A Photo of the Float by Marcus Bradley

On Tuesday, I floated the East Truckee River, with recent TFFO Guide School Graduates, Marcus Bradley and Seth Hofland. While water was high flowing at 654 cfs and slightly stained. We still hooked 9 fish and were able to land 4 of them, all about 12-16″ on the indicator, we did hook two larger fish but like typically Truckee River Steel, they took large runs and came unbutton with head shakes. We had one follow on a streamer but no takes. While Run-off has started, flows are still at a good level to fish and catch fish!! Float Guide Trips are available…. and if you have never floated I highly recommend it!

Fishing Report for the Truckee River and Little Truckee River, East and West Walker Rivers, West and East Carson Rivers, and many Tahoe area Stillwaters. Updated May 2, 2012!  

We offer guided fly fishing year round on the Carson, Truckee and Walker Rivers.  Caples, Red Lake, Spooner Lake, Indian Creek Reservoir and Boca Reservoir as well.

East Carson River Fishing Report – Currently flowing at 650+ CFS.  May 2, 2012

Both sections of the East Carson are now Open 

Above Hangman’s Bridge the Run-off has started but fish can still be caught.  Running heavy nymph rigs can produce fish, with San Juan Worms, Glow Bugs, Copper Johns and Stonefly Nymphs! Also running a streamer during these high water times can produce fish as well.  The stocked sections around the bridges and the Carson River Resort have been fishing well for Rainbows and a great way to wet a line and get warmed up for the season.  The Nevada sections tend to fish the best during the winter months and on occasion NDOW stocks fish in the lower river and below the Broken Dam.  If they do, it can be fun to stick a few fish and keep the cobwebs off your cast! 

The catch and release section below Hangman’s Bridge is a tougher fish at this time and should start to get more fishable after the run-off slows.  Not as many stocked fish in this section which is what is making the upper section fishable.  Look for flows below 600 CFS for good access on foot but should fish well with access from a raft starting in the 1000 CFS range.  We have not reached full run-off mode yet but it should really kick in soon.  Check the flows, check the flows and check the flows!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  

 West Carson River Fishing Report – Currently at 200+ CFS and rising.

The West Carson River Is now open and water is high, but still fishable. The river has been stocked, fish are being caught Nymphing: S J worms, Stoneflies and Copper Johns and on Streamers: White, Black buggers, White Muddy Buddies.  Fish the sections around the bridges which is where the fish will be congregating after being dumped from a truck! 

West Walker River Fishing Report- Currently flows are at 550+ CFS. 

The California sections along hwy 395 have fished well for the opener as well as the sections above the highway.  Lots of fish have been planted which makes for a good time for those that like an easier fishery!  Flows are getting high but the fish usually eat well until it completely blows out with Run-Off.  Try Buggers, Eggs and brightly colored Streamers!

The Nevada sections can be fun and stay open all year.  Try the Hoye Canyon section above Wellington or the Wilson Canyon section below Smith Valley.  Look for warmer, cloudy days for a good Baetis hatch!  Another fun winter fishery is the Tube below Topaz Lake which can hold some pretty nice fish as well as stockers from NDOW.  These sections will fish ok; waters are starting to cloud up with the higher water, until the Run-Off really kicks in!

East Walker River Fishing Report- Flows are 100+ CFS. May 2nd, 2012

CA section:  The Miracle Mile is still fishing well with Midges and Baetis below and above the surface. Caddis Nymphs are starting to move around and the fish are starting to look for them.  Some of the more fun days have been fishing dries!  Occasionally the fish will take a Stone Nymph up high but mostly once you get below the bridge in the pocket water sections.  Big Stone Dries have been working as well but once again down lower in the pocket water sections.  Where it was fishing in the first ¼ mile most of the winter the fish have now spread out and the whole river is holding fish.  Get away form the crowds and fish the roadside spots all through California.  Streamer fishing is also picking up with the water temperatures increasing.  Dead drift or with action and white tends to be a good color.

