Front Country Freestones

There are a gaggle of freestone streams in Inyo and Mono counties and most of them contain wild trout, as well as stocked rainbows at the campgrounds and reservoirs. The majority of these streams contain wild brown, rainbow, brook and golden trout in the high elevation streams and lakes.

We are in the “Post Runoff’ stage of the season. The flow surge has receded and many of the freestone streams have gone from raging torrent, to clear, gentle runs. The fish get very spooky this time of year as they have been fished over all season. Approach the stream slowly, stay low and make your first casts count. My first instinct is to target the deepest parts of the stream tat offer more refuge but you may find them in the riffles trying to get oxygen in streams that get warmer.

It is also a good time for backcountry stillwater. Summer vacation is over, most of the crowds have gone and it is beautiful in the mountains.

The terrestrial patterns have been doing it, especially black ants and beetles!

Guide Tip- Hide that leader! I wouldn’t fish anything heavier than 6x for standard dries and nymphs, if they act skittish, in fact it is a great opportunity to get comfortable with 7x.

FLIES-

Green Mosquito #16-20, Royal Wulff #10-16, Black Ant #10-18, Winged Ant #16-20, Missing Link Caddis #14-18, Stimulators #10-16, Griffiths Gnat #14-18, Humpies #12-18

Zebra/Tiger Midge #18-22, Hares Ears and Pheasant Tails #10-18, Copper Johns #14-18, Sparlke Pupas #14-18, Telico Nymphs #12-18, Pats Rubber Legs #8-14, San Juan Worms #12-16

Woolley Buggers #8-10, Twin Lakes Special #6-10, Semi-seal Leech #8-10