Waters We Guide

The Upper Owens River is a spring-fed stream that flows out of the mountains into Long Valley. As it meanders through the landscape, it transforms into a slow-moving river characterized by deep holes and long riffles. This unique environment creates excellent habitat for both resident fish and seasonal runs of trout that migrate upstream from Crowley Lake.

With stunning views of the Glass Mountain Range to the east and the Sierra Mountains to the west, it's difficult to focus on anything other than enjoying the fresh air and the thrill of landing your next catch. Anglers can expect to find rainbow trout, brown trout, and seasonal cutthroat trout in the Upper Owens River.

If you're hoping to land a trophy fish to boast about to your friends, the Upper Owens River is one of the best places to pursue that goal. Contact us to schedule a trip during peak trophy trout season. In years with heavy snowfall, we also offer snowmobile trips to access prime fishing waters.

The Lower Owens River begins below the Pleasant Valley Reservoir. This tailwater offers beautiful views and excellent year-round fishing. The main attractions are the rainbow and brown trout that inhabit every bend, riffle, and deep hole along its slow, winding path through the valley.

In the wild trout section, there are numerous access points where we can walk and wade. However, below the wild trout section, the river is less accessible. For this part, we offer drift boat trips, allowing us to enjoy a peaceful, calm float down the river while fishing in spots that are only reachable by boat.

Often, we don’t encounter another angler all day. Personally, I love escaping the crowds and discovering those unpressured fish.

The Gorge is ideal for anglers seeking a bit of adventure. Its stunning rock formations and towering cliffs will take your breath away. We access the river by hiking in from several locations, all of which require moderate to strenuous hiking abilities. Once you're streamside, this water will challenge your ability to wade through rocks and heavy vegetation.

Make sure to bring your rock-hopping legs—the challenge is definitely worth the reward. This small tailwater is full of wild brown trout ranging from 6 to 14 inches, eager to take a fly, and is arguably one of the best spots for dry fly fishing in the valley.

Hot Creek is a spring creek, which means it offers great fishing year-round. The stable water temperatures support a consistent abundance of insect activity throughout the seasons. The fish here are quite savvy, as they encounter many flies, so we emphasize the importance of stealth and proper presentation to successfully catch them.

You can expect to find rainbow and brown trout averaging between 8 to 12 inches, though there are some larger fish lurking in the waters. The creek has two public access points: the interpretive site and the canyon section. The interpretive site is a short stretch located just downstream from the fish hatchery, with easy access except during heavy snowfall.

Getting to the canyon section requires a short, steep hike down into the canyon. While access might be challenging during winter, the rewards can be well worth the effort. In both areas, fish tend to focus on what's hatching, so determining the current menu is crucial for a successful day of fishing. During high water flows, streamers can be effective, while low flows call for smaller tackle.

On a hot summer day, you will find me in the High Sierra, where my heart and soul truly belong. This stunning freestone creek is hard to beat. The San Joaquin River is home to abundant rainbow and brown trout, which are easily accessible by car and just a short walk away.

Here, the dry-dropper technique is essential, and often it’s a well-placed dry fly that gets results. The rocks can be slick, so using a wading staff is crucial for safely navigating this incredible pocket water, surrounded by towering pines. Keep in mind that accessing this area requires a daily use fee.

North Lake is a beautiful high mountain lake that is home to Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout. There is ample access for shore fishing, but the best way to experience this water is by using a float tube or our inflatable drift raft. Our raft allows anglers to sit or stand while casting to eager trout. For those who can no longer walk along the stream banks, this offers a relaxing alternative to still enjoy fly fishing and catch fish.

Bishop Creek offers a variety of opportunities for fly fishing. Starting in the high country, this picturesque freestone creek features countless miles of cascading pocket water. Anglers can expect to find rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and occasionally, golden trout.

As Bishop Creek flows down through the canyon, it passes several campgrounds and small reservoirs, making them ideal for float tubes and inflatable drift rafts. The creek continues through the valley floor, providing year-round access for fishing enthusiasts.

This is a seasonal trip that, as you might expect, focuses on warm water fishing. Many may not realize that the Eastern Sierra is home to quality Bass, Bluegill, and Carp. These trips can be a lot of fun if you're looking for something different or simply want to catch some quality warm water species from the Eastern Sierra. The trips are booked and operated similarly to half-day or full-day walk-and-wade excursions.

Lee Vining Creek, Walker Creek, Mill Creek, Deadman's Creek, Parker Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Ellery Lake, Rock Creek, North Lake, Intake Two, Bishop Creek, Pine Creek, Big Pine Creek, McGee Creek, Convict Creek, Lake Mamie, Lake Mary, Lake George, Twin Lakes, Sotcher Lake, Laurel Lake, McLeod Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Mammoth Creek, Starkweather Lake, and Goldwater Creek.

We are also permitted for waters we do not list here. If you are after a specific species or water, give us a call and we can discuss these in person.