Fall is Here!
Locals summer, autumn, brown trout season, whatever you may call it, it’s finally here. After a hot summer we are ready for boots and waders, cold mornings, and better fishing. The highlight fisheries of this area during fall are the East Carson, Truckee, Little Truckee, and East Walker rivers. Also fall is stillwater season and a good time to hunt for big fish as they pack on calories before a long winter. Twin Lakes, Tahoe, Eagle Lake, Caples, Silver, all are known as big fish fall fisheries. Beyond our area, It’s go time for most other trout fisheries in the lower 48 so now’s the time to do a weekend trip to the McCloud, Trinity, lower sac, or a trip to Montana, Idaho, Colorado. Come and chat if you plan on traveling, we have some insight on where to go!
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 less pressured areas are fishing best. Period. This time of year is when we get creative or go for a hike. Look for the areas off the beaten path (Nevada, canyon, or way up high). Subtle pockets that the average angler walks or drives by can also fish well. The water is low and clear, to the point you should be able to spot fish so if the run is empty move on. Dry dropper has been working best with us with the dry producing as much as the dropper. Foam Caddis, small hoppers, and micro chubby chernobyl’s loaded with a size 18 or 20 midge or micro mayfly has been our go to setup, but streamers and crayfish have caught some big fish for us recently.
West Fork of the Carson River: Flows are low but the meadow section is great for practicing and learning, with a chance at some fish eating a dry fly. The pocket water below Desolation Hotel to Alpine Village will fish the best but harder to get around!
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: Flows are about perfect for anything below the town of Truckee and the fishing is getting better everyday. Not an easy river even at it’s best but cloudy days, good drifts, and finding the right water will go a long way. The Nevada side has been fishing best, but Cali has been fishing well especially in the harder to get to spots. Nymphing is king as usual with caddis hatches increasing, and some BWOs/Mahoganies mixed in. The egg (bead) bite is coming but with that be mindful of spawning browns especially in and around Reno. As we move into winter, this will be a go to spot for us and many other anglers so spread out, be respectful, and try new spots.
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: Low but fishable with a decent micro dry fly hatch each day. Light tippet, small flies, and good presentation go a long way. The fishing will pick up if they bump the flows and the fish look to put on some calories.
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: Flows highly variable but as I type this sentence the river sits at 130 CFS which is the perfect fall flow. That being said, the river is trending down quickly so always check the flows before you go. We get real excitied if we see flows stabilize between 60 and 150 CFS for 4 days or more. That means go time. Streamers, nymphs, drys(big and small) can all work on this river. The beauty of the East Walker is abundant public access and paid private access. The river is made for the exploring angler with trout living between the dam on Bridgeport reservoir all the way into deep Nevada. As any river in our area, the farther you hike or gnarlier the access, the better the fishing!
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: Fish spreading out, some days the long-line midgers catching the most, other days the full sink strippers landing the fish. Be mindful that the lake can flip any day now, which normally means tough fishing while the debris and water clear up. Once the lake has flipped, the long line rigs get put away and shallow indicators and sink lines are brought out. As the weeds die off, oppurtunity from shore will increase, but for now still fishing best with a float tube, Kayak, or boat.
Hot Lakes:
East Peak Lake: Private and exclusive to us, ask how you can fish this lake!
Sawmill Lake - Shore Fishing picking up, Cooler nights and cooler days mean better fishing!
Tahoe - Fall bite from shore is picking up!
Pyramid Lake: Opening next week! Will fish best from float tubes and boats for the first month or so.
