Heat Wave…
This holiday week has been a crazy (in a good way) time for the shop as we’ve been doing a ton of guided trips on some of our south shore options with excellent results. Weathers hot but the Carson’s are cool and fishing well. The North Shore is also fishing well but with these warm temperatures, a couple of our favorite zones have become a morning only option for us as we let the fish have a break in the warm weather. I’m sure every fishing report in the west says something about carrying a stream thermometer and how we should stop fishing at ~68 degrees water temp which we fully support as well.
East Fork Carson River: Probably as close to prime time on this river as it gets. After the past couple rough years of drought and flood, it seems like the fish are coming back stronger than ever with reports of 12”-16” football shaped wild trout being caught regularly with large brood stock planters mixed in. The river is staying cool for now but everyday will get a little warmer so if you find yourself out there in the afternoon, check those temps. As anything in California, the farther you walk the better it gets, so try the inbetween stuff if you find yourself above Hangman’s bridge, or walk the extra mile if you hike below Hangmans. The river is barbless and artificial and traditionally catch and release downstream from this bridge, and general regulations above the bridge. Hoppers have been exploding so a lot of us are opting for hopper dropper set ups as they’re effective as well as fun to fish. For the dropper, try bead head caddis patterns, pmd patterns, and jig fly attractors. Indicator or euro nymphing will also become effective as the fish move into faster water with the warmer temperatures.
Truckee River: Certain zones of this river have been fishing well, which are mostly below where Boca Reservoir dumps into the river as this helps cool the whole river down. The sections above Boca such as Glenshire and Joe’s Schoolyard, are early morning only options right now as it’s hitting 68 degrees by noon, and the same is now happening in the Nevada/Reno sections. The fish are still there, but be fishing by 6 AM and call it by noon. Find the fast white water and fish the slots or micro seams that form behind rocks as this is where the fish are hanging out for as much oxygen as possible.
Little Truckee River: Busy, Busy, Busy. A bump in flows put this river up to 300 CFS which is a bit above average for this time of year, but the river is cold. Crowds have been abundant on this tailwater so be ready to see other anglers out there and please be respectful of each other. Summer time bugs such as PMDs, drakes, and caddis should produce some trout, but with the heavy angling pressure the fish are going to be smart. Try smaller tippet, and more moderate action rods to protect that tippet. Unweighted nymphs and/or emergers should also fool the educated trout if presented right.
East Walker River: Another early morning only fishery as the heat has brought the temperatures into the upper 60s for most the day. Heading down the night before, fishing Bridgeport reservoir for carp in the evening, setting up camp, and than waking up at first light and fishing the river for a few hours is my favorite way to fish this area this time of year. Caddis are the main bugs but a well presented fly of any type tends to work on this river as the river supports abundant bug and fish life. Flow Chart
Stillwater Options: Surface temps have begun climbing and the fish will start going deep. Float tubes, small boats, and sinking lines will be working better the next few months, with opportunity for the bank angler in the mornings and evenings. Calibaetis, midges, and random terrestrials will wind up in the water if you want to try dry flies, but leeches and wooly buggers are the safe choice if no fish are rising.
Hot Lakes:
Bridgeport Reservoir: Huge Brown Trout and Carp
Sawmill Lake - BOOK NOW Fishing well from float tubes and rafts
Pyramid Lake - Closed
Lower Blue Lake - Fish from float tubes or the dam
Caple’s Lake- Big lake with big fish
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime
Heenan Lake - Closed
