Post Holiday Opportunities
January can be a tough time of year for fly fishing but also has some advantages that can’t be said for the other months of the year. Now that the ski resorts have received some decent snow, the rivers will be void of crowds so check out those traditionally “busy” sections of river, they’re popular for a reason! Winter fishing normally requires smaller flies, slower drifts, and a bit more patience but trout have to eat year round so there’s always a fish willing to take a fly somewhere out there.
Some tactics include downsizing your bobber or using a yarn/pinchy indicator to detect those subtle winter strikes. Try smaller tippets: when the rivers sub 40 degrees the trout generally don’t fight like they do in the summer, so big fish can be landed on 5X and smaller. Lastly, fish the warmest part of the day, opposite of summer the aquatic insects such as midges and blue wing olives are active during the warmest parts of the day so no need to rush to the river at first light just take advantage of that midday window.
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: Flows have returned to fishable, making this river a great option for the foreseeable future. The river is low enough in elevation where there’s not too much snow on the ground so parking and getting to the river are easy, and there’s fish where they’re supposed to be. Some great winter patterns are egg patterns, floss worms, small to medium sized stoneflies, and midges. Look for slow, deeper water as the fish tend to hold in spots where they can expend the least amount of energy when the water is at it’s coldest. This river can have large ice shelves develop along the sides, especially after the colder nights so be cautious when wading.
East and West Carson River Fishing Regulations:
Whole river to Nevada state borders catch and release, artificial, barbless.
Truckee River: Flows are till a tad high in some sections but flow charts are trending downwards as the storms pass and weather stabilizes. A favorite winter time option for the Tahoe area, especially the lower elevation sections towards and past Reno. This time of year it’s worth having a Nevada and California fishing license. Winter hatches of midges and blue wing olives are pretty consistent, with the chance of streamers and swung soft hackles working as well. Our favorite Truckee wintertime patterns are small midges, size 18 blue wing olive nymphs such as Hogans Lil Amigo, bead/egg patterns, and worms.
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: Catch & Release Barbless Artificial Flies only. Zero Bag limit.
Little Truckee River: Fishable but might be interesting getting to the river as they don’t maintain the road past the Boca Reservoir dam. Some guys snowshoe or ski into the river so a chance at a multi-sport day!
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: Only open in Nevada but low flow conditions likely until March. Generally not worth the travel for 20 CFS conditions. Guys may have success but we prefer fisheries that are a little less fish in a barrel.
East Walker River Fishing Regulations:
California: Closed
Pyramid Lake: Pick your days! If given the chance, try to be there when two of the following three conditions are forecasted: 8+ MPH wind from the North, East, or South East direction, cloudy conditions, or low barometric pressure. These days almost always fish better this time of year. Sunny, windless days still produce fish but you will be doing a lot more bobber staring than fighting large cutthroat. The morning bite will be the best most days, with a decent late afternoon bite. The best part of pyramid you can have an 8 hour or longer day of fishing this time of year, where the rivers tend to have smaller time slots when the fishing is good. Stop by the shop and we will show or set up your rods with the proper rig to catch some fish!
Heenan Lake: Heenan Lake is closed for the season.
Hot Lakes:
Pyramid Lake: Worlds largest cutthroat!
Sawmill Lake - Closed for the season.
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
