Septembrrr
Those hot days and hoot owl conditions quickly disappeared with a September cool down that is much appreciated by us and the fish. Water temperature wise, everything around us is now considered safe for catch and release fly fishing, but the creeks and streams are still pretty dang low so we are focusing on the rivers still. We think the sudden change in conditions has improved the fishing but such a drastic change has an adjustment time where the fish and bugs need to adapt and begin their fall patterns. We’re willing to bet every day throughout September should get better and better especially for streamer fishing and BWO hatches. Heenan has also now opened up with mixed reports due to the gusty wind that’s persisted this week. Some calmer and slightly warmer days are forecasted so grab those float tubes and check out an awesome Lahanton Cutthroat fishery a short drive from South Lake. Fall is one of our favorite times to go fishing!
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 stabilized around 50 CFS which is better than what we were expecting this time of year based on last winters snow pack. These flows are great for throwing foam caddis, micro chubby chernobyls, and small grass hoppers followed up by a small tungsten baetis or caddis pattern. Some of our favorites are size 18 frenchys, size 20 silver bullet baetis, and size 16 tan Caddis Poopahs. Indicator nymphing and tight lining will be effective in the deeper pools and buckets but these are few and far between so either bring a second rod or stick to the dry dropper. Streamers may also wake up that bigger fish that has been caught too many times with nymphs. The hard to reach sections are fishing best, so go for a hike or let us take you down into the canyon using our off road rigs!
West Fork of the Carson River: Flows are low but the meadow section is great for practicing and learning, with a chance at some fish eating a dry fly. The pocket water below Desolation Hotel to Alpine Village will fish the best but harder to get around!
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: The big fish hunters have been rubbing their hands together with the forecasted cool nights and water temperatures plummeting into the 50s and low 60s. Nevada sections will be back on the table, and fall is a great time to chase big browns and rainbows using streamers! Some of my best fish on the Truckee have been caught swinging a trout spey set up, as fish will move from their nooks and crannies to feed on big meals this time of year. Trout spey is an effective way to get a streamer presented throughout an entire run so the fish has a better chance of seeing it. Stop by or give us a call if you have spey questions. In other news, Baetis will begin hatching with this cooler weather so look for a cloudy day and try to find some fish rising if you’ve been itching for a hatch. Nymphing will still be effective as always, but I’ve found this time of year after a summer of seeing every nymph ever tied the fish often times are fooled by a dry fly or streamer. Try something different!
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: Flows remain at ~43 CFS which means the fish will be stacked up in the four of five main runs near the dam of Stampede Reservoir. Good news if you are standing in one of these runs, bad news if you find yourself there on a busy day. Normally not our first option at these flows, but a cloudy September day will produce a decent BWO hatch so may be worth checking out in these conditions. If you pull in and theres 4 or more cars, we would recommend somewhere else. Nymphing will be tough as any fly that comes near a rock or a stick will now be covered in gunk.
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: Conditions are aligning to be a great fall on the East Walker. Flows have been variable as farmers are calling for their last push of water for the season, so check flows before you go. We normally prefer flows from 120 CFS up to 200 CFS. Streamers are the name of the game, with nymphs coming in at a close second. Probably the best brown trout fishery in CA and NV, and fall is the time to go after them!
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: Windy afternoons make fishing tough, so get there early and fish the calm conditions! Fish will be deep until lake turns over. Chironomids on the bottom a top producer, but stripping small prince nymphs, zug bugs, midges, and leeches can work as well.
Hot Lakes:
East Peak Lake: Private and exclusive to us, ask how you can fish this lake!
Sawmill Lake - Shore Fishing picking up, Cooler nights and cooler days mean better fishing!
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime.
Pyramid Lake: A month away, start prepping!
