Owens River Offers Fishing, Recreational Opportunities

The Owens River is filled with an overwhelming amount of fishing and recreational possibilities. Stretching over 180 miles from its headwaters in Big Springs, just beyond Mammoth Mountain into Crowley lake and then down into the closed basin of Owens Lake, the Owens is a river of my fly fishing dreams.

Beyond its contentious history during the infamous California Water Wars of the late 19th and early 20th century, the Owens River remains mighty despite man’s intentional and unintentional efforts to suppress, divert, and dam Nature’s course. Flowing at a mere fraction of its natural runoff due to diversion into the California aqueduct system stemming from litigation in the wake of William Mulholland and others, the Owens still cannot be contained and abounds with life and promise.

Beyond its history, a much more pressing concern for the aspiring angler is where do you want to catch fish today? Travel up Highway 120 about six miles after its junction with 395 to what locals call the “Upper O” for mighty browns and beautiful rainbows. Or if the fishing gods are smiling at you on this particular day you might even catch a “Crowley steelhead,” a gargantuan migratory rainbow that grew huge in Crowley and wanted to see more of the world with a trip down the river.

The upper Owens is accessible much of the year but be aware of possible closures with heavy snowfalls and it is recommended to have four wheel drive for what is likely to be muddy or washed out roads. But with great risk comes great rewards in the fishing world.

A much more accessible and nearly year round fishery is found on the lower Owens. I personally love fishing the lower O in and around the beautiful town of Bishop, CA. Have a nice stay at Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy, complete with front porches and chairs to remove your muddy and wet waders. Be aware; however, you’re right next to Erick Schat’s famous bakery and across the street from Holy Smoke BBQ, so don’t be surprised if you wake up uncontrollably and inexplicably hungry.

After a good night’s rest, try your fishing luck only 5-10 minutes drive from the center of town. If short of time, you can head east on E Line Street (turn at the wonderful Mammoth Mountaineering Store) and head out until see a bridge that looks enticing. Just remember the farther off the beaten path you travel, the less competition you’re likely to face.

For some good fishing and camping near the water’s edge, I recommend you head up 395 North from Bishop just a few minutes and turn down Pleasant Valley Dam road to the Pleasant Valley Owens River campground. A lovely secluded spot with pressured but still good fishing and scenic views of the Sierras. You can make a short washboard laden drive up Chalk Bluff Road and pull off anywhere there’s a sign and a break in the willows. Just be aware that the river is often blown out and dangerous during late Spring / early Summer as runoff begins. The ideal water conditions are in the dead of winter or even better, whenever my truck is not parked there, come to think of it!

The author, with one of his mentors, receiving fishing instructions on the willow-lined banks of the lower Owens river. COURTESY PHOTO

Avoid the free ranging cattle (the bulls have been known to charge, so fish at your own risk!) and the dense thickets of willows near the river’s edge and you’ll be in for a wonderful day of trout hunting. With the snow-capped Sierras in full view from the grassy pastures, the meandering lower Owens is so picturesque it might be challenging to fully concentrate on your strike indicator. Tight lines my fly fishing friends!