Nevada section: The Rosachi Ranch section has been very fishable for a few weeks now and should continue to fish well into the spring.  It looks like the flows will stay down for most of May which bodes well for Nevada fishing.  The Skwala Stones have been fishing well with these flows and streamer fishing has been incredible.  The Baetis hatches have been filled in on the cloudy days especially and the fish have been eating them well throughout the middle of the day.   Wait for the afternoons to fish the Stone Dries for best results.  And always finish your day with a bit of Streamer fishing!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  We have been guiding and fishing the EW quite a bit lately and producing numerous fish days!

Little Truckee River Fishing Report- Flows are 230+ CFS.  May 2^nd, 2012

We are coming into the best part of the season for the LT.  The Midges and Caddies are going as well.  Caddis have been coming off mid-day, keep a look out for the March Browns to fill in any day now if not already working.   Midge, Baetis, and Caddis Nymphs and Emergers are working great.  Sight casting for eating fish can be a lot of fun!  Please try and stay away from the spawning fish and out of their Redds.

Guides Available call (530-541-8208)  

Truckee River (Ca) Fishing Report- Flows on the Truckee are above 325 CFS near the town of Truckee and 640+ CFS below Boca Bridge.  May 2^nd, 2012

Open above the 267 Bridge.  Should fish well with low flows coming out of Tahoe but watch out for the Run-Off which will blow everything below Squaw Creek.  June is a better month for this section of river.

Year round section below 267.    Fishing has been Ok over the past few weeks with Stones, Baetis and Midges should continue to fish with a heavy nymph rig until Run-Off kicks in full gear.  Streamers have taken a few fish.  Skwala Nymphs are all over and the fish are on them.  

Truckee River (Nv) Fishing Report- Flows on the Truckee in Nevada are 600-700+ CFS.

The fishing has slowed but fish can still be caught  as long as the flows don’t go crazy.  Stones, Baetis, Caddis have been getting fish. Look for the fish to mover closer to the banks with the higher flows.  Streamer fishing has been getting fish but you’re looking for a few grabs and those grab could be big!!  Golden Stone Nymphs, Baetis Nymphs.  Big Black or White Streamers are always worth trying for the big eat!

Flows are still good for floating!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  Learn it and Love it!  We will be doing a limited amount of float trips on the Truckee this Spring, please call for details.

Tahoe Area Stillwaters:  May 2^nd, 2012

Pyramid Lake- TheLake is up 5 feet and in most normal areas it’s hard to reach the Shelf, Water temps are in the low to mid 50 degrees. Some fish are cruising the shoreline in pre-spawn. Look to cloudy and windy days for the better fishing and look for the deeper water to find fish. Stripping buggers in black, white and olive, Also beetles have been getting fish on the beaches. Indicator fishing flies in the size 8 to 14 range running between 8 to 10 ft. down.  Fish early or fish late or look for the wind to come up for best fishing!

Indian Creek Reservoir – The fishing has really taken off lately with numerous big fish caught and released.  Buggers in Black, Olive and or Brown have been working well.  The Blood Midges are working as well and look for fish taking them off of the surface!  Full sinking lines from a float tube have produced the best results.  Fish a bugger followed by a Blood Midge Nymph.  The Calibaetis will start to show soon as well as Damsels.   Should be fun for awhile until the fish get taken out.

Caples Lake – Still has ice on it but not really that great for Ice Fishing.  Starting to open up in a few small areas but not quite fishable yet for Ice-Out.  Probably going to thaw by Mid-May.  Look for the inlet area to fish earlier than it has as well as a few spots around the dams.  Streamers, Streamers and more Streamers when it gets fishable. 

Red Lake Fishing Report- Still has ice on it but not really that great for Ice Fishing.  Should open up sometime in May for Ice-Out. 

Silver Lake fishing report- Check the Ice for safety! Ice-Out should be in early May if not sooner! 

Spooner Lake Fishing Report- The Lake is thawed and there are numerous fish in the lake!  Water is cold but the fishing should get better as the temps come up.  Leeches, Buggers, Blood Midges andWorms will work the best!  Float tubing is the way to go.

Guides Available call (530-541-8208). 

