Sierra Drifters Guide Service
Details
User:
Tom & Michele Loe
Location:
Mammoth Lakes, CA
United States
United StatesContact Name:
Tom Loe
Address:
HCR 79 / Box 165-A
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Mobile:
Website:
Description:
We offer professionally guided year-round drift boat access to the Lower Owens River. Established in 1998, Sierra Drifters is the pioneering guide service to offer drift boat trips down the Lower Owens River and is the most experienced guide service to offer these trips.
Sierra Drifters is the only guide service in the Eastern Sierra to offer the services of a Licensed Coast Guard Captain and a 40 year veteran of fishing these waters. We will outfit you with all necessary fishing equipment.
We offer great year-round fly fishing adventures with diverse types of water and programs designed to intrigue the most traveled anglers.
Charter one or more of our 21' to 24' Custom bay boats to access Crowley Lake or other Eastern Sierras lakes of your choice. Whatever your pleasure, we can create a great fishing adventure...1-4 anglers per boat. Our flats boats can accommodate corporate or large groups in style and are by far and away the finest guide boats in the Eastern Sierra!
Beginner or expert, we cater to all of your outdoor needs. Come fish for wild Rainbow and Brown Trout. Or just spend a relaxing afternoon drifting silently down a beautiful scenic river with the Eastern Sierras and White Mountains as your backdrop.
We are a full service outfitter and will gladly arrange your guiding, lodging, equipment, and catering needs. Visit MammothLakes.com for Mammoth Lakes Information, Lodging and Eastern Sierra Real Estate.
Sierra Drifters advocates a Fishing for Fun Catch and Release experience.
Amenities:
Bait & Tackle, Instruction, Lunch, Rods, Safety Gear, Snacks & Refreshments, Soft Drinks, Water
In business since:
1998
Experience:
We are a small family run guide group of hand picked individuals that focus on teaching innovative methods of fly fishing. We get a few dollars more because we strongly believe we are the best.
We put faces and names with our guides.
Every guide has extensive experience and training in the fisheries they guide. These people are not shop guide employeesthey are professional adults with full credentials.
What to bring:
Appropriate Clothing, Camera, Chest Wader's, Comfortable Shoes, Fishing License, Food Supplies, Hat, Jacket, Raingear, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Waterproof boots or shoes
Boat & Equipment Info
No. of engines:
1
Manufacturer:
Bayboat
No. of engines:
0
Manufacturer:
Willie Boats
Model:
Drift
Crew Members
Name:
Phil Therrien
Title:
Guide
Name:
Chris Basso
Title:
Guide
Name:
Doug Rodricks
Title:
Guide
Fishing Spots
Fishing Reports
Eagle Lake Fishing Report 05.13.13
We are going to have low water here again this year, however fishing will be very good in the south basin early as the fish will be concentrated here. We still have some dates open and will have three boats on the water here in June. Click on waters we fish-Eagle Lake for dates and info at the top of this page. (Tom Loe is under permit from Lassen National Forest Service to guide Eagle Lake)....
San Joaquin River Fishing Report 05.13.13
The road to Red Meadow will be opening by Memorial Day, this is very early. The SJ will be very fishable early on this year and not blown out by heavy run-off. Fish will be eager to hit most dry fly attractor patterns like Trudes, Royal Wolfes, Humpies, Stimulators, Sofa Pillows, para chute hi-vis mayfly adults-#14-16. There remains more downed tree removal to be done again this year so be aware of the INFS postings near campgrounds. (Tom Loe is permitted by the Inyo Natio...
Bridgeport Reservoir Fishing Report 05.13.13
The fish are concentrated near Rainbow Pt, 9-13 feet. Midges and some callibaetis coming off on the nicer days. The marina is fine for launching smaller boats, water level is dropping to levels that may not work for larger craft. Conditions are very good now, get it before the weeds set in and levels drop too much. Look at the drop-off in Buckeye Bay towards Rainbow. Find a slope, or the edge of the submerged peninsula. Some action along the east shoreline towa...
Adobe Pond Fishing Report 05.13.13
Conditions are good here early on and the fish are active and eagerly hitting midges in the morning. The late mornings and afternoons have been slow, with a poor showing of callibaetis thus far. The fish are larger here this year on average and I caught the best brown ever here while scouting. If you like gorgeous scenery, wild trout, and the seclusion of private water give us a call.
BW with a quality “Dobe” brown. Dry dropper and sig...
Hot Creek Fishing Report 05.13.13
I wish we had more water to fish here. It gets comfy when conditions are this good and it can be tight, especially on weekends. Flows are fine currently, look for low water and weedy conditions as the spring rolls into summer. Midges, mayflies, caddis-they are all showing up on the menu. Fish the far stripes/slots in the weed lines for the biters. I like a #20-22 para-midge with a 10 foot leader-5X for surface action. Try attractor patterns in...
Owens River Fishing Report 05.13.13
Flows have been bouncing around from 220-260cfs. Pretty sweet for this time of year, you will find some great fly fishing at times in the wild trout section and while drifting with us. This is a plus for a low water year. Strong caddis in the afternoons, we are seeing some sucker fry along the slack water which has made for some good streamer fishing. Take advantage of these low flows this time of year, it is rare to get such warm weather and stable flows...
