Hot Creek
Mammoth Lakes · Geothermal Spring Creek
E California, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 10265150. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Hot Creek is running 57 cfs with water temps hitting 82°F — dangerously warm for trout and pushing the limits of what's fishable. PMDs are hatching in peak numbers, but with water this hot, fish are severely stressed and feeding windows are compressed to dawn and dusk only. Sierra Bright Dot reports active mayfly feeding, but the geothermal creek's usual temperature stability has been overwhelmed by the heat wave. Fish very early or very late, use barbless hooks, and consider skipping midday sessions entirely until temps drop.
- Flow: 57 cfs — perfect flow for wading, but water temps are the real concern limiting fishing windows
- Hatches: PMDs emerging in peak numbers, size #16-18. Focus PMD Comparaduns and Sparkle Duns during brief feeding windows
- Water Temp: 82°F — critically warm for trout. Fish are stressed, feeding minimally, and vulnerable to mortality from fighting
- Best Window: Dawn until 7am, then evening after 7pm only. Avoid midday fishing entirely until temps moderate
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Spring Creek
- Best months: Year-round; peak Apr–Oct
Hot Creek near Mammoth Lakes in eastern California is a geothermal spring creek of distinctive character — warm springs maintain consistent temperatures that produce dense aquatic insect populations and selective wild brown and rainbow trout. The fishing is technical in the extreme: glassy spring-creek runs, fine tippets, and educated fish that have seen everything. Midges, BWO, and caddis hatches dominate the year-round insect activity. The Hot Creek Geothermal Area's hot springs make swimming a cautionary note alongside the fishing.
Hot Creek is one of the few significant geothermal spring creeks in the United States — warm springs maintain trout-friendly temperatures even in mid-summer when surrounding California waters become too warm to support coldwater fish.
January Outlook
January on Hot Creek near Mammoth Lakes. The geothermal spring creek maintains 52–60°F year-round — fishing is possible even when Mammoth Mountain is buried in snow. Midges and Baetis produce in the bubble lanes.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Midge Pupa
Tips
Hot Creek in January is one of the most unique winter fly fishing experiences in California. The geothermal bubbling keeps the creek open and clear while snow covers the surrounding landscape. Catch-and–release only. Approach on hands and knees to avoid spooking large fish in glassy water.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–60°F year-round from geothermal springs. Remarkable winter conditions.
February Outlook
February midge fishing on Hot Creek with snow surrounding the geothermal spring creek. The unique thermal bubble lanes produce large, selective rainbows.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
February on Hot Creek is extraordinary — the creek is open and warm while Mammoth Mountain receives feet of snow. The bubble lanes concentrate fish in predictable lies year-round. Fish from distance with long leaders.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Geothermal consistency through California's snowiest months.
March Outlook
March on Hot Creek with early Baetis activity. The Owens Valley begins transitioning to spring but the geothermal spring creek is consistent regardless of season.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Midge Dry
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
March is when Hot Creek's Baetis hatch begins in earnest. The fish are large and extremely selective — the most technical trout water in California. Long leaders, 7X tippet, and careful presentations are mandatory.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Early Baetis activity in March. The Owens Valley spring is arriving.
April Outlook
April spring on Hot Creek. PMD and Callibaetis hatches begin in April on the geothermal spring creek near Mammoth Lakes. Large rainbows rising to dry flies.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Callibaetis Nymph
- Baetis Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is when Hot Creek's reputation as a technical dry fly fishery becomes apparent. PMD and Baetis hatches produce consistent afternoon rises from fish that average 18–22 inches. The Hot Creek Ranch section is permit-only — the public section below is productive.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Excellent spring conditions.
May Outlook
Hot Creek is a world-famous catch-and-release spring creek near Mammoth Lakes. The geothermal springs create unique conditions for large rainbow trout.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Baetis Dun
- Midge Pupa
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Hot Creek is fly-fishing-only and catch-and-release. The fish are large and extremely selective. The geothermal water creates unique fly presentation challenges — the 'bubble lanes' concentrate fish.
