Independence Area Fishing: January 2008 Archives

Name of river: Owens River / Tinnemaha Reservoir to Big Pine

Road condition:   Paved     

Region: Between Independence and Big Pine

Description: The Owens River in this area is turbid with a sandy bottom; summer temperatures exceed the critical temperature highs in the low 70’s.  Temperatures here can reach to the high 80’s. Although upwards of 4500 trout are planted in the spring and early summer, the water is more habitable for catfish and Largemouth bass.

Species: Stocked Rainbows, catfish, bluegills and Largemouth bass along with some hearty wild trout populations scattered in temperature safe havens.

Closest town or supplies: Independence

Contacts:

Nearest campground:

Fishing season: General       

Tips:

Favorite lures or bait:

Favorite fly patterns:

Stocking information: Early season plants of Rainbow trout

Nearby fishing: Independence Creek, Big Pine Creek

Additional information: The reservoir offers only fair fishing. A trail follows the river from the reservoir downstream.

Directions:  Follow the road signs to Tinnemaha Reservoir, which is about six miles south of Big Pine.

Map Courtesy of mytopo.com.

Name of creek: Independence Creek

Road condition:   Paved     

Region: Mt. Whitney Ranger District   Drainage: Onion Valley Trailhead

Description: A very small and shallow creek

Species: Stocked Rainbow

Closest town or supplies: Independence

Contacts: Mt. Whitney Ranger District (760) 876-6200; http://www.independence-ca.com/; Slater’s Sporting Goods in Lone Pine, (760) 876-5020;  Inyo County Parks and Recreation (760) 878-0292.

Nearest campground: Independence County Campground; Goodale Creek Campground; Gray’s Meadow Campground;

Fishing season: (See Southern California Trout Season)    

Tips:

Favorite lures or bait: Most Sierra creeks are too small to fish effectively with lures and spinners.  Your best bet is to poke and dab using salmon eggs or worms or Power Bait.  Small weighted jig patterns, especially grubs and very small tube worms work very well, and do not over look live terrestrials if they are allowed.  If you are partial to lures bring along small Panther-Martins in a variety of colors. (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Lures and Bait)

Favorite fly patterns: Using a poke and dab presentation, small Woolly Buggers, Girdle Bugs, Yuk Bugs and terrestrial patterns always work well on creeks.  Dry fly patterns include Royal Wulffs, Parachute Adams, Humpies, Renegades, Stimulators, hoppers, ants, beetles and sometimes a Bead-head San Juan Worm. (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Fly Patterns and Techniques.  Also read the article on fishing creeks if you are new to the sport of angling.)

Stocking information: 30,000+

Nearby fishing: Lone Pine Creek

Additional informatio

n: Stocking is most heavy at Gray’s Meadow and at creek crossings.

Directions: From Highway 395 in Independence, turn left (west) on Market Street.  Drive ½ mile to the Independence County Campground.  From the campground, turn west on Creek Road and drive 2.5 miles to the creek and campgrounds.

Map courtesy of mytopo.com.