Owens River Fishing Report 05.13.13
The spring migration has been good for smaller cutthroats and rainbows, just a lack of slammers this season. It has improved since opener and I would venture to say it has peaked, and will begin to decrease the next week or so. I have already seen some hens that have dropped their eggs, and some pretty worn out looking bucks. Water levels are very low on McGee and Convict Creeks, the rest are not even worth looking at. The fish are averaging about 10-12 in...
East Walker River Fishing Report 05.13.13
Flows recently up to near 100cfs. This is still an excellent release for fly fishers and will further spread the fish out into other than just the deepest pools. The mayflies are the story here late morning/early afternoon #18 with a showing of caddis just beginning. MOVE AROUND. The Miracle Mile has been hammered, and although you will still get fish here with freshies in the morning-there is quality water downstream, especially at these new flows. The fi...
Lake Crowley Fishing Report 05.13.13
One of my favorite times of year to fish Crowley is on Mother’s Day Weekend. I have seldom been let down, and this year was no exception. The bite was on all over the lake during the hatch, steady grabs while still water nymphing with a #18 gillie, a crystal pupa or emerger as the upper, with a #16 & 18 crystal copper tiger/zebra midge as your larva pattern. I prefer bright bead heads when the water is clean, go to dark when you see algae here. The chi...
Owens River Fishing Report 05.03.13
Flows have come up to 250cfs in the wild trout section below PV Reservoir. This is by no means a blowout but will make access more difficult. Bishop Creek flows have doubled recently and this will make the lower drift boat sections suck for a day or so until they stabilize & the water clears up. It will also decrease the caddis and mayfly hatches that have begun to gell so do not expect epic top water action in the WT section for a while. Put some additional...
Convict Lake Fishing Report 04.25.13
Alpine Lakes
The 2013 season will be in sharp contrast to those of the past. The initial part of the season will see many lakes that typically have ice and snow, be completely thawed with good access. Upper lakes that are bastions of the ice fishers have rotten ice or have already broken up at the 8800 foot level. The June Lake loop is clear and should be very good with well planted lakes. Convict, Lundy, the Twins in Mammoth and Bridgeport-all ready t...
Lake Crowley Fishing Report 04.25.13
Crowley Lake
I anticipate the best opening week in many years. Factor in incredible weather, good numbers of planted fish=a great day/early season on Crowley. As will be the case in many Sierra waters, Crowley will fish well early this season and may have issues with low water this summer/ fall. Look for navigation hazards around Hilton Pt., Crooked Creek, Sandy Pt. There are reports that say the lake is slowly rising-not true. It is l...
East Walker River Fishing Report 04.25.13
East Walker River
This will be a challenging season on the EW. With the snow pack being below 50% for two winters the EW is suffering for sure. Flows have been bumped to 50cfs as of this report. It has been good on high barometer or overcast days, but if the flows go down further it will be a struggle. Nymphing the deeper pools and runs with crystal olive caddis and zebra midge larva pattern as the lower fly on tandem rig will get you grabs....
Hot Creek Fishing Report 04.25.13
Hot Creek
The warmer weather has increased the flow rates here. Good news. HC is going off right now-go here for the best dry fly fishing in the area. Midge adults, small dark dinky caddis, & PMD mayfly patterns #16. With more water coming down the trout in the “crick” have spread out....
Bridgeport Reservoir Fishing Report 04.25.13
Bridgeport Reservoir
Fish here early this season people. It will be good before the end of July. The Bridge will have GREAT numbers of planted fish this opener and early summer. Low water levels due to the lack of snow pack this season will make it tough to “catch” here after July. Sheep fur patterns are best-speak with Jeffery at the marina about these as he keeps them under lock and key in his trailer…Loebergs, Spruce-A-...
Owens River Fishing Report 04.25.13
Middle Owens River
It has been pretty darn good here. We are enjoying the benefits of well below normal spring time flows. They vacillate between 220 & 240cfs and have done so for nearly a month. Combine this stability with some warm weather and you have consistently good fishing on the Owens River around Bishop CA. This trend should continue for a while, and I suggest that if you have not drifted or fly fished the MO in the spring this...
Owens River Fishing Report 03.11.13
Middle Owens River (MOR)
I will begin calling the river around the Bishop/Big Pine area the “Middle Owens” as requested by the LADWP. We are holding our breath for the big bump in flows here. So far, so good. 150cfs below the dam at Pleasant Valley is sweet for wading and drifting. Solid BWO and some caddis showing in the afternoons. I have even seen some big ole brown drakes on the warmer days. It is going to get very nice...
Owens River Fishing Report 03.11.13
Upper Owens River
Flows have been yo-yoing all winter moving from a high of 160cfs at one point, then dropping to a current rate of 63 cfs. This recent drop has really moved the fish out of the shorter water and into the deepest holes. If numbers are your goal, the UO is not for you right now. Not many small fish here-most have moved back into Crowley Lake which is totally ice free now. If it is a trophy rainbow you seek on your quest-...
