Crowley Lake
Guided fly fishing on Crowley Lake is a great experience for beginner to advanced anglers alike. Fly fishing Crowley Lake presents plenty of opportunity to dial in your skillset. For the beginner fisherman this setting will provide ample opportunities at hooking & fighting fish which will help you to hone in on a foundation of skills that will transfer over into all other aspects of fly fishing. Many guests are often surprised at the success a first timer can experience on a guided fly fishing trip to Crowley Lake.
For an advanced angler this fishery will keep you entertained. With a large population of trout averaging 16"-22" you will not be disappointed. The lake holds rainbow, brown & cutthroat trout that will keep your rod bent throughout the day.
Crowley Lake is a reservoir on the upper Owens River located just 15 miles South of Mammoth Lakes. The lake was created in 1941 by the building of the Long Valley Dam as water storage and flood control for the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Since this time Crowley Lake has become know as one of the best still-water fisheries in the state of California and the best fishing experience in the Mammoth Lakes area.
The location of this lake is what creates a perfect environment for trout to thrive. Located at an ideal altitude of 6800' the water remains cool during the warm summer months yet it keeps it from entering a deep freeze throughout the winter. Crowley lake has an ideal Ph which is extremely important for aquatic insect to thrive. Chironomids, Perch Fry (Sacramento Perch), Damsels & Calibeatis are the main diet for the fish that live in Crowley Lake. Crowley has multiple fresh water sources that enter its shoreline providing cool water, nutrients and an ever essential oxygen source to this desert oasis, McGee Creek, Crooked Creek, Hilton Creek & the Upper Owens River flow into this body of water.
Multiple species are found in Crowley Lake; Von Behr & Lock Laven strains of brown trout; Kamloop, Eagle Lake & Coleman strains of rainbows & Lahontan Cutthroat, averaging 16"-22". A big fish is in the 23"-25" range and we see these often. These fish will reproduce in the streams that flow into the lake providing opportunities to catch wild trout. After August 1st there are restricted fishing regulations implemented to protect the large number of small trout that are stocked in the Fall, upwards of 500,000 trout are stocked annually. After August 1st the lake goes to barbless artificial, with a two fish limit 18" or bigger. This restricts tactics to primarily fly fishing or trolling and since we practice catch and release it provides trout with the perfect opportunity to grow healthy and large. Growth rate can be as much as 8" per year.
With plenty of angling opportunities Crowley Lake is the perfect environment for the beginner to advanced angler alike. With our guide service everything is provided to ensure your trip is as easy and enjoyable as possible. Don't hesitate to book your guided trip with Wild Fly Anglers and see what Crowley Lake is all about.