Long Road To Winter
A brief week of storms followed by a cold spell has let to some epic flows on most of our freestone and tailwaters. Since then it’s been unusually light on the precipitation and the ski resorts are feeling the pinch. But us anglers are feeling the love! Fish and bugs are happening and we’re seeing some great production (without a lot of foot traffic). If you’re itching for some river therapy, or visiting the area to ski dirt and rocks, now is a great time to get on the water - snow capped mountains, non one around, dressed up in all the gear - the fish are read and active.
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: Colder air temps have held what little snow pack there is and flowss are prime at 125 CFS. It continues to trend down but we anticipate this river fishing great for at least the next week with streamers, nymphing and some dry takes happening. Daytime air temps are in the mid 40s to high 50s most days with water temps at around 45 - 48. Trout love this weather. While nymphing a Pat’s Rubber Leg and a small zebra midge have been the most productive. There are some of us still going for the grandes on streamer takes and finding success. The streamer is not a huge numbers game but it’s all about the take. The fish are all over but found mostly in big buckets and slow water - sometimes unusually slow water where they don’t have to spend as much energy at this time of year. The roadside also got a stocking recently and there have been some active fish with few crowds up that way Look for slow water off fast water where a constant flow of food can spiral off into the slow water. As flows continue to drop, fish will be central to the deeper runs/buckets. Dry dropper rigs have also been working with chubbies or Crystal Flash Stimulators getting grabs and a small midges as a dropper.
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: Not much new to report here. Still finding fish around Woodfords and has been more productive than Hope Valley. Euro-style jigs behind boulders and shallow indicator rigs have been the ticket. These fish have seen all the flashy flies throughout the season and with lower flows it’s time to go back to the “buggy” looking beadless flies. The upper sections of this river are not seeing a lot of sunlight this time of year and staying very cold throughout the day. The bite has slowed above HV along Blue Lakes Rd.
Truckee River: The Truckee continues to fish well in CA and in NV. Reno anglers are sticking close to home and there has been a lot of foot traffic through downtown sections with heavy spin traffic. Water is clear and fish can be a bit spooky if they see activity on the bank. Have some stealth and some tact approaching holes in CA and NV. While egg patterns have really slowed for us, traditional bugs have produced fish. You don’t have to get on the river too early - we’re seeing a BWO hatch early/mid day and could catch a fish looking up. If you see an overcast day in the forecast that isn’t blowing 30 mph, circle it on the calendar until they snow starts to fly. The CA side of the Truckee has seen less pressure so if you’re just looking to get away to the river and enjoy some clear crisp Winter days on the river, you can still find a few fish around. Your typical euro-fishing has been productive but were throwing small midge and baetis patterns - think small… no smaller. Like other rivers at this time, look for the slow water close to the fast water (back eddies, frog water on the edges, tail-outs, etc.) The fish don’t want to work much this time of year with the cold clear weather we’re having but they are still going to stay as close as they can to the food source.
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: Dropped even lower to 145 cfs and makes this river very limiting. As snow starts to fly the gate will close and access will be limited to skinning or sledding to this river. Not a strong option at this time.
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: Flows are low and we are not recommending any fishing here. If flows come back up to 50+ then it could be game-on, but with the recent drop to 22 CFS, stay off this river. If you must, stick a fish in the deepest bucket and move. Don’t harass the school as much as you’d like to whack fish in a barrel.
East Walker River Fishing Regulations:
California: Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 18 inches total. Two Trout.
Pyramid Lake: Pyramid has been a tale of hit or miss days which isn’t a surprise. Strong reports come from stronger weather days. If you can brave the elements, you are going to get rewarded. Unfortunately there has not been a lot of weather events to get excited about here. Go early, real early and get your spot. Make sure you are loaded on chironomids and balanced leaches.
Heenan Lake: Heenan Lake is closed for the season.
Hot Lakes:
Sawmill Lake - Closed for the season.
Fallen Leaf: Good numbers of Lahontan Cutthroat with the occasional brown/lake trout mixed in.
Lower Blue Lake - Road open to lower Blue. Check out some of the other lakes in the area as well.
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
