Fishing Season: Year Round - Above Benton Crossing Bridge

Owens River - CA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Jim Elias's Tip of the Week

Benton Crossing road is now open, but the road that follows the river is really muddy, don't drive down anything questionable!

Directions open in app

Map of Owens River

5-Day Outlook as of 6/2/23

If you were hoping for good news about the runoff, I haven't got any. Flows are still high everywhere, and will remain that way through the end of the month. It hasn't been very warm up here the past couple of weeks, so the melt is taking its time.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/2/23

Ehh, time to fish the lake instead honestly.

Local Species Available Year Round - Above Benton Crossing Bridge

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    Trout - Rainbow

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    Brown

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    Cutthroat

Jim Elias's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A 14-16
Micro Egg N/A 16
Lightning Bug N/A 14-16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer N/A 10-12
Bird's Nest Black 16
Flashback Pheasant Tail N/A 16
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph N/A 14-16
Disco Midge Larva N/A 18-20
Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 16
T-Midge Black 20

Vernille San Juan Worm

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Jim Elias's Recommended Gear

Description: About Owens River

Upper Owens River above Benton Crossing Bridge (All Year) Benton Bridge down to Crowley Lake (April 29, 2023-November 15, 2023)

Nearest Airport:

Mammoth - Yosemite (MMH)

Hatches:

Probably won't be out here until the water clears at this point. Might not happen for a while, but when it does I've got a good feeling about the hoppers this year. Fingers crossed!

Best Time to Fish:

Mid morning to late afternoon

Best Stretch:

Water is too high and dirty to bother until things clear up.

Best Access:

Left off Benton Crossing road right after the bridge.