Crowley

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Tips

  • Fish can be at depths from the surface to about 12 feet; choose the sinking line accordingly

  • Use sinking lines with 2x to 3x tippets for streamers

  • Use floating lines with a 9-foot leader and indicator for nymphs and midges, with a 5x or 6x tippet

  • 5wt to 7wt rod is recommended

  • As for finding fish the old-fashioned way, look for shelves and structure in the shallower water at the start of the season, then look for cold water coming into the lake

Techniques

  • Fly fishing at Crowley Lake often uses Chironomid-type midges, such as Zebra midge, with an indicator at 8-11 feet depth

  • Local guides developed a technique using a 2-3 midge rig with midges like Disco or Zebra, sizes 14-22, spaced 6 inches apart, fished about 6 inches from the bottom

  • Use a hemostat on the dropper fly to determine proper depth and adjust the indicator accordingly

  • Guides often use a larva imitation as the dropper with a bead head pupa on top

  • During full hatches, switch to a bead-head pupa for the dropper and a bead head emerger on top

  • If one fly is getting hits, use both of the same type

  • A strike indicator helps control depth and indicate strikes

  • No movement is applied to the fly, as movement deters trout from striking the midge

  • A split shot 12 inches above the top fly helps maintain leader tension

  • Many guides use an 8-foot 3X Fluorocarbon leader with a 12-inch 4X or 5X Fluorocarbon tippet for faster sinking and more invisible connection

  • Bugger or leech patterns trailed by a Beaded Nymph like a Prince Nymph work well for trolling/stripping.

  • During mid-summer, trout chasing perch fry respond well to streamer patterns like the Hornberg and Mohair Leech

Seasons

  • Season Dates

    • Season opens the last Saturday in April until November 15th

    • Must use artificial flies or lures from August 1st to November 15th

  • Early Season (Spring)

    • Fish congregate around the mouth of the Owens River, Layton Springs, and Sandy Point for spawning

    • Spring warms up the water early, attracting trout

  • Mid-June

    • Lake gets better from may through summer

    • Lake turnover occurs, making flyfishing difficult due to increased algae and undeveloped weedbeds

    • McGee Bay is a good option due to oxygenated water near the creek inlet

    • Trout seek areas where creeks enter the lake (McGee, Crooked Creek, Hilton Bay)

  • June and July

    • Damsel hatch occurs; stillwater nymphing with Damsel Nymph patterns can be rewarding

    • Use imitations of damsel nymphs (#10-14) with a light to moderate sink tip or floating line

    • Fish the nymphs with rapid movements, allowing pauses for grabs

  • July

    • Weed beds form up to 14 feet deep; fish reside within weedbed channels

    • Water clarity improves as algae abates.

    • Productive patterns: Buggers, Hornbergs, Damselfly Nymphs

    • Prime areas: Layton Springs, Green Banks, McGee Bay

  • Late July to September

    • Weedbeds die off due to water draw-down

    • Possible regrowth of algae in August as water temperature drops

    • Fish found in 10-14 feet of water in oxygenated areas (Leighton Springs, McGee Bay)

    • Chironomid hatches are the main food source

    • September is the best month: trout chase perch fry due to lack of cover

    • Use Hornbergs and Buggers with intermediate line fishing 5-10 feet

    • Consistent location: McGee Bay, Green Banks

  • Mid-September

    • Crowley Lake hosts the "Double-Haul" Tournament; fishing impact lasts a week or two

  • October

    • Fish stage up along Green Banks and Leighton Springs for fall spawning

    • Best patterns: Streamer patterns, Stillwater Nymphs

  • Late October

    • Water level lowering by L.A. City affects the fish

    • Colder temperatures reduce Chironomid hatches

    • Crowley closes to fishing on November 15th

Flies

Resources

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