Since I plan to fish some spring creeks in a few weeks I was curious, What advice would one give to someone that has never tried this ? I figured 7x and dry's will be on the menu. I guess the question would be this, Is a spring creek really that much tougher then your average sierra freestone river, or tailwater ?
I too grew up fishing freestone rivers, but the last few years have really enjoyed fishing spring creeks more. My experience is that they are not necessarily more difficult, but just different.
My generalized advice (helped myself by locals) is that you just want to shrink everything down. Stealth and attention to drift are a bit more important I think. I've been more successful when I switched from the mindset of covering lots of water (which I can definitely get into on large freestone rivers) and instead really focusing on reading water and picking specific targets. The locals on some of those spring creeks literally know the individual seams, pools, etc. as well as where the fish will run to try and break off.
I also use a dry as an indicator as opposed to a standard set-up.
The quick answer to that is yes it is. Probably the only skill that you will want to develop that you wouldn't need on a freestone or a tailwater is going to be stalking. It's a large part of the spring creek approach, and it is much more important skill when you are going after spooky fish in clear slow moving water. If your stalking isn't satisfactory you are going to spook out every fish in the hole before you get anywhere close. Most of the time you'll be in closer confines, often unable to get a proper backcast so it is necessary to get fairly close to the fish to go after them. The standard rules apply they are just magnified. Stay low, keep your rod tip low, use light unweighted flies. Don't count on being able to rely on dry flies since even the little spring creek guys tend to rely mostly on subsurface feeding. You'll be able to see them feed so it's a bit easier to figure out what it is that they are targeting. If you can't seem to get in close enough to the fish without spooking them, look for patches of fast moving water and concentrate on them. Even tiny patches a few feet wide and not much longer can hold fish, and they will often be oblivious to your presence. Since spring creeks are lower gradient than your average freestone there is less rushing water so fish tend to collect in the riffles they can find. If the fish are in a good mood, spring creeks support a much higher biodensity than your average tailwater or freestone, so you could be in for fast and furious action with fish oblivious to your presence and feeding wildly, but more often things are slow paced on a spring creek. The fish wait patiently in a lie, ready to rush off at the first hint of a shadow, feeding methodicaly and selectively on whatever is easiest to catch.
Hot creek and the upper portion of the owens. I'd preffere to fish dry's anytime, wouldn't anyone .? I'll nymph if needed, There will be no nymphing with weight i hope.
Hot Creek is a must-do, but it may be an eye opener if it is your first time with the crowds. On the 'managed stretch', which is of course the most popular, it can be very crowded on weekends but if you get there early and just pick a spot, you will be surprised how little you need to move. You can sit in one spot and cast to half a dozen different seams. VERY well-educated fish here. Definitely need to match the hatch.
For the Upper Owens, make sure you do not forget your bug spray - there are a couple swampy portions where you will get eaten alive if you do not have repellent. Be prepared to possibly have to slog through some pretty swampy cow fields.
As far as fly patterns, make sure you are well stocked on Matukas. You swing those deep under the horseshoe bends and I will guarantee you get some takes from some really big fish.
Good stuff guys, thanx. I'm fishing hot creek on probably a monday, tuesday, or wendsday . Eric, Have you tried the rock creek area ? Theres alot of small lakes with inlets and outlets that is supposed to have some good fishing oppurtunities.
Captain, I have only fished the private section (Hot Creek Ranch) of the creek, not the public section. Hot Creek Ranch is dry fly fishing only. If you go into one of the fly shops in Mammoth Lakes, you can get advice on dry fly patterns for Hot Creek. Generally, spring creek dry flies are MUCH more diverse than other dry flies. Emerger patterns, in particular, can be more effective than standard dries. Again, the shop can make some good recommendations. Also, terrestrial patterns such as beetles and ants can be good on clear, windy days when hatches are sparse or non-existent. I've also had good success with a beetle after the fish have turned off hitting mayfly dries.
Regarding fishing dry flies on spring creeks, generally it's best if you can present the fly to the fish before it can see the leader. Thus, a down and across cast can be the best approach. An across stream cast should be made with either a curve cast or reach cast, if possible. This will get the fly to the fish before he can see the leader. If the water is riffly, you can get away with an upstream cast because the riffly water will hide the leader.
Have not fished that area, but let me know how it is as I am planning on running up there in a few weeks.
Nohackle's advice is dead on for Hot Creek.
It was amazing to me watching how selective the fish were on Hot Creek. Emergers were really working for me on the times I have fished that river, but I have only fished it a half dozen times so the sample is too small for me to really draw any big conclusions.
He is also dead on with the importance of absolutely no drag. Especially on the faster parts of Hot Creek knowing how to curve cast is invaluable.
Store to check in at is the Troutfitter. It is right off the main road into Mammoth. They will know exactly what is working.
Hot Creek is almost like a fly-fishing lab that will really test you. The Upper Owens is easier to read, but still requires stealth as it meanders out through the open in most stretches.
On the smaller stretches of the Upper Owens way up near the highway, stripping streamers through the grass is a unsophisticated, but effective method.
Sounds like you have an epic trip planned. Have a great time. Pound the heck out of those rivers. I expect a full report on your adventures after this. You are hitting these areas at the right time. It was probably 15 years ago that I did a multi day run down in that area. Bring rain gear!!! As you probably already know, afternoon thunderstorms hit all the time. We fished Sabrina Creek quite a bit, and I was impressed with it. The two rivers you are talking about are definitely the top cabin down there. Knock 'em dead!!!!
I'll be sure and give a detailed report oneweight, And plenty of pics. Trip is still a few weeks away, just want to get to planning early and work out every detail. I found a drainage that is supposed to contain goldens if your willling to hike a bit, its the rock creek area, there about 6 lakes to fish within a few miles of one another. The trailhead starts at something like 10,300 foot elevation, I better be in shape for this one.
