Fairweather Season
Rivers are clear, crossable and fishing great. For many this is the optimal time to be out on the river as the water levels, warm sunny days, and long summer days are hard to beat. Water temps are stable on most of our local fisheries, leading to all-day fishing opportunities whether it be stripping streamers in the morning or getting that hour of dry fly action in the evening.
East Carson River:
Flows have dropped to ~300 CFS which means the whole river has become accessible now that the river is crossable. Large Cutthroat trout have been stocked by the state, as well as nice rainbows by alpine county along the roadside section, and there are plentiful wild and holdover fish down below Hangman’s bridge. At these flows, pick your preferred method of fly fishing and stick with it. Dry-dropper, streamers, and nymphing should all produce, as well as single dry fly in the evening.
Truckee River:
The Truckee has entered its summer time cycle where fish spread out and can be in any cut-bank, or behind any boulder, so work fishy looking water with a dry dropper or streamer, while still spending some time in the buckets with the indicator/euro rig. Summer time hatches have begun as we are seeing caddis and PMDs, and even the occasional green drake come off. Midges in the morning before the midday hatches are also producing some fish.
Little Truckee River:
Good fishing, large fish, and perfect weather continues to draw the crowds but flows are still at ~160 CFS so there should be fish in the river top to bottom. PMDs are here and the green drakes are hatching (especially on those overcast days) so bring the dry fly rod and toss some dries. A standard dry with an emerger tied 18” off the bend of the hook is what I would begin my day with out there.
East Walker River:
We are getting into that time of year where we need to keep and eye on water temps. A general rule of thumb is anything between 64 degrees and 68 degrees minimize time fighting the fish by using strong tippet and a 5 or 6 weight rod. Once the fish is landed, keep them in the water! Water temps above 68 degrees decreases the chance of recovery for the fish so time to call it day. If you are still in the fishing mood, go throw a balanced leech out at Bridgeport Reservoir and potentially catch a large brown or even a carp.
Stillwater Options:
The road up to lower Blue Lakes has opened and the road to upper blue lakes is scheduled to open soon which should result in some great fishing at blue lakes themselves and some of the surrounding lakes. If you are trying to save some money by not driving as much, Baron Lake at Tahoe Paradise park has been fishing great, but please remember these fish are not free so consider donating to the Fish fund and buying a parking pass to help with future fish stockings.
Hot Lakes:
Boca Reservoir
Sawmill Lake - BOOK NOW!
Lake Baron - BOOK FATHER’S DAY CLINIC!
Bridgeport Reservoir
Silver Lake
Caple’s Lake
Tahoe