Marlette Lake Fishing Report- Closed until this summer!

Blue Lakes Fishing Report- Still frozen but we should be able to get out there by the end of May this year!

We have offered guiding on most of these waters for over 15 years. The shop is fully stocked with all the latest equipment and flies needed to fish the Eastern Sierra and more. Call 530-541-8208 or stop by the shop for more info. We will be updating our fishing report often so check www.tahoeflyfishing.com/blog for the most up to date reports!

Get out and fish!

Great start to our guide school….. Students met the guides and each other first time in the morning. Fish tales were told, stories were swapped and everyone was ready to get the week started on a positive note. We were stoked with the marketing presentation by Megan Murray. She exceeded our expectations and gave the students as well as the lead guides some awesome info and direction. I know I learned a ton of useful marketing techniques and strategies.
Then it was off to the West Fork of the Carson for some good old fashion spring conditions fishing. Between the extreme wind gusts, 40 degree water temps and the onslaught of angling pressure from the  recent opening weekend, we did manage to land a few Lahontan  Cutthroat, which was cool.  Moral was high as the crew left the river. More good times to come!!!

Brendan Burnside
Head Guide/ TFFO

Fishing Report for the Truckee River and Little Truckee River, East and West Walker Rivers, West and East Carson Rivers, and many Tahoe area Stillwaters. Updated April 14th, 2012

We offer guided fly fishing year round on the Carson, Truckee and Walker Rivers.  Caples, Red Lake, Spooner Lake, Indian Creek Reservoir and Boca Reservoir as well.

East Carson River Fishing Report – Currently flowing at 200+ CFS.  April 14th, 2012

Now closed above Hangman’s Bridge until April 28th 2012!

The Catch and Release section below (down stream) of Hangman’s Bridge: Open all year! 

 As the temperatures come up further in April, the fishing can get good again between stormy days and run-off days.  The fish are there but really lethargic and you will have to put the fly on their nose for them to eat.  Midges and Baetis as well as glow bugs and Stonefly Nymphs!  The Nevada sections tend to fish the best during the winter months and on occasion NDOW stocks fish in the lower river and below the Broken Dam.  If they do, it can be fun to stick a few fish and keep the cobwebs off your cast!  As the waters rise this spring, the streamer fishing should be good.

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  

 West Carson River Fishing Report – Currently at 50+ CFS and rising.

Opening on the 28^th of April and it might be good early if we do not get a bunch of snow between now and then!  Stonefly Nymphs, Buggers and Glow Bugs will be the best bet!  Look for the stocked fish under or around the bridges for the best activity and stockers love the Bugger!

West Walker River Fishing Report- Currently flows are at 95+ CFS. 

Might be a little on the high side for the opener on the 28^th of April but the fish usually eat well until it completely blows out with Run-Off.  Try Buggers, Eggs and brightly colored Streamers!

The Nevada sections can be fun and stay open all year.  Try the Hoye Canyon section above Wellingtonor the Wilson Canyon section below SmithValley.  Look for warmer, cloudy days for a good Baetis hatch!  Another fun winter fishery is the Tube below Topaz Lake which can hold some pretty nice fish as well as stockers from NDOW.  These sections will fish ok until the Run-Off kicks in!

East Walker River Fishing Report- Flows are 80+ CFS. April 14^th, 2012

CA section:  The Miracle Mile is still fishing well with Midges and Baetis below and above the surface.  Some of the more fun days have been fishing dries!  Occasionally the fish will take a Stone Nymph up high but mostly once you get below the bridge in the pocket water sections.  Big Stone Dries have been working as well but once again down lower in the pocket water sections.  Where it was fishing in the first ¼ mile most of the winter the fish have now spread out and the whole river is holding fish.  Get away form the crowds and fish the roadside spots all through California.  Streamer fishing is also picking up with the water temperatures increasing.  Dead drift or with action and white tends to be a good color.

