers and is in lower elevation, which means it’s often warmer and sunnier during winter months. Winter Regulations: The Lower Owens River from Pleasant Valley Dam downstream to the footbridge at lower end of Pleasant Valley Campground is catch and release only with artificial lures and barbless hooks only from October 1 through December 31. From January 1 through September 30 this section has daily bag and possession limit: 2. The lower Owens River from the footbridge at the lower end of Pleasant Valley Campground east (downstream) 3.3 miles along Chalk Bluffs Road to the redwood sport fishing regulations sign is open year-round. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Zero limit.
HOT CREEK
The nutrient rich spring creek is home to a healthy population of bugs, which are makes for an ideal feeding zone for trout. California Department of Fish and Game surveys have counted 8,000 to 10,000 trout per mile making Hot Creek the most trout dense stream in the state. Mammoth, Sherwin, and Laurel creeks are tributaries of Hot Creek, which eventually flow into the Upper Owens River. While Hot Creek Ranch is a private fishing resort, the section downstream in the canyon is a favorite among locals and visiting anglers. Winter regulations: Hot Creek from the State hatchery property line to the confluence with the Owens River is open all year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. Zero limit. Hot Creek Ranch closes for fishing November 15.
EAST WALKER
The Bridgeport Reservoir tailwater special seasonal regulations so you can fish year-round. The East Walker River is considered one of the best brown trout fisheries in the state—however, many anglers leave with stories of the big one that got away. The East Walker is all about water levels. On good snowpack years, it’s one of the best tailwater fisheries in the West. Flows on the East Walker can vary depending on the season, the snowpack, and the release of water from the damn. But when its good, it’s really good. Winter regulations: The Walker River East Fork from the Bridgeport Dam to the Nevada State Line is open to year-round fishing with seasonal regulations this segment is commonly referred to as the “Miracle Mile ” by local fisherman. . From November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in Apr only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Zero limit. Camping At “The Elbow” on the East Walk River