Fishmas Brings Some Changes
Starting our week off with a windy Monday full of lake wind advisories, but thankfully the weather should change to less windy, fishable days as we move through the week. Fishing continues to be good as we enter Spring, and we expect it to get better and better with warmer weather which will get the hatches to really ramp up. The fish and game wardens are actively patrolling so pinch those barbs if required and if you are unsure of a regulation give the shop a call for clarification. Right now the primary hatch is blue wings and March Browns, but any day now we will start to see Caddis and early PMDs.
East Carson River:
“Fishmas” has come and gone, meaning the upper section river above Hangman’s bridge is now under general regulations where barbs, stocked fish, and bait will be prevalent. While this may be a turn off to some, the abundance of fish will still make for an excellent day on the river. For the guy throwing flies, the fish often quickly learn to refuse bait and will start to eat natural flies as that becomes their new food source. The lower section of river downstream from Hangman’s bridge remains the wild fish section where barbless artificial lures or flies are mandatory. Flies of choice are something large followed by something small. Try a medium to large hare’s ear, pat’s rubber leg, or other heavy euro fly followed by a small soft hackle, midge, or mayfly nymph. If those don’t produce, don’t be afraid to get dirty with some egg patterns or worm patterns.
Truckee River:
The Truckee has had stable flows and is fishing good if you get deep. Either euro-nymphing or deep indicator rigs have been the ticket. As for flies, all the usual patterns like midges, small mayfly nymphs, and if you’re dirty enough, bacon and eggs. A few risers have been spotted between noon and 2 pm on days where the wind isn’t too bad, and are eating on blue wings and march browns. Streamers can work but you have to get them deep one way or another…
Little Truckee River:
More and more spawners are spotted each day so please stay away from the redds. Even if no fish are on them, there are likely fragile eggs in the gravel so let’s do our best to protect the future fish of this river. Flows are still steady at 160 cfs, which is just enough flow for fish to be in their normal holding spots but also in places where you may not expect. Fly choice is similar to the Truckee with small mayfly patterns, midges, and the classic bacon and eggs.
East Walker River:
After “Fishmas,” the California side of the river is now open. Unfortunately flows are still lower than we hoped at 55 CFS as of today. This flow is fishable but still try your best to keep moving and don’t focus only on the deep slots where fish are trying to find refuge. Fly choice is less important as these fish have not seen flies in several months, so stoneflies, mayflies, and caddis should produce. Dry dropper or mini indicator rigs are probably the ideal way to fish at the moment as heavy or large indicator set ups will spook more fish than they catch. Streamers should also be working especially for the larger fish.
Stillwater Options:
Ice out is in full swing on our local lakes are they are starting to produce some nice fish. I have seen some huge trout caught from shore with fly rods and lures recently from Tahoe, Caples, and even Silver Lake. The go to rig has been a balanced leech 6’ to 10’ under a bobber, but also a few have been caught stripping streamers with sinking lines. If you don’t mind some cold water and can find a break in the wind, now is a great time to dust off the float tubes and start kicking around the smaller lakes in the area.
Hot Lakes:
Indian Creek Reservoir
Silver Lake
Caple’s Lake
Tahoe
