Beat the Heat…
It’s been hot and it’s going to get hotter this next week which means it’s time to get up early or get creative. Now’s the time to chase those big carp down in the valley, or go for a hike to those tiny alpine creeks with a 2 WT. The main rivers in the area are still fishable but with hoot owl conditions quickly approaching. Hoot owl is fishing from first light until about 2 PM and than giving the fish a break. Stillwater can also fish well in the summer but using deep water tactics like slip bobbers and sinking lines. A fish finder is almost essential to mark fish in that colder water, allowing you to get a fly to them.
This report is written to give a quick overview of the Tahoe area, for a more detailed report including access, stop by the shop or give us a call at 530-541-8208
East Fork Carson River: Watch those afternoon thunderstorms that often miss South Lake Tahoe but rains hard out in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. If the river jumps up even 20 CFS this time of year, expect it to be off color the next day. Overall this river is fishing decent, with the fish concentrating in the deeper, cooler, runs or riffles. Hopper Dropper is our preferred method this time of year, but streamers, single drys, and shallow nymph rigs will also produce.
West Fork of the Carson River: Now’s the time we start fishing the canyon section between Desolation Hope Valley and Alpine Village. This section is shaded and stays cooler, as well as all the pocket water generates more oxygen and the fish tend to stay happier in the summer. The downside is getting around can be difficult as it’s a lot of boulder hopping, but worth it!
East and West Carson River Fishing Regulations:
Carson River, East Fork from Hangman’s Bridge downstream to Nevada State Line: All year. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 14 inches total length. Two Trout.
General Regulations for East Carson River above Hangman’s bridge and West Carson.
Truckee River: In California, Water temps are holding on until about 2 PM but that will move up in the day with this streak of hotter temps forecasted so carry a thermometer and check it around noon. If you see 68 or 69 degrees Fahrenheit, this is the generally agreed upon temperature to call it day. In the heat of the summer the big fish tend to go nocturnal, feeding during the coldest water temperatures (Midnight until about 8 am) so get out first light if you’re looking for a Truckee Trophy. The “shmedium” rainbow trout will feed throughout the morning especially on swung caddis and accurate little midges and mayfly patterns. The pocket water is a great place to get good numbers of the rainbows that are trying to get big!
The Nevada side has become too hot and we are laying off this section of river until it cools down this fall.
Truckee River Fishing Regulations:
Below Lake Tahoe Dam:(All Year) Closed for 1000’ below Lake Tahoe Dam.
Below 1000’ of the Tahoe Dam to Trout Creek: General Regulations
Trout Creek to Mouth of Prosser Creek: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial Flies only. Zero Bag limit.
Prosser Creek to NV Stateline: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial only. Zero Bag limit.
Little Truckee River: Fishing well but these fish are smart. Light tippet, small flies, perfect presentation is the name of the game midsummer on the Little Truckee. PMDs hatching daily with a few caddis and midges around. Wait for a cloudy day for the best hatches!
Little Truckee River Fishing Regulations:(All Year)
Stampede Reservoir downstream to Boca Reservoir: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial - NO BAIT. Zero Bag limit.
East Walker River: Fishing well…for about 4 hours. It’s a first light until noon game right now, so if that’s worth the drive to you we say go for it. I fished the Private Sceirine ranch section on one of the cooler days last week and the temps started at 61 at 6 am, hitting 69 degrees by about noon. That being said, the river fished great so give Ken’s or Alpine Fly Fishing a call to fish this legendary section of the East Walker. Fish the heads of the run with a dry dropper rig or nymph rig as these fish are pushed up into the faster, oxygenated water. Stoneflies and caddis were the top producing bugs.
East Walker River Fishing Regulations:
Nevada: Elbow to California Boarder, catch and release, artificial, single hook, barbless.
California: Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 18 inches total length. NOTE: BOW AND ARROW FISHING FOR CARP ONLY IS PERMITTED
Heenan Lake: Heenan Lake is closed until September
Hot Lakes:
East Peak Lake: Private and exclusive to us, ask how you can fish this lake!
Sawmill Lake - Opened and stocked, fishing great from float tubes!
Higher Elevation Alpine Lakes: Now’s the best time of the year for going on a hike to our >8000’ elevation lakes! Beat the Heat!
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime.