Water Notes
Stable geothermal spring creek flows 30–100 cfs. Water 52–60°F year-round due to geothermal inputs. Unique thermal spring creek.
June Outlook
Excellent early summer fishing on Hot Creek. PMDs and Callibaetis produce rising fish in the clear geothermal water.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Cripple
- Callibaetis
- Extended Body PMD
- RS2
Tips
Approach very carefully — the fish see constant pressure and are extremely spooky. Fish from a distance with long leaders. The 'Ranch' section is private and permit-only.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–60°F. The geothermal effect keeps the creek very consistent.
July Outlook
Summer on Hot Creek with Callibaetis and terrestrial fishing. The geothermal creek stays cooler than the surrounding Owens Valley. Midday activity requires terrestrials when hatches slow.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun
- Ant (small)
- Beetle
- PMD Cripple
Tips
The Hot Creek canyon provides some shade from the intense Owens Valley summer sun. Fish early mornings for the best conditions. The geothermal temperature stays consistent but air temps can be intense on the exposed sections.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–60°F year-round. Summer sun is intense on the creek. Fish mornings.
August Outlook
August on Hot Creek with terrestrials and Callibaetis in the geothermal spring setting. The creek maintains its 52–60°F temperature while the surrounding Owens Valley bakes.
Productive Patterns
- Ant (size 20)
- Beetle
- Callibaetis Cripple
- Midge
Tips
August on Hot Creek is about early mornings and terrestrials. The geothermal water is the most stable in California but the canyon setting in August sun is hot. Fish the first two hours of daylight for the best results.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Peak summer in the Owens Valley. Fish mornings. Geothermal consistency continues.
September Outlook
Fall Baetis hatches on Hot Creek. The fish are very active heading into fall.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- PMD Cripple
- RS2
- Midge
Tips
September and October are outstanding on Hot Creek with reliable BWO hatches. The fish are well-fed from summer and very large.
Water Notes
Stable flows. Water 52–58°F. Geothermal spring creek year-round consistency.
October Outlook
October is Hot Creek's finest month. Reliable BWO hatches and large fish in peak condition. The Owens Valley in fall light is magnificent.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- PMD Cripple
- Callibaetis
- RS2
Tips
October Hot Creek fishing is the best of the year. BWO hatches from 1–4pm on overcast afternoons produce consistent surface feeding. Fish are at maximum size from summer feeding. The lowest fishing pressure of any month.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Outstanding fall conditions. Prime Hot Creek month.
November Outlook
November on Hot Creek as Mammoth Mountain season begins. The geothermal spring creek continues fishing excellently while the ski lifts start turning. The Owens Valley in fall is beautiful.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
November is excellent at Hot Creek — the skiers are arriving at Mammoth but the creek is quiet. Late BWO hatches continue. The geothermal consistency makes November indistinguishable from September in terms of fishing quality.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Consistent conditions as ski season begins above.
December Outlook
December on Hot Creek with Mammoth Mountain in full ski season. The geothermal spring creek is open and fishing while snow surrounds. A remarkable winter experience.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Midge Pupa
Tips
A day on Hot Creek sandwiched between Mammoth ski days is one of California's great winter multi-sport experiences. The geothermal creek is open and clear even when the surrounding landscape is deep in snow. Catch-and-release only year-round.
Water Notes
Stable 30–100 cfs. Water 52–60°F year-round. December geothermal consistency — the creek looks identical to August.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–24 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella infrequens |
Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #16–18 |
|
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. |
Aug, Sep | Jul, Aug, Sep | #22–26 |
|
Access & Approach
Mammoth Lakes, CA is the primary base. Public access at Hot Creek Hatchery and downstream pull-offs along Hot Creek Hatchery Road. California fishing license required. Catch-and-release / artificial-only regulations apply.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Golden Trout Guiding Co
- Sierra Bright Dot
- Sierra Trout Magnet
Regulations & License
Fishing in California requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
California fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Hot Creek conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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