Fishy Weather
After the few rounds of storms we’re left with a little bit of snow, but not nearly enough to keep us off the river. The forecast for the next week and beyond shows pretty mild, if not warm weather that gets us all thinking about fishing the local rivers that stay open in the winter time. One thing to be mindful is potential early runoff from this warm weather that may dirty up the water and spike the flows which can make fishing tough. Check the flows before you go by giving us a call or navigating the USGS flow gauge websites.
The current outlook for this year’s trout season is that March through July will be the best trout fishing with potential low water conditions towards the end of the summer. So it’s probably wise take advantage of the next few months and enjoy the spring and early summer this year.
All Lake Tahoe Tributaries Closed until Saturday preceding Memorial Day.
TROUT REGULATIONS CHANGE NOV. 16 for some of your favorite Sierra Rivers. See below for seasonal regulations.
East Fork Carson River: The East Carson spiked slightly from the rain and wet snow we received, but not enough to mess with the fishing. Probably one of the better options right now, especially for nymphing in the afternoon. Search for deep buckets and slow moving water, and do your best to present your nymphs stealthily. Flies to try are stonefly imitations such as size 10 and 12 Pat’s Rubberlegs, squirmy worms, blow torches, baetis patterns, and the ever present midge. Cover ground and fish as much water as you can. The fish will either be there and willing to eat or not at all, you will know on the first few drifts. The road above monitor pass has been closed but may open with this warm weather, so if you can be the first up there when it does it should fish really well.
East Carson River Winter Fishing Regulations:(starting Nov. 16th)
Above Hangman’s Bridge: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial - NO BAIT. Zero Bag limit.
Below Hangman’s Bridge: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial - NO BAIT. Zero Bag limit.
Truckee River: The lower river has been off colored since the rain storms we received, but it should clear up over the next couple weeks or even days. The upper river has been fishing really well especially midday to late afternoon when the baetis are hatching. In the winter we normally stick to nymphs or streamers unless the fish are actively eating on the surface, then it’s dry fly time. Nymphs to try are small black stoneflies (winter stoneflies), and small dark mayfly imitations such as perdigons, tiny tailwater tungstens, and Hogan’s lil amigos. If none of these are working and you don’t mind breaking purist traditions, try the dirty rigs that include round flies and squirmies. Streamers will also begin to produce fish, especially the big ones that are looking for large meals after the few colder months we’ve had this winter. Crawfish imitations, or baby trout imitations jigged and stripped can be a fun way to hunt for trophy fish on this river.
Truckee River Fishing Regulations:(starting Nov. 16th)
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: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial. Zero Bag limit.
Little Truckee River: Decent flows, but the fish are as picky as ever since they haven’t had a break with the mild winter. Lots of cars are at the parking lots each day but maybe worth it for a few hours of good fishing during the baetis hatch. In a perfect world this river would become isolated during a big winter, and the fish get a chance to do their thing and become less weary, but alas that doesn’t seem to be happening. Most of us would probably find other spots to fish, but if you don’t mind other anglers and picky fish, you can find some good fishing on this river. Baetis and winter stones are the main winter hatch.
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: Probably too low for us to make the drive out there at 20 CFS, but if they raise the river to 40+ CFS, it can be a fun wintertime option. We look forward to early spring (March-April) where the Skwalas will start to emerge and the fishing gets really good.
East Walker River Fishing Regulations:(starting Nov. 16th)
Below Bridgeport Reservoir to Nevada Stateline: Fully Closed in California. Open in Nevada. Catch and release, artificial, single hook only from Stateline to the Elbow. Below the Elbow, general regulations.
Stillwater Options: As for Pyramid Lake, there are two things to look forward to. First is the morning bite especially with this high pressure weather so get up early and fish as soon as you can see your indicator (or earlier if stripping). The lake is open for fishing an hour before sunsrise and you should take advantage of that. The second thing is that the fish will start becoming spawny and will begin to gather around the hatchery at Sutcliffe. The North and South Nets, the Marina, and Marianets, as well as Pelican and Windless will start to become the better fishing zones on the lake as we move into Spring. The stripping bite can become the go-to style for fish catching which is enough reason to make the trip down the lake.
Other lakes in the area such as Spooner, Fallen Leaf Lake, Indian Creek Reservoir will also become awesome spring time fisheries as the ice clears from the lakes (if there even was ice).
Hot Lakes:
Bridgeport Reservoir: Closed until last Saturday in April
Sawmill Lake - Closed until May. Reach out about season and mini passes for the 2025 season.
Pyramid Lake - Shore bite picking up especially on stormy days, look for 10-15 MPH wind and cloudy conditions. Lots of big fish caught this year, get out there!
Lower Blue Lake - Roads closed
Caple’s Lake- Big lake with big fish. Do you fish inlets? We do. A lot of ice but watch the edges with the past weeks warmer temps.
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime
Heenan Lake - Closed until September.
