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Suggested Hoot-Owl Closures

“Many of our inland fisheries that rely on cold water habitat will likely be significantly impacted in the short and long term,” said CDFW Inland Fisheries Manager Roger Bloom. “California’s drought cycles have required us to learn to manage fisheries with extreme variations in water flows. The last drought resulted in significant effects to fisheries that took years to recover from. We hope the self-imposed Hoot Owl restrictions by anglers will help mitigate those effects.” 

When Do Hoot-Owl Restrictions Happen?

When water temperatures goes over 67 degrees for consecutive days.

 

Why Do Hoot-Owl Closures Help?

When water temps go above 67 degrees it puts a ton of stress on Trout, Kind of like us if we had to live outside when is 100 degrees without shade. So when a fish is caught in water temps above 67 they run a much high risk of dying from being over stress and lack of oxygen. That can result in hundreds or even thousands of fish being killed and ruining a great fishery for years to come.

 

Can I Still Fish?

Yes but Hoot-Owl closure suggests that you fish when the Owls would be out. So that would be in the cooler parts of the day, Early in the morning and late in the evening. We suggest fishing from Grey Light to about 12pm then you can fish the last hour at sunset. BUT we always suggest that you check water temps before fishing just in case.

 

California Hoot-Owl Restrictions

Lower Owens River

Upper Owens River

Hot Creek

Mill Creek

Lower Rush Creek

Bridgeport Reservoir

Deep Creek

Crowley Lake

Truckee River

Other Species to Fish For

Corbina

If you live in Southern California and have not fished for Corbina then you’re missing out. You can go sight fishing in the surf and you can be back home for lunch. Not mention that the more you target Corbina the more it will help you become a better angler, especially with trout. Check out our blog on our Favorite Corbina Flies or stop in and will be more than happy to help.

 

Carp

This one is one of my personal favorites, the redneck bonefish. There’s probably a good carp fishery with in 30 mins of you house. No other fish will help out your accuracy or reading of the fish more than a carp. Check out our 10 Best Carp Fly Blog to get you going in the right Direction.

 

Bass

A top water take from a bass will make change how you look at a trout sipping a dry fly. Or let’s say you only have a 5wt and a limited area to cast or your having a hard time casting the bigger flies. Then give a try with a Balanced Leech/Baitfish Rig for Bass. Check out our blog on Balanced Leeches for Bass.

 

Bays

One of the most untouched fisheries in Southern California. Most of all our Bays fish very well and even have great shore access so you don’t even need a boat to take advantage of these fisheries.

 

Back Country Trout

While most lower elevation fisheries will be too warm to fish the high elevation/back country lakes can be a great option to enjoy the mountains and trout fishing. Just make sure to check local regulations and water temps before you go fishing.

Additional Links 

Department of Fish and Wildlife

CalTrout

Trout Unlimited