Nevada section: The Rosachi Ranch section has been very fishable for a few weeks now and should continue to fish well into the spring.  It looks like the flows will stay down for most of April and into May which bodes well forNevada fishing.  The Skwala Stones have been fishing well with these flows and streamer fishing has been incredible.  The Baetis hatches have been filled in on the cloudy days especially and the fish have been eating them well throughout the middle of the day.   Wait for the afternoons to fish the Stone Dries for best results.  And always finish your day with a bit of Streamer fishing!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  We have been guiding and fishing the EW quite a bit lately and producing numerous fish days!

Little Truckee River Fishing Report- Flows are 150+ CFS.  April 14th, 2012

We are coming into the best part of the season for the LT.  The Baetis are going as well as the Midges.  The Winter Stones are waning and keep a look out for the March Browns to fill in any day now if not already working.   Baetis Nymphs and Emergers work great this time of the year.  Sight casting for eating fish can be a lot of fun!  Please try and stay away from the spawning fish and out of their Redds.

Guides Available call (530-541-8208)  

Truckee River (Ca) Fishing Report- Flows on the Truckee are above 160 CFS near the town of Truckee and 450+ CFS below Boca Bridge.  April 14th, 2012

Closed above the 267 Bridge.  Opening day is the 28^th of April!  Should fish well with low flows coming out of Tahoe but watch out for the Run-Off which will blow everything below Squaw Creek.  June is a better month for this section of river.

Year round section below 267.   Starting to fish well over the past few weeks with Stones and Baetis and should continue to fish until Run-Off kicks in.  Streamers have taken a few fish as well but dries will be the most fun.  Baetis hatches on the cloudy days have been crazy especially when it snows!  Skwala Nymphs are all over and the fish are on them.  

Truckee River (Nv) Fishing Report- Flows on the Truckee in Nevada are 450-550+ CFS.

The fishing has been stellar for most of the Winter and should continue to fish as long as the flows don’t go crazy.  Stones and Baetis have been the best with some Caddis starting to show.  Streamer fishing will get better with the water temperatures rising.  Skwala Nymphs, Baetis Nymphs and don’t forget your dry flies.  Mercer’s Missing link has been a favorite as well as the Stone Dead Stone.  Big Black or White Streamers are always worth trying for the big eat!

Great flows for floating!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  Learn it and Love it!  We will be doing a limited amount of float trips on the Truckee this Spring, please call for details.

Tahoe Area Still waters:  April 14th, 2012

Pyramid Lake- TheLake is up 5 feet and in most normal areas it’s hard to reach the Shelf, Water temps are in the low to mid 40 degrees. Some fish are starting to cruise the shoreline in pre-spawn. Look to cloudy and windy days for the better fishing and look for the deeper water to find fish. Stripping buggers in black, white and olive, Also beetles have been getting fish on the beaches. Indicator fishing flies in the size 8 to 14 range running between 8 to 10 ft. down.  Fish early or fish late or look for the wind to come up for best fishing!

Indian Creek Reservoir – The fishing has really taken off lately with numerous big fish caught and released.  Buggers in Black, Olive and or Brown have been working well.  The Blood Midges are starting to work as well and look for fish taking them off of the surface!  Full sinking lines from a float tube have produced the best results.  Fish a bugger followed by a Blood Midge Nymph.  The Calibaetis will start to show soon as well as Damsels.   Should be fun for awhile until the fish get taken out.

Caples Lake – Still has ice on it but not really that great for Ice Fishing.  Starting to open up in a few small areas but not quite fishable yet for Ice-Out.  Probably going to thaw by Mid-May.  Look for the inlet area to fish earlier than it has aswell as a few spots around the dams.  Streamers, Streamers and more Streamers when it gets fishable. 

Red Lake Fishing Report- Still has ice on it but not really that great for Ice Fishing.  Should open up sometime in May for Ice-Out. 

Silver Lake fishing report- Check the Ice for safety! Ice-Out should be in early May if not sooner! 

Spooner Lake Fishing Report- The Lake is thawed and there are numerous fish in the lake!  Water is cold but the fishing should get better as the temps come up.  Leeches, Buggers, Blood Midges and Worms will work the best!  Float tubing is the way to go.

Guides Available call (530-541-8208). 

Marlette Lake Fishing Report- Closed until this summer.!

