California Fishing Reports ยท Eastern Sierra Region
Hot Creek is a small, spring-fed creek near Mammoth with lots of wild browns and rainbows and thick weed beds.
Looking for the latest Hot Creek 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 Hot Creek (Ranch to the Gorge).
Current flows
There is no live gauge on this stretch. Check nearby gauges on the California fishing reports page.
Wind forecast
Hot Creek fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
There is no live gauge on this stretch. Spring flows keep it steady and clear.
Small BWO and midge patterns on long leaders. Many Eastern Sierra waters have seasonal closures in mid-November, so check the regulations.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Hot Creek Ranch to the Gorge, bring: JuJu Baetis #18-22, Zebra Midge #18-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-20, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Hot Creek details
| Access | Hot Creek Hatchery Road and the Hot Creek Geologic Site off US-395. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Mammoth Lakes, California |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Wild brown and rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Special catch-and-release rules 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 | 12 ft leaders, 6X tippet |
| Camping | Mammoth Lakes-area campgrounds |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Stay out of the hot springs area. It is dangerous. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Check the season.
Spring
BWOs.
Summer
Caddis and PMDs.
Fall
BWOs.
How to get there
From Mammoth Lakes, take US-395 south to Hot Creek Hatchery Road.