End of Run Off
Runoff season is finally coming to an end with several of our favorite rivers in the area calming down with dropping flows daily. This warm weather has made some of our rivers tough to fish the past month, but now a few are fishable as of today, and more will come into shape the next few weeks. The longest days of summer are near so get out early, or stay out late as the morning and evening bite tends to fish better.
East Fork Carson River: As I’m writing this report, the East Carson is at 665 CFS and off colored which makes it a tough option at the moment, but it has dropped 500 CFS in the past week. If this trend continues, expect the river to be under 350 CFS and totally fishable in the next week or two. The river has been planted with state and county fish stockings several times this summer already, which should mean plenty of fish spread out from the hot springs all the way to Highway 4 Bridge. Below Hangman’s bridge is the traditionally catch and release section, with barbless and artificial fishing regulations which fishes best once the river becomes crossable at about 250 CFS, but even at ~400 CFS a couple of the slower moving runs should be fishable. The roadside, general regulation section, tends to fish better at higher flows as there are lots of deep pools that the fish find refuge in and will begin feeding as the river clears up.
For those wanting to try their hand at rafting this river, with some fishing mixed in, these next 2 weeks is when I would schedule my trip out there. This float is an awesome experience from a rafting point of view, and has the bonus side of getting some fishing in!
Truckee River: Not a ton of flow changes over the past week since they bumped flows allowing the rafting companies to operate out of Tahoe City, but overall the river is fishable from top to bottom. Good reports coming from the Glenshire area, with strong PMD and March Brown hatches happening (especially on a cloudy day). Nymphing with stones, worms, eggs, and dark mayfly patterns has been producing both wild trout, and stocked escapee trout from the fly casters property. The canyon section is big water, but in high flows the trophy trout that come from this river are forced out of their hard to reach zones and press up onto the banks where fly fishermen can target them. Nevada has also been fishing decent, and will continue to fish well as the water clears up. With this hot weather we’ve had, it’s time to carry a thermometer and check the temps if you are out there in the afternoon. Even in high flows the river can warm up quickly.
Little Truckee River: Flows have been high all spring but are finally starting to settle down as Boca Reservoir fills up and they release less and less water out of Stampede Reservoir. Soon we will see the usual PMD and Green Drake hatches that happen early summer on this river, which also brings the anglers. If you find yourself out there on a busy day, practice the good etiquette of giving each other space, conversing with people if you plan on fishing near them, and checking out some new water if the traditional runs have fishermen in them. Try some of the slow moving waters near banks and behind rocks…you might be surprised what is in them.
East Walker River: As predicted, the reservoir is now full and they have begun releasing excess water out of the dam and the river is at 415 CFS. This flow makes most sections tough to fish, but the Miracle Mile should still be fishable. Streamers, stoneflies, and caddis should work in the slower pockets and buckets. Check the flow before you go incase they increase it suddenly. Flow Chart
Stillwater Options: Surface temps have begun climbing and the fish will start going deep. Float tubes, small boats, and sinking lines will be working better the next few months, with opportunity for the bank angler in the mornings and evenings. Calibaetis, midges, and random terrestrials will wind up in the water if you want to try dry flies, but leeches and wooly buggers are the safe choice if no fish are rising.
Hot Lakes:
Bridgeport Reservoir: Huge Brown Trout and Carp
Baron Lake: Awesome lake in SLT that is C&R, barbless, artificial.
Sawmill Lake - BOOK NOW Hike in option only but fishing is on fire!
Pyramid Lake - Season is winding down but some success from float tubes
Red Lake - Thawing out any day now!
Caple’s Lake- Thawing out any day, and probably free of ice at the dam and inlets
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime
Heenan Lake - Closed