Blue Lakes Fishing Report- Still frozen but we should be able to get out there by the end of May this year!

We have offered guiding on most of these waters for over 15 years. The shop is fully stocked with all the latest equipment and flies needed to fish the Eastern Sierra and more. Call 530-541-8208 or stop by the shop for more info. We will be updating our fishing report often so check www.tahoeflyfishing.com/blog for the most up to date reports!

Get out and fish!

Fishing Report for the Truckee River and Little Truckee River, East and West Walker Rivers, West and East Carson Rivers, and many Tahoe area stillwaters. Updated March 1st, 2012

We are now offering Guided Ice Fishing Trips in the Carson pass area!

We offer guided fly fishing year round on the Carson, Truckee and Walker Rivers.  Caples, Red Lake, Spooner Lake, Indian Creek Reservoir and Boca Reservoir as well.

East Carson River Fishing Report – Currently flowing at 80+ cfs.  March 1st, 2012

Now closed above Hangman’s Bridge until April 2012!

The Catch and Release section below Hangman’s Bridge: Open all year!  As the temperatures come up in March, the fishing can get good again between stormy days and run-off days.  The fish are there but really lethargic and you will have to put the fly on their nose for them to eat.  Midges and Baetis as well as glow bugs and Stone fly Nymphs!  The Nevada sections tend to fish the best during the winter months and on occasion NDOW stocks fish in the lower river and below the Broken Dam.  If they do, it can be fun to stick a few fish and keep the cobwebs off your cast!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  We do not do a bunch of guided trips on this river during the winter months but on occasion it can be worth it!

West Carson River Fishing Report – Currently flows are at 20+ cfs.

Opening in two more months and it might be good early if we do not get a bunch of snow between now and then!

West Walker River Fishing Report- Currently flows are at 50+ cfs.  March 1, 2012

California Is closed.

The Nevada sections can be fun and stay open all year.  Try the Hoye Canyon section above Wellington or the Wilson Canyon section below SmithValley.  Look for warmer, cloudy days for a good Baetis hatch!  Another fun winter fishery is the Tube below Topaz Lake which can hold some pretty nice fish as well as stockers from NDOW.  Always check for frozen conditions!

There is a pay to play section at the Walker River Resort that can be a lot of fun during the winter!

East Walker River Fishing Report- Flows are 18+ cfs. March  1, 2012

CA section:  The Miracle Mile is still fishing well and with the recent snow the access gets a bit tougher but not too bad. The Midges have ruled the roost as of late with Griffiths Gnats, Para Adams and Micro Midges working well on the surface but changing day to day and the Biot Emerger, Pehle’s pupa, UV Midge and the tiny Zebra Midge doing well below.  The Baetis have begun to show in numbers as well and the fish are starting to eat them.  Try the Barr’s Emerger or Kyle’s Beerhead Baetis as well as Micro Mayflies.  When the fish are up (which is a lot lately) leave the nymph rigs in the box, the dry fly fishing has been way too much fun!

A lot of these fish are feeding on midges just below the surface and following through looking like they are eating off of the surface so pay attention to the rise form and look for a bubble when they eat an adult.  The fish have been rising as early as 8 am so get there early and give’em a go. Nevada should be starting to fish well with a few anglers having good results over the past week or so.  The Skwala Stones will start down river first so look to fish the Red Wash area or even the Elbow with big dries any day now. Nevada is a good way to beat the crowds and always worth checking out.

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  We have been guiding and fishing the EW quite a bit lately and producing numerous fish days!

Little Truckee River Fishing Report- Flows are 40+ cfs.  March 1, 2012

As long as you can get up the road, the fishing should be worth the effort.  Look for risers in the middle of the day but don’t count on a ton of them.  The fish are still up and they still have to eat!  Baetis and Midges in small sizes under the surface as well as on top!  Winter Stones are there as well and the March Browns should start soon.  With the recent snows the road might get back to being impassable so always check first. 

Guides Available call (530-541-8208)  Guides available on a limited basis and better with a one on one ratio!

