Late Fall Fishing

As I was driving this morning here in Tehachapi, I happened to notice a few of the trees changing into their fall colors. I thought wow, the Sierra trout season will soon be closing (November 15) except for the special regulation areas. I reminded myself that I need to makes plans for a trip to the Lower Owens River for some late season fly-fishing.

If you have never been to the Sierra Mountains in the fall, you are missing some of the best scenery California has to offer. Add in the many hungry trout that are gorging themselves and fattening up for the winter and life just does not get any better than that. Whether you fly-fish or spin fish the whole sierra feel is hard to beat. Warm days and cold nights are what you can expect with great days filled with fat feisty trout ready to take your offering.

If you are not a true die-hard fisherperson who is willing to take whatever mother nature can thrown at you, it’s a good idea to go as soon as possible. Soon the winds and cold air will be working down from the north to make these last days a challenge! This time of year fly, lure or bait fishing can be the best of the year. I know more than a few people who wait all year to make their one trip in the Fall.

For those of us who toss flies for trout the whole range of techniques is an open door. Dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers will all get a response from the fish. As for spinning tackle, spinners, spoons, small shallow running crank baits and float-and-fly will all be welcomed. For the bait folks the usual fair of dough baits, crickets, night crawlers and mealworms will do the trick. There are some tradeoffs in Fall with the wildlife safety issues. The snakes will be far less prevalent, however, the bears can be about more, therefore being aware of your surroundings is always a consideration.

If you are not familiar with, or comfortable with, trekking about the sierra by yourself I would suggest that, you may want to hire one of the many guides in the Bishop or Mammoth area. These folks can remove much, if not all, of the mystery of the area and make your trip easier and more likely successful. The lakes and streams can all have their unique challenges and removing the guesswork makes the trip that much more fun. The internet is loaded with shops and most have house guides or they contract with local guides. Either way you will get professional expert advice. These folks have their fingers on the pulse of the areas and know exactly where the fish are and what they are biting on.

Just to make it clear that after 50 years of fishing I have employed the use of a guide when trying new areas, especially when I have tried and come up empty handed. No one can know it all and that I guess is how life is. We can all use some help now and again.

When making plans for the Sierra this time of year clothing is as important as the equipment you use. As I stated earlier the days can be warm and the nights cold, however, that can change in the blink of an eye at that elevation. Fronts can move in quickly and with force.

I have been float tubing on the lakes up there and watched the weather turn from warm and calm to 30-mile-an-hour winds and white caps in 10 minutes, with 15 to 20 degree drop in temperature. Layering clothing and being prepared is essential to survival, especially if you are on foot and are any distance from shelter or your vehicle. Before you go always check long-range weather forecasts. Call the local tackle shops or check the Internet for the latest information.

There is an old saying, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Going with the right equipment and information always makes for a better trip.

As always, tight lines and good fishing!