California Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Eastern Sierra Region
Crowley Lake south of Mammoth is the Eastern Sierra's big trout factory, with fat rainbows and browns that grow on midges and perch fry.
Looking for the latest Crowley Lake river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Crowley Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Crowley Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Heads up: Many Eastern Sierra waters have a seasonal closure in mid-November. Check CDFW for Crowley's season dates before you go.
Wind forecast
Crowley Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The season is near its end, and big browns are cruising the shallows and the Owens River arm.
Strip streamers and perch-fry patterns along the weed edges, or hang chironomids in the bays.
Stocking report
See the CDFW fish planting schedule for the latest stocking at Crowley Lake and other California waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Crowley Lake, bring: Zebra Midge #14-18, Mini Leech #8-10, Woolly Bugger #6-10, Sparkle Minnow #6, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Crowley Lake lake details
| Access | Crowley Lake Fish Camp and shoreline access off US-395. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,800 ft |
| Nearest town | Mammoth Lakes, California |
| Best season | Late spring through fall |
| Fish | Rainbows, browns, cutthroat and perch |
| Regulations | Special seasons and limits apply. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 to 12 ft leaders, 4X to 5X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Closed in winter. |
| Camping | Crowley Lake campground (BLM) |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Afternoon wind is strong. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Closed.
Spring
Opening day and chironomids.
Summer
Midges and callibaetis.
Fall
Big browns and perch fry.
How to get there
From Mammoth Lakes, take US-395 south to the Crowley Lake exits.