Get it While it’s (not too) Hot
Feels like summer out there with a high pressure system dominating the west, and the pollen hatch is in full force! That being said, all of our traditionally fished rivers are doing great, but some of the lower elevation sections are already starting to see warmer temps. The season of early bird gets the worm, or those walking out in the dark is here, with best success happening early morning and late evening. PMDs, drakes, and caddis are all hatching so dry flys are on the menu, but streamers, nymphs, and dry dropper are working as well. Stillwaters are also producing some big fish with the deeper lines and rigs producing the best.
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: Based on reports, flows, clarity, and stocking this rivers best fishing will happen over the next few weeks. Both roadside, and below hangman’s bridge have been fishing well. The state stocked some big Heenan Cutthroat in the EC, so fish for those before they turn into eels! These fish don’t maintain their size as they’re used to a food rich still water system, but a fun temporary opportunity. Good amounts of holdovers, state stockies, and the cutthroat have made the fishing consistent, with some nice wild rainbows and browns mixed in. As usual on any pressured river, the best fishing requires a bit of a walk or scramble from the car! Flys to try are medium stoneflies (size 12 or 14), duracell jigs, black midges, small floss worms, and blowtorches.
West Fork of the Carson River: Stocking is scheduled this week from the state, so some fish will be available at the easy access bridges which are great for beginners or people trying to keep some trout. The more remote sections are starting to fish well, especially in the evenings as the bugs are hatching in large numbers. Some nice wild brookies and browns have been caught a ways off the beaten path!
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: Hard to beat the conditions on the Truckee right now while the waters still cold, and flows are perfect. PMDs, and some drakes are hatching daily, with the sporadic gammarus and sedge fluttering around. Fish the slower moving water in the morning, and move into the current close to white water as the day progresses, Flys to try are PMD mayfly imitations, which for the Truckee are normally size 16 or 18, and orange or pink in coloration. Some of my favorite patterns are Hogan’s lil amigos, pink perdigons, and tiny tailwater tungstens in rust color. Also a great time of year for swinging caddis nymphs in the tailouts, an overlooked presentation as most anglers dead drift their nymphs. Trout spey season!
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: Consistent flows, fishing, and anglers has been the story for this river. The fishing is great, but it can be hard to get a spot in one of the more popular runs. PMDs, and drakes are the hatch, and everyone knows it. The fish have been picky so good presentation is crucial for getting a fish on this tailwater.
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: Quality over quantity on the E. Walker, with some nice fish being caught throughout the CA sections and a few in Nevada as well. Temperatures are starting to climb, especially in Nevada so get out there early, fish hard, and head out for lunch. Caddis, streamers, and the usual small midge or may fly pattern will work well. After a flow bump, a natural/small worm pattern can be effective for big browns.
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: Heenan Lake is closed until September
Hot Lakes:
Lake Davis: Awesome Lake for float tubing!
Frenchman’s Reservoir: Big browns being caught from shore and tubes
Bridgeport Reservoir: Some nice browns from shore at the dam.
Sawmill Lake - Opened and stocked, fishing great!
Almanor Lake: A Little far from Tahoe but great for camping trips. Hexagenia Hatch soon!
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.
