A Mighty Wind
If you’ve been anywhere near the Sierra on either slope, you know it’s windy out there. You’re going to have to grind for your fish and don’t over-wade; you’ll be standing on the fish and casting over them.
East Carson River:
The river is off-color and flows are fluctuating almost daily per usual this time of year. Dark bugs have produced more fish and don’t be afraid to throw a warm pattern out there. The fish are holding in the slower water and not moving far to eat. Make sure you work from inside out and focus on your line control for a quality presentation. San Juan Warms; Big Black Stoneflies; Streamers - make sure they can see it with the water color. Flow Chart
Truckee River:
Flows are running high below Boca Reservoir so watch your step out there - use a wading staff if you’re not familiar with the terrain. Stick and move - the fish are holding in slower water, but close enough that food gets kicked out from the fast water. As in all rivers right now, do not over-wade. Baetis in green or black size 18. There are a few Skwala bugs and casings around so don’t shy away from a hopper dropper rig. You can run a weight above your dropper to get it down in the pockets. If you’re new to the area, Glenshire Drive is a great place to start. You can see all the access spots from the google map. Flow Chart
Little Truckee River:
Stay away from the redds. Please and thank you. This river can deliver the goods - it can also mess with your head and run through your fly box and leave you humbled. Flows have been hovering around 150 - 200 cfs but were bumped to a shop-favorite 230 cfs. Flow Chart
East Walker River:
The flows out of Bridgeport look like something of a roller-coaster ride. One day, we’re fishing 140 cfs, the next day 120 cfs, the next 150 cfs. Fish don’t really like all that change but that doesn’t mean anglers are not finding fish - quite the opposite with a well-placed streamer. We’re finding them under olive, white, trout patterns and pretty much any meat we throw at them. As soon as the fly hits the water, be ready. Browns holding in slow edge water and the seams have been quick to hit. Let those bugs swing into the weed lines and up the edges of the bank for fish holding in the shallows. Flow Chart
Stillwater Options:
It’s that time when the Sierra lakes are going through an ice-off. The fish can be feisty and ready to jump on your flies. Check with the shop on what lakes are ready to fish and what still has ice on it. Here are a couple options that are ready to go:
Indian Creek Reservoir
Silver Lake