
Hot Creek
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FISHING REPORT
Updated - 6/27/22
Scroll down to links for information about Lodging,
Maps and up to the minute Stream Flows.
Current River Conditions: Flows approximately 19 CFS (scroll down for up to a link to the up to the minute flow report).
Fishing Report - Fair: Otis at the Troutfitter in Mammoth Lakes reports that fishing depends on whether "Mr/Mrs Osprey is hanging around" I fished it with Otis this week and the fish seemed to be in hiding plus there were only a few bugs to be seen. Don't let that discourage you though, as things change day to day. If you don't do well in the canyon go give the interpretive center a try. Fish Midges early but be aware that Tricos can be on the water too. Be prepared for a Caddis hatch very early and Little Yellow Sallies midday into the afternoon with caddis again in the evening if the wind dies down. The PMDs are starting to show up midday as well." Small Griffith Gnat's are always a good bug to fish here too, particularly at the interpretive center.
For detailed regulations click here: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations
San Joaquin:
Otis says: "Fishing has continued to improve and if you're looking for dry fly action this is the place to go. Most of the hatches have been mayflies and as is typical of freestone streams there are several species emerging right now. Unlike most years the big drakes are coming off in the afternoon but I haven't gotten any reports from evening so I don't know if they are hatching all the way until dark."
Recommended General All Around Hot Creek Patterns
Click here to go to our Fly Catalog
Nymphs:
Vinci's Depth Charge Bird's Nest #18, Bead Head Pheasant Tail #16 &, #18 #20, San Juan Worm/passionate pink, Copper John/red or copper #18, #16, Prince Nymph (various sizes), Wooly Bugger/rusty, black, Glow Bug/red. Zebra Midge/black, brown, red, Fox's Poopah #18. Scud/pink #14, WD-40/black, chocolate, gray, olive #18, #20, Disco Midge/red,pearl #18, #20
Dries:
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About Hot Creek
I don’t think there is anything like Hot Creek anywhere in the USA, with the exception of some of the waters in Yellowstone NP. The geothermal characteristic of Hot Creek’s geology keep its water temperature warm enough in the winter so it never freezes even though it is located in one of the coldest sections of California, and its aquatic life takes full advantage of it.
Hot Creek begins as Mammoth Creek, which drains the alpine lakes that give the town of Mammoth Lakes its name. It flows out of the east side of the Sierras through town and after a couple of miles reaches Long Valley, a flat expanse of scenic Sagebrush covered flats and low hills.
Once the creek transcends from freestone to a more placid spring creek demeanor (after passing under Hwy 395) in the more level ground of the valley it enters the geothermal section where the cold freestone water is tempered by the infusion of warm springs heated by the volcanic caldera where its name changes to Hot Creek. The creek then passes by the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery operated by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (in partnership with the Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation).
Just past the hatchery property, the creek slowly meanders through a meadow section that is known as the Interpretive center or just the Kiosk (local name) named for, you guessed it, the kiosk located in the adjacent parking lot where educational information about Hot Creek is provided for visitors. This one hundred and fifty yard section is where some of Hot Creek’s largest fish are located. Special regulations are in effect, that allow only single barbless hooks on artificial lures and flies, and all fish must be released.
The downstream boundary of this public section is where the famous Hot Creek Ranch property begins and continues for about a quarter of a mile. The downstream boundary of Hot Creek Ranch is where the public water resumes and is also where the creek begins to descend into a gorge. There are several parking areas along the rim of the gorge with trails that will take you to the creek below.
The creek maintains its relatively slow spring creek like current though it now moves a little faster than it does in the upstream section. There are also a couple of very short freestone sections. The last parking lot which is close to the geothermal cauldrons mentioned earlier in this article, has bathrooms. From here to where it converges with the Owens River, the water is just too hot for trout to survive.
Success on Hot Creek is dependent on technique-technique-technique! Line handling technique is important so that you can present the fly by means of a downstream drift to assure the fish sees the fly first before the leader floats over its head. The fish are smart. It is imperative that your flies are small as most bugs are what you could tie size #18 or smaller hook. In some cases you need to fish #20 and #24s. Adult patterns don’t work as well as those that imitate transitional life stages, so you need to have a fly box full of cripples and emergers.