Southside Rivers Have Been Solid
Our heat spell looks to be giving us a little reprieve but along with the milder temps comes a chance of precipitation and t-storms this week. We’re still keeping tabs on water temps and the best action is in the early mornings but it will be nice to have air temps in the high-60s and low 70s this week here in South Lake. We’ve been fortunate to be able to fish the Carson system and Walker systems with good action this season. Water temp readings should hold below 68 through the early-afternoon with this break in the heat but keep that thermometer close. You should be checking temps every hour starting at 10am if you’re on the water. We’ve been taking ourselves on hikes and getting into the alpine lakes to find some fun out of float tubes and from shore. Lighter tackle and cooler temps have been a great game on likes like in Desolation and the Easter Sierra. Stop in or call the shop for some great options with shots at brookies, rainbows and goldens.
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: The t-storm watch is ramping up this week on the rivers south of Lake Tahoe and into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. With the absence of hoppers along the river, we’re still seeing really good action on big dries with golden stone patterns. With a 60%+ chance of rain at the back of the week look for the river to be off-color if it spikes. Wind is also going to pick up so plan ahead and make sure that roll cast is dialed in. If we can dodge the lighting this river is going to continue to fish great. Look for bigger fish in deep runs and those slow back eddies. We’ve also been pulling fish off rock ledges and in between the bedrock with a well placed streamer. 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: For both CA and NV water temps have been top of mine. With this cool down coming this could move back to early afternoon Hoot Owl 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. BWOs are starting to come off so look for those darker green/olive patterns to start working and continue through September. 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: The river has dropped to about 40 cfs and after the work these fish have been getting all Summer long, they could use a break. If you simply can’t help yourself and need to fish this river 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 we say go for it. We 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.