Hot Creek Fishing Report 03.13.13
I must say spring on Hot Creek is my favorite time to fish this area. Crowds are generally far less than in the summer and fall, the fish are eager to hit the consistent blue winged olive hatch, and the scenery is second to none. As the weather warms at elevation look for a significant bump in flows here due to the snow melting into Mammoth Creek. This will bring water levels up here and make conditions very good in the near future. Attractors are good choices in the...
East Walker River Fishing Report 03.13.13
The ranchers in Nevada will begin using more water to irrigate and this will begin the increase in flows on this tail water. Flows are back down to a very nice 80 cfs after a little flushing out recently. Many EW addicts have been eagerly waiting for this increase as it spreads the fish out and improves conditions greatly. Look for strong BWO and chironomid hatches. Attractors are a good call during rising water, have some flash in your nymph patterns and keep those...
Pleasant Valley Reservoir Fishing Report 03.13.13
It has slowed down here a little as well; however conditions remain very good in the rez proper and the river section below the power house. If you are not entered in the trout derby on the weekend of 3-16-13 here, you may want to avoid this area. It will be very crowded for a few days. The good news is the CDFW will be stocking the be jeepers outta this place and what is left over should make this a great place to fish the next couple of weeks. The Gorge in the lowe...
Hot Creek Fishing Report 02.06.13
Hot Creek remains good on the warmer days with a huge midge hatch blanketing the water on the high pressure days. Cluster patterns, or #22-24 parachutes that ride in the surface film are good choices for surface action. Flows are good here considering the time of year and the larger fish will be holding in the deepest pools. Redundant drifts while nymphing with, or without an Under- cator will get looks. I like small birds nests, broken back/articulated midge patterns, or...
Pleasant Valley Reservoir Fishing Report 02.06.13
Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Gorge have really picked up the last week as the level at PV has dropped and big numbers of planted and hold overs have migrated up into the transition area and river below the power house. Dry/dropper bead head combos with a good ole tiger midge or Assassin birds nest as your nymphs will put the hurt on the pods feeding on the huge midge and BWO hatches coming off currently. Tubers are also enjoying some good “catching” using the st...
Lower Owens River Fishing Report 02.06.13
The Lower Owens has been very good for numbers with some very pleasant weather recently in the Owens Valley. The LO is much lower in elevation than it’s cousin to the north, consequently it is about 30 days more evolved in aquatic emergences. The blue winged olives are coming off consistently now with the first generations of these critters pretty large. I call them #15′s. When the pop is on you can get grabs on just about anything that floats in the #14-18 ran...
East Walker River Fishing Report 02.06.13
Flows on the East Walker have dropped again to the low 20 cfs range and there is very limited water to fish at this release rate. The majority of the water here is “alotta nada”. The pools that are deepest are holding good numbers of healthy rainbows and browns. No BWO activity in the Cal section yet , Nevada has had a few come off; however it will not be long until the water temps hit that magical low 40′s consistently and the baetis begin to come off in...
Owens River Fishing Report 02.06.13
Fish’N Conditions February 6th 2013
The Upper Owens remains the best for trophy sized rainbows. Chris & Scott Linkletter punished the bigs while fly fishing nymph patterns.
The weather has definitely taken a change for the better in the Eastern Sierra. The frigid air temps that plagued the region have given way to seasonable temperatures. We are enjoying the nice weather but are hopeful we get another bout of winter as the snow pack has slipped to ju...
Lower Owens River Fishing Report 01.27.13
The Lower Owens continues to be the best location for numbers, and you will find much better weather here due to lower elevation. Be prepared for low teens, even single digits at times-air temps come up above freezing most days. Flows are very low and have dipped below 100cfs at the PV dam. Nymphing and streamer fishing are the best methods currently. Midges and smaller mayfly patterns fished in tandem on the deeper runs and pools will get results. You will fin...
East Walker River Fishing Report 01.27.13
The most effective method for winter time fishing on the UO, Hot Creek, & East Walker River is without any doubt nymphing- with or without an indicator. Fish will not move far to take a fly when it is cold and there is little food around so redundant drifts near the bottom using larger, more visible patterns that can trigger a hit more from aggression than hunger. I like flashback bead heads, bird’s nest, SJ worms and egg imitations. Streamers are also a very goo...
Owens River Fishing Report 01.27.13
Fish’N Conditions Updated January 27th 2013
The ice age appears to have ended and we are finally seeing some moderate temperatures returning to the Sierra. Some additional snowfall is forecast to hit the upper elevations with the Owens Valley receiving some much needed rain.
The Upper Owens has been somewhat spotty for the large migratory rainbows that move out of Crowley during the winter months immediately after the severe cold. We are seeing good nu...
Owens River Fishing Report 01.14.13
Fish’N Conditions January 14th 2013
The Upper Owens is the place to be for trophy rainbows on the fly. Mike Wilding shows off a jumbo snow bow he fooled while nymphing recently.
The winter of 2013 will be remembered by the string of days where the temps dip double digits below zero in the upper valleys. Winter is supposed to be cold around here, however this one is turning out to be extraordinary with regards to the consistent low temps throughout t...
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