Trout Source

Introduction

Hot Creek is a short but prolific tributary of the larger Owens River, surrounded by mountains rising 10,000 feet from the floor of Owens River Valley.  Most of the water is private (through Hot Creek Ranch), and the two miles or so of public fishing is arguably the most crowded in California.

River Character and Access

Hot Creek's origins are worth mentioning, and not surprisingly they (ironically) include hot springs.  Hot Creek is a crystal clear spring creek, originating from seven springs, both hot and cold, several miles upstream from the main fishing.  Combined, these springs keep the water between 55 and 60 degrees year-round, making it ideal for insect life.  The hot springs attract bathers -- and may even attract you after a long day of fishing.  Some smaller gurgly springs and steam vents pepper the land near the creek, and can make for wipeouts if you're not careful.

Accessibility

Working downstream, the first public access is the hundred yards of meadow fishing below Hot Creek Hatchery.  Next is 2-3 miles of private fishing on Hot Creek Ranch, for which you must pay (dry fly fishing only).  Below the ranch is the second public section, which quickly becomes a canyon area called Hot Creek Gorge.  This public section is accessible via the "Fisherman's Trail" for the first half mile, roughly where the canyon begins.  The remaining 1.5 miles can be reached by wading/climbing/clambering downstream or hiking down to the creek from one of the smaller parking lots up on the road.  One reason this section is considered the most crowded stretch in California is the 11,000+ trout per mile.  The closest town is Mammoth Lakes.  The closest "bigger" town is Bishop, which is also the hub city for the Owens River.

When and How to Fish

Standard mayfly and caddisfly patterns will work, though in the private ranch section only dry-fly fishing is permitted.  Effective nymphs include Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and Green Soft Hackles, with good dry flies being BWO's, Sulfurs, Parachute Adams, Trico patterns and the local Hot Creek Caddis.  Streamers also work, especially for the larger fish.  Weeds infest the water each summer beginning in mid-July, making fishing difficult.

 

Troutsource highly recommends the services of a local fly fishing guide.  We've listed the best ones below, and you can contact all of them at once using our e-mail form.  A guide can be the difference between getting skunked and catching 20 fish.   Remember, getting the right fly is only half the battle.  You need to know exactly where to put it, and how -- and this is where guides earn their money.   A customary tip is 15%.