Rivers are Coming Into Shape
Some of our favorite rivers are finally settling down and are becoming fishable. Everything is still above average flows for this time of year, but several options are running clear and are close to fishing really well. The Truckee has dropped quite a lot in the last week as they have reduced flows coming out of several of the major tributaries that have kept this river raging through the canyon, and as it continues to drop, that post-run off window tends to fish excellent. The East Carson has remained stubbornly high but I’ve heard that it is slowly starting to clear up and we are close to getting out there and trying our luck on one of our favorite freestone rivers in the area. The West Carson is still large, but has cleared up and looks very fishy through the meadow section of Hope Valley. Also, not to be biased but our private Sawmill Lake has been fishing really well, producing both quality and quantity of trophy rainbows with a few brown trout mixed in.
Carson River:
Unfortunately for the fisherman, but fortunately for the rafters this river is still large and in charge. We have not been fishing here much, but have had some guides drive past it recently and they said that it is starting to turn more of a green color rather then brown which is a good sign. While not the best option at the moment, we are very excited to fish this river once it comes into shape where we will be rafting this river into September and evening dry fly fishing this area all summer long.
The West Fork is fishing tough but we have heard some reports of fish starting to get caught. We still thing the trip to Hope Valley is well worth the drive as the scenery could not be better with the snow capped peaks and lush green meadow.
Truckee River:
We are very excited about the next couple weeks on this river as the flows have dropped down to 1600 in the canyon, which is still big and tough to wade, but this is what I would consider a “fishable” flow. The canyon section of the Truckee is advanced fly fishing at its finest, but also a shop favorite to go after some really nice wild fish. The upper sections are also coming into shape, and some sections are now wadable and close to being crossable. We are looking forward to dry dropper fishing, and evening dry fly fishing as the water warms up and the bugs start to move around.
Current hatches will be march browns, PMDs, golden stoneflies, green drakes and carpenter ants.
Little Truckee River:
The water master has been messing with the flows on this river, but the general trend seems to be downward. A consistent tailwater in the area with good fishing access, but can also be one of our busier rivers in the area. Respect your fellow angler and give each other room. Spread out and try the in between stuff. At these flows fish can be anywhere and everywhere and not just in the standard runs. Be careful wading in the shallow, gravel beds as this is where fish likely have spawned and redds may be present.
PMDs and green drakes should be starting any day now, and if you see carpenter ants flying around, give one of these a try.
East Walker River:
The record snowpack above this drainage has been melting quickly and the water has to go somewhere which is why the East Walker is at 1200 CFS with no signs of slowing down. I would consider these flows to be unfishable, but where there’s a will there’s a way. Streamers and sink tips in the normal “frog water” sections may just produce a nice fish, but I personally don’t think it’s worth the drive.
Stillwater Options:
Stillwater anglers are having a lot of fun right now as Caples is icing off, Reds is fully iced off, and Indian creek reservoir is stocked and producing nice trout. Our private lake has been fishing very well and we have been catching fish on nymphs, buggers, and carpenter ants.
This time of year try a balanced leech and chironomid combo under an indicator, or a small dark hares ear or zebra midge as a dropper under a carpenter ant or chubby chernobyl.
Hot Lakes:
Sawmill Lake - BOOK NOW! Open and fishing hot!
Fallen Leaf - Fishing well especially near the inlet
Prosser Reservoir - Fishes well from shore or boat for trout and small mouth bass.
Lake Baron - Thawed with plenty of holdover trout
Bridgeport Reservoir - Chance at a nice brown trout from shore
Caple’s Lake- Thawed out, chance at a big fish!
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime
