Primetime
We are just kicking off primetime of the season for most of the rivers around Lake Tahoe. That said, with full reservoirs and lakes, dams are releasing water and some spots are still fishing high. While still fishing a little high, we’re beyond runoff and rivers are clearing with good bug populations around. It’s time to book those trips or find your favorite fishing holes and get after it!
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
All Lake Tahoe Tributaries- Now open to catch and release fishing with barbless flies or lures. No bait.
East Fork Carson River: Flows on the EC are around 220 and the river is fishing great. The more you walk the more you’ll find those wild fish. Wading can be dangerous at these flows still but look for the river to keep dropping. While it’s up, the streamer bite has been good. We’re starting to see more bugs around - golden stones are starting to show with green and tan caddis around. PMDs are still going.
East Carson River Fishing Regulations:
Above Hangman’s Bridge to Carson Falls: General Regulations
Below Hangman’s Bridge: Artificial lures only. 2 Trout - Minimum size limit: 14 inches total length. Highly recommended Catch and Release
West Fork Carson River: Similar to the East Carson, flows are prime and fishing is good IF you walk. The valley itself his busy during the day, but get there early, or get there in the evening after winds have died down. We have seen a few browns here and there and less pressure the higher up you go towards Blue Lakes. The fish normally eat on the first few drifts, if you miss a take and don’t poke ‘em, come back later in your day and try again. With the warmer temps we should start seeing more rising fish in the evenings which makes our lives easier as it eliminates the needle in the haystack style of fishing during high water.
Truckee River: Releases from Lake Tahoe have started and Boca continues push water into the Truckee. After dropping for the last couple weeks it is back over 1000 CFS through Boca. The sections above the confluence of Prosser Creek will be more wadable and fishable with normal tactics. The “canyon” section of the Truckee is big water, so fish the edges and look for the calm water amidst the strong currents. When big fish are on the move, they’ll use these pockets to hold.
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:Catch & Release Barbless Artificial - NO BAIT. Zero Bag limit.
Trout Creek to Mouth of Prosser Creek: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial Flies only. Zero Bag limit.
Prosser Creek to NV Stateline: Artificual Lures and Flies. Two Trout.
Little Truckee River: Flows are pretty big right now at over 600 CFS. This doesn’t mean all is lost on the LT. In fact, foot traffice will be lighter at these flows and go a different route than your usual LT rigs. Think Truckee rigs for these flows, lots of weight, bigger bugs, and 6 WTs. Bead headed worms as your dropper bug have been working with larger stones up top (big water Truckee rigs)
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: At 132 CFS we’re loving the EW right now. The key down here has been to find the non-stormy/non-windy days and you’ll find action. Anglers have been catching fish from the “Miracle Mile” all the way down to the Elbow. A mixed bag of bugs seems to be working with PMD colored perdigons, frenchys, stoneflies, midges, and green caddis the go-tos. Don’t sleep on the cray patterns under a chubby or as your dropper on nymph rigs. Streamers also can be an option, especially swung through the waist high, walking speed runs or stripped along structure.
East Walker River Fishing Regulations:
Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 18 inches total. Two Trout.
Stillwater Options: The higher lakes in the area have thawed and nows a great time of year to get away from the crowds, hike up a mountain to a remote lake, and catch some really cool fish.
Hot Lakes:
Bridgeport Reservoir: Fish for big browns from a float tube near the damn.
Sawmill Lake - OPEN! Road is now open! Call for early season Sawmill Availability.
Pyramid Lake - Get it in before it closes!
Lower Blue Lake - Road open to lower Blue
Caple’s Lake- Fishing has been good. Better from a boat or tube and drift around the inlet.
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime
Heenan Lake - Closed until September.