Truckee River (Ca) Fishing Report- Flows on the Truckee are above 200 cfs near the town of Truckee and 350+ cfs belowBocaBridge.  March 1, 2012

Closed above the 267 Bridge.  The year round section below 267 is still fishing but tough.  The water is cold and the fish are lethargic but still have to eat.  Put it on their head and they will probably open their mouths but it will take an excellent angler to get a few fish!  Some days it is not like that and the fish will eat readily but you have to pick the day.  Try Baetis or Midges and possibly an Egg pattern or San Juan Worm.  Look for the winter stones to be available as well.  It is going to get better as we start getting closer to spring especially on a beautiful day!  The lower you go towards Nevada the better the opportunity will be.

Truckee River (Nv) Fishing Report- Flows on the Truckee in Nevada are 350-450+ cfs

Flows are great for Winter fishing!  Look for the cloudy days for filled in Baetis hatches especially below Reno.  Nymphing will be best but the dries have produced plenty of fish as well.  Nymphs: Stoneflies 8-12, Mayfly patterns 16-20, Flashback PT’s 16-20. Dry Flies: Parachute Adams 14-18 and Blue Duns 18-20. Streamer action is picking up and is your best shot at one the Nevada Toads!, Streamers-Buggers in olive, white and black, Wool-Head Sculpin, Crystal Buggers, Meat Whistle olive and black, and of course the Crawdad!!!

Great flows for floating!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  Learn it and Love it!  We will be doing a limited amount of float trips on the Truckee this Winter, please call for details.

Tahoe area Still waters:  March 1, 2012

Pyramid Lake- Things are starting to change lately and the fishing should start to get back to normal for this time of year as we get storms coming in.  Without the wind, fish early and late in the day but when it starts to blow get out there and fish all day!  Buggers, Buggers and more Buggers for the time being…

Indian Creek Reservoir – The fishing has really taken off  lately with numerous big fish caught and released.  Buggers in Black, Olive and or Brown have been working well.  The Blood Midges are starting to work as well and look for fish taking them off of the surface sometime soon!  Full sinking lines from a float tube have produced the best results.  Should be fun for awhile until the fish get taken out.

Caples Lake - Ice Fishing now available!  Caples is fishing OK and the ice is safe.  With the recent snow you can get on the ice with out the worry of slipping.  The Spillway areas as well as the Main Dam area are both doing well.  Try to fish the areas that are about 10-15 feet deep and try all levels from the bottom to just below the ice.  Power Bait,Worms, Salmon Eggs and Bay Shrimp will work or try jigging a Kastmaster.  If you are not getting fish, move to a new area or look for others catching fish and get to the same area.   On occasion you can find holes that are already drilled and all they need is to be broken open with a tire iron and then use a strainer to clean out the ice if you do not own an auger.

Red Lake Fishing Report- Fishing a bit better than Caples Lake with the best fishing near the dam area.  Watch for rocks in the ice when drilling holes, a lot of rocks were thrown out onto the ice before we received snow.  One rock can destroy your auger.  Tackle and baits are the same as Caples.

Silver Lake fishing report- Check the Ice for safety! SilverLake has been drained pretty low and the fish are bucketed up…  Make sure you are in at least 10-15 feet of water before you start to fish.  Fishing has been pretty good!  Tackle and baits the same as Caples.

Guides Available call (530-541-8208).  Guided Ice Fishing trips through March!

Spooner Lake Fishing Report- Ice Fish the Dam area but be careful and stay away from the areas where the springs are (mainly the middle of the lake) which will be thinner ice.  Same as Caples as far as tackle and bait!

Guides Available call (530-541-8208). 

Marlette Lake Fishing Report- Closed until next year!

Blue Lakes Fishing Report- Done for the year.  Let’s hope we can get up there earlier next year!

We have offered guiding on most of these waters for over 15 years. The shop is fully stocked with all the latest equipment and flies needed to fish the Eastern Sierra and more. Call 530-541-8208 or stop by the shop for more info. We will be updating our fishing report often so check www.tahoeflyfishing.com/blog for the most up to date reports!

Get out and fish!