Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Hot Creek - Mammoth Lakes - California

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Morning/Afternoon #20-#24 Zebra midges
February Midges Morning/Afternoon #20-#24 Zebra midges
March Midges, Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-#24 Zebra midges, BWO patterns
April Midges, Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-#24 Zebra midges, BWO patterns
May Midges, Blue Winged Olives, Caddis All Day #16-#24 Zebra midges, BWO patterns, Elk Hair Caddis
June Caddis, Green Drakes All Day #12-#20 Elk Hair Caddis, Green Drake patterns
July Caddis, Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns All Day #12-#20 Elk Hair Caddis, Green Drake patterns, PMD patterns
August Caddis, Terrestrials All Day #10-#20 Elk Hair Caddis, Hopper patterns
September Caddis, Terrestrials, Blue Winged Olives All Day #12-#22 Elk Hair Caddis, Hopper patterns, BWO patterns
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-#22 BWO patterns
November Midges Morning/Afternoon #20-#24 Zebra midges
December Midges Morning/Afternoon #20-#24 Zebra midges

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Hot Creek – Mammoth Lakes area boasts several premier spots for avid fly fishers:

  • Hot Creek Ranch: This private ranch along the stream offers exceptional Trout fishing set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
  • Upper Owens River: Known for its large brown and rainbow trout, this river near Mammoth Lakes offers excellent spring, summer, and fall fishing.
  • Lower Owens River: A year-round fly fishing spot where one can cast for wild brown and rainbow trout.
  • Crowley Lake: This wide open lake contained a healthy population of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. It is a great spot for drift boating.
  • Convict Lake: Enclosed by stunning mountain scenery, the lake is stocked with Rainbow trout and also home to German Brown trout.

Each location offers not just excellent fly fishing, but also unforgettable natural beauty.

Best Access Points

Fly fishing at the Hot Creek – Mammoth Lakes is a unique experience. Here are the best access points:

  • Hot Creek Pullout Parking Lot: Provides easy access to the upper and lower sections of Hot Creek. Located right off Hot Creek Hatchery Road.
  • Hot Creek Ranch: A private property that requires an access fee but offers exclusive fishing spots.
  • Hot Creek Geologic Site: Offers a beautiful blend of natural geology and fishing areas. It’s located east of the town of Mammoth Lakes.
  • Hot Creek Hatchery: Another great spot with easy access to the stream, located at the end of Hot Creek Hatchery Road.

Ensure you check local fishing regulations before planning your trip to these locations.

Local Fish

  • Rainbow Trout: The most popular target for fly fishers owing to their large populations and vibrant color.
  • Brown Trout: They offer a greater challenge due to their smarter and elusive nature. They can grow quite large in Hot Creek.
  • Brook Trout: Although not as common as the rainbow or brown trout, they can still be found in cooler, slower moving parts of the creek.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Characterized by their colorful marks, they are a prized catch at Hot Creek, though they are not very common.
  • Eastern Sierra Golden Trout: Known for their beautiful golden hue, they are native to the area but are rarely found in the Hot Creek.
  • Hybrid Trout: These are a cross between two or more types of trout, often including rainbow and brook trout.
  • Kokanee Salmon: They migrate into streams from lakes to spawn, including Hot Creek, where they offer a seasonal challenge for anglers.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Although not a trout, they can be caught on a fly and offer a different kind of challenge. They are found in certain parts of the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

About The River

Awash with natural beauty, the Hot Creek – Mammoth Lakes area is nestled in the verdant Sierra Nevada mountains. Folklore suggests Native Americans originally discovered these thermal springs, later utilized by gold prospectors in the late 1800s.

Famed for its stunning turquoise waters, the area boasts a unique convergence of both boiling and cold waters. Who doesn’t love a naturally occurring hot tub?

  • The name “Hot Creek” surely doesn’t lie, with temperatures reaching up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Beware, swimmers!
  • A geological wonder, the Mammoth Lakes region sits atop a volcanic caldera.

It isn’t all about the hot springs though – the Mammoth Lakes are some of the most pristine fishing spots in California. This aquatic haven is home to trout, making it an angler’s paradise!

So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a keen angler, or simply looking for stunning landscapes and a warm dip, the Hot Creek – Mammoth Lakes region truly offers something unique.

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