Owens River - Lower, CA

The Owens River is a river in southeastern California in the United States, approximately 120 miles (193.1 km) long. It drains into and through the Owens Valley, an arid basin between the eastern face of the Sierra Nevada and the western faces of the Inyo and White Mountains. Beyond the Gorge, the Owens Rivers flows into the Pleasant Valley Reservoir, a small body of water that has good fishing for large rainbows and browns. After the reservoir, the Owens flows through perhaps its most famous stretch the strech below the reservoir is catch and release only. It is approxiamtly 3 miles long.

After the Pleasant Valley campground, which is downstream from the outflow of the reservoir, it flows through several miles of prime wild trout water. It is open all year, and many anglers fish it in the winter when most of the surrounding waters are closed. Opening weekend is also an excellent time to fish here. The Lower Owens is a classic dry-fly fishery, as the river meanders slowly through a grassy meadow. Depending on the weather, anglers may encounter hatches of Baetis, Caddis and Pale Morning Duns. The fish rise readily to these flies, and the smooth surfaces make for excellent, although sometimes challenging, dry-fly presentations. Please check local rules and regulations before you fish as they can change frequently.