Fishmas Updates
With the regulation overhaul that happened several years back we don’t have as much excitement for the last Saturday in April but a few changes still happen that are worth noting. All general regulation rivers that are Catch and Release, Barbless, Artificial from November 15th until the last Saturday in April have switched to a 5 trout limit where barbs and bait are now allowed. For us, this mainly affects the West Carson River, West Walker, and the East Carson River above Hangman’s bridge. Generally the increased fishing pressure also comes with some fish plants so even though it might be busier, there may also be some hungry stockers to go after which are great for beginners or those trying to practice their skills. The main change that affects myself and most other fly fisherman in the area is that the East Walker in California opens. Also many of the Mono/Inyo County Lakes that seam to hold a healthy population of trout such as Twin Lakes, Crowley Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, June Lake loop, Convict Lake, etc.
Lake Tahoe Tributaries are closed until Saturday preceding Memorial Day (May 23rd). Please do not fish the Upper Truckee/Taylor Creek/Trout Creek/Ward Creek/Blackwood Creek, etc.
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 river is running slightly high but much lower than normal for this time of year, so be careful wading the river but it’s a great option!. Fishing the slow, deep runs with Pat’s Rubberlegs, worm patterns, Frenchy’s and perdigons have been producing fish. Use some splitshot or heavy flies to get your rig down to where the fish are eating at the bottom. Any slow water can hold fish but the deeper buckets along the rock walls will be holding the most. Check the flow chart before you go as the forecasted warmer temperatures and rain may blow out this variable free stone river. The section upstream from Hangman’s bridge is now open to keeping fish and fishing bait which may not be a fly fisherman’s favorite thing to see but at least the river was planted. The stocked fish have spread out and are being caught between highway 4 bridge and East Carson River Resort. The traditionally Catch and release, artificial section has also been fishing decent with some nice wild rainbows falling for stoneflies and baetis imitations.
West Fork of the Carson River: Some pretty poor reports coming from the West Carson even though the water looks great! Honestly, I don’t believe either the state or Alpine County stocked this river which is unusual and unfortunate for the fishmas opener.
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: All things considered, the Truckee is fishing well but it’s still the Truckee so the drifts need to be good, the flies need to be correct, and you have to be fishing the right water. Hatches are a mix of baetis and March Browns, with some caddis starting to pop as well. I fished the Nevada section recently and saw a good number of large caddis hatching so I started swinging my flies at the end of the drift to imitate an emerging insect which landed me my bigger fish. Flows were a bit high but still found fish in the usual slow next to fast seams. Small frenchy’s, midges, and some home tie baetis imitations all worked for me, but san juan worms, stoneflies, and march brown imitations are good to have as well.
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: Fishing well but busy and inbetween hatches. As the baetis start to wane and the Green Drakes/PMDs are not quite ready the dry fly bite can be slow but the nymping bite should still be strong. Small flashback emergers, wd40s, glass bead midges, unweighted worms, all have been working for us. Some paired up rainbows have been spotted in the tailouts of some of the busy runs so be mindful crossing and wading the river this time of year.
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: Cali side is now open but I think every angler in the area has been out there since Saturday. I went Monday after the opener and couldn’t believe the amount of people driving around trying to squeeze in. I fished the canyon section below the Miracle Mile which can be tough to fish if you don’t know where the runs are. The river fished ok with a couple nice fish being found which were spread out and in the soft water. San Juan worms, Copper Duracell Jigs, baetis colored perdigons are what were working for me. I tried a streamer in every run I fished and only landed a few small rainbows on it. The bigger fish all wanted the nymph. Not many bugs hatching but a small light colored baetis hatch happened around 12:30 PM and lasted until about 2:30 PM, I did see a few small rainbows eating on the surface. Minimal or no splitshot, smaller indicators, shallower nymph rigs are required otherwise you will just be snagging rocks and grass all day. Dry Dropper, or tightlining/euro also an effective way to fish at ~120 CFS. Nevada side should see less pressure now that Cali is open, so still worth having your NV license this time of year! Check the flows before you go as the river is very variable this time of year.
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
Pyramid Lake: Shore bite winding down with guys starting to rig up the fly-jig setups from float tubes, drift boats, rafts, kayaks, etc. Fish will begin feeding offshore and in water 30-60 feet deep, a fun way to catch big cutthroat but need some sort of watercraft!
Heenan Lake: Heenan Lake is closed for the season.
Hot Lakes:
Indian Creek Reservoir: Game on! Float it or bank it!
Frenchman’s Reservoir: Big browns being caught from shore and tubes
Bridgeport Reservoir: Some nice browns from shore at the dam.
Sawmill Lake - Opening Soon!
Caple’s Lake- Throwing a streamer or balanced leech from the dam may be worth it!
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime. We fish it quite a bit, so if you want to the goods, stop by the shop and we’ll share the coordinates.
