Cresting the dirt rise from the parking on the south side of the canyon, the view comes into focus. The east side of the Sierra Nevada reveals its massive snow-covered flanks. A thin ribbon of clear water S-turns its way through the small canyon. Thick matts of bright green vegetation waving in the gentle current cover the streambed.
Small rainbow and big brown trout leave gentle ripples at the surface. Wisps of steam rise from the edges and occasional sulfur-smelling bubbles plop from muddy spots on the bank.
This is Hot Creek, a unique geologic site that’s as impressive for its natural beauty as its high quality and highly technical fishing.
The area’s geology has, unfortunately, attracted interest from mining companies that are ready to bore into the mineral-rich soil. This drilling could affect the maze of hot and cold water subterranean aquifers and springs that give this small stream its ecologic balance.
Fortunately, a strong local effort and work by Trout Unlimited and other nonprofits will help permanently protect this fishery.
Where is Hot Creek?
Hot Creek is situated on California’s eastern edge in the Long Valley Caldera, about 15 minutes from the town of Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Creek begins high in the Sierra before meeting the warm geothermal springs just east of Highway 395, which give that section the name Hot Creek. The creek ends in the Upper Owens River a few miles before the Owens’ terminus in Crowley Lake.
Hot Creek Geologic Site, with its incredible views, is one of the most common public access points. While the private land of Hot Creek Ranch (upstream of the canyon section and the geologic site) is available only to guests of the ranch and is limited almost exclusively to dry fly fishing, there is additional access near Highway 395 at the Interpretive Site and from the Upper Owens River.
Why Go There?
Without a doubt, one of the main draws of Hot Creek is the area’s unique geology. Hot water and steam, pressurized beneath the earth’s surface, mix with the cold stream water. On calm, freezing days, thick layers of fog-like steam hang over much of the canyon and blanket the Upper Owens River Valley. Mineral-rich rock walls mark the hottest springs, which can spontaneously gurgle like tiny geysers.
Because the water temperatures around these springs can change rapidly, no swimming in or near Hot Creek is allowed. Those looking to soak in the warm waters of a hot spring should look just down the road for the many hand-built pools off Benton Crossing Road.
The other big draw to the area is fishing. With a relatively stable flow and consistent year-round water temperatures that allow trout to grow quickly, Hot Creek hosts a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout. Big and very picky browns hide in the weeds, occasionally sipping small flies or tiny midges. The shallow water and easily spooked fish make it a challenging spot to fly fish, but some dedicated anglers love the test.
“Once you crack the code, Hot Creek is easy to fish,” said Fred Rowe of Sierra Bright Dot, who’s guided in the Mammoth area for over 50 years. “But cracking the code is very, very hard.”
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife requires the use of barbless, artificial lures and flies. There is a zero-take limit.
What do I need?
Hot Creek is a notoriously finicky fishery. The fish stick specifically to what’s hatching and will even be picky during the hatch. Knowledge, like knowing the difference between male and female tricos, is your friend at Hot Creek.
Because hatches happen frequently, the bugs are small. Flies are often in the small to tiny class and include many of the classics. For dries, size 20 blue-wing olives, size 20 Adams and size 16 elk hair caddis are all staples on Hot Creek. Small nymphs like midges and pheasant tails can produce, according to several local guides. Review the many fishing reports of the area for the latest information on what’s hatching.
Four to six-weight rods are more than sufficient, and some may prefer even lighter and shorter tackle. With such easily spooked fish, expect to use no greater than 5x tippet and more likely 6x fluorocarbon or even 7x monofilament.
The main goal, like many small, clear water fisheries, is a subtle presentation and a completely drag-free drift.
“This is the one place I use 6x and at times will use 7x,” said Rowe. “The heavier tippet can cause micro drag that we don’t see and they won’t take.”
Road access to Hot Creek is limited. During winter, heavy snow and ice will entirely block vehicle access. As spring thaws the snowpack, mud, puddles and deep ruts can make driving to parking spots difficult. Usually by mid-May, the Hot Creek Geologic site is accessible. Most area shops offer fishing reports and can provide information about road conditions.
Once parked, visitors and anglers have to walk. Trails along the stream are well trodden. Before walking close to the water, keep in mind that the fish are extremely wary, so keep a low profile. Wading is not banned but is generally unnecessary due to the small size of the creek and is frowned upon because of the sensitive nature of the weed beds and stream bottom as well as concerns over invasive species.
What are the current threats?
After being shut down in 2024, a Canadian mining company plans to build an exploratory gold mine less than one third of a mile from Hot Creek. Despite opposition from numerous organizations and the vast majority of local stakeholders, including the fishing community, the Forest Service is likely to grant a categorical exclusion to the mine, meaning the project will not need to go through an environmental analysis nor public comment period.
The mine’s deep drilling threatens the sensitive and complex underground hydrology of the area and could easily disrupt the balance of cold and hot water that allows for productive habitat.
Trout Unlimited is working with several agencies and nonprofits to secure long-term protection for Hot Creek through an Outstanding National Resource Water designation. In partnership with No Hot Creek Mine, TU is also building a coalition of businesses that oppose development in the area.
“Hot Creek is one of California’s most unique fisheries, and it deserves to have permanent protection for the generations of anglers who’ve enjoyed it and will continue to visit.” said Dan Johnson, TU California and Nevada public lands manager.
Protect Hot Creek
If you are an outdoor business in California, sign up for the Hot Creek Mine Business Coalition.