Hey Captain. Until moving up to the Bay area, I fished most of the water you are going to fish for many years. All of the areas you have mentioned are good, especially if you leave out a weekend of travel. Can get real crowded!
Hot Creek was my main target water. You're also going before the vegetation turns into weed channels, late in the summer. Real challenging to fish at that time. Eric is right on, you pick a short beat and stick to it. You can fish to several fish in one spot, both up and downstream. Both are effective. Also try downsteam of parking lot #1. More rainbows than browns and the water is faster, but less people on the whole.
size 14-18, CDC Caddis (both cream & grey mottled), May fly cripples, olive bodied sparkle duns and small parachute Adams have always worked for me on Hot Creek for drys. Yep, there are localized patterns as well, which all the shops will have plenty of.
Also, try a dropper rig with a small orange body stimulator and a size 18 brassie as your trailer (foot and half below). Have also done well with this rig. BTW - lots of scuds in the weeds...lots of them. You will see fish tailing there for scuds and other nymphs in the subsurface vegetation. Sometimes they are BIG brown tails too.
If you have a float tube or pontoon boat, you have to check out Twin Lakes in Mammoth. Its actually three small lakes linked together, the last being the biggest with some huge brook trout! I mean big. To do it right, you will need some flotation, though. The waterfall at the last lake is awesome. Its just outside of the main part of town in Mammoth.
All the lakes in the June Lake loop can be good too. Great for floating and casting to the tules reeds around the bays. I like Gull Lake.
Too much water on the Eastern Side and not enough time.
I would take Hot creek over the owens. Owens is great when the spawn is on, but rather slow when not. Hot creek is a great spring creek, besides the crowds, so don't be surprised to see people flyfishing with a starbucks in their free hand. Presentation and having the right fly on is key. This time of year you should be fine with 6x. Be aware that you can not wade the river anymore due to the mud snails.
Captain, the drainage you're talking about is off of Tom's Place on HWY 395. The chain of lakes you mention are in Little Lakes Valley and yep, the trail head starts at that elevation. Good idea to acclimate before jumping off and hiking up the trail. I've watched friends get intense altitude sickness from starting off too soon. Mosquito Flats is a walkin camping area at the trailhead near the parking lot. Good place to acclimate. Or, any of the campgrounds below the trailhead too.
The trail goes up immediately (rocky steps) and then eventually fattens out. Mack, Marsh, Long Lake and Chickenfoot are some of the lakes you'll see along the way. Chickenfoot is above the tree line and does have goldens in it. Its the last lake in the chain before going up Bishop pass. Most of the lakes have bows and brooks. I have had awesome fishing at the first three lakes and there's a connecting creek at Marsh. Lots of fish in there too. Gotta be stealthy though, its typically flat water through a marshy section.
Long Lake has a small inlet creek that I caught fish in before, though the fish are small. The inlet into the lake can be really good as is the outlet (log jams). The country is amazing as you are standing in front of a huge mountain cirque once you hit Long Lake. Lots of photo opps!
This is awesome high country. Enjoy the experience!
ifish, Thanx for reminding me about the possiblitiy of hypoxia(altitude sickness). I had not thought of that. Did some research and I will have to acclimate before heading up that trail. I guess it can start as low as about 8,000 feet. Another question I have for ifish is this, I have been told that its pretty marshy in alot of the areas up there so waders are needed even in summer, Have you found this true, I don't want to hike several miles wearing waders.
Hey Captain. Depends on which areas you are speaking? If you're asking about Little Lakes Valley, then yes, around Marsh Lake (hence the name), can get a little marshy and wet. And, keep in mind that at that elevation, its real early spring. Lots of dampness....and, my spring favorite, mosquitos! They don't call the trail head Mosquito Flats for nothing. They'll be everywhere in that drainage. BRING THE DEET.
As far as waders are concerned? Your choice, if you want to carry them up the trail. I definitely wouldn't wear them up the trail, especially if you're heading up toward Long Lake and Chickenfoot. If you feel more confident bringing them, I would pack your boots and waders in a daypack. Most of the upper lakes are accessable and can be fished from around the shoreline. I'd be more interested in a good pair of waterproof hiking boots, actually. Those are what you're really going to need. A rocky trail and lots of little creek and brook crossings as you move further up the trail. Those are where things get a bit marshy.
Here's where you might wear waders. Up a short stretch of the beginning trail, before the first lake, which I believe is Marsh, Rock Creek flows from the outlet (and there's an inlet) and moves through a meadow, marsh area. Stealthy water, but lots of fun sneeking up on cruising fish. Fish that area and move onto the lake. Then fish the inlet and the other lake (Mack). That should keep you busy for a while.
Yeah. Really be careful of the chance of altitude sickness. I've been with friends who got the worst of it there and all you can do is get down to lower elevation as fast as possbile.
But don't let that stop you. Its an amazing high alpine experience. Bring your camera!
Thacks alot for all the info. and tips guys. It is appreciated. Leaving early friday morning, Any other quick last minute tips for that area ? I know this is going to be the most technically tough water I have ever fished, So looking at it as a sort of test of my ability.
There so many places to fish over there its gonna be impossible to hit em all, even in 10 days. And now its time ! the car is loaded to the max, even shaved my head for this one , And the FISH ON yell is perfect. Now I pray the fish gods are generous to me
.? I'll nymph if needed, There will be no nymphing with weight i hope.
. Eric, Have you tried the rock creek area ? Theres alot of small lakes with inlets and outlets that is supposed to have some good fishing oppurtunities.
