Slackin Cause we’ve Been Fishin!
Conditions have been pretty dang good on most of the Tahoe area rivers the past few weeks, and we are looking forward to one of our favorite months for fishing. June often brings the best and strongest hatches that include PMDs, green drakes, and caddis. All our rivers are beginning to enter their CFS prime time as well so things are aligning and the fishing should be excellent. Our private lakes (Sawmill Lake and East Peak Lake) have also been stocked and are fishing great. The Lake Tahoe Tributaries are now open to Catch and Release, Barbless, No bait/artificial 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 coming into shape as they dip below 400 CFS, but keep an eye on the gauge as the warm weather may give one final push of snow melt this next week or so. We’ve been fishing both the road side pools and taking some hikes/off road vehicles into the canyon section below Hangman’s bridge with success. Bugs that have been working are stonefly imitations like black pat’s rubberlegs, worm patterns, flashy perdigones, and the ever present midge (zebras, discos, etc.) The river has been planted a number of times during the higher flows which is generally a good thing as the fish get spread out through the entire river. Some nice wild fish have been caught below Hangman’s bridge as well.
West Fork of the Carson River: The river was finally stocked and the fishing has been decent. Most of the easy buckets near the bridges have been cleared out of fish, but there’s always a few that remain and a few that move down river. Search for deeper pools and slower moving water. As the bugs begin to emerge, the wild brookies, browns, and rainbows will begin to rise for well presented dry flys. Evening is generally the best time to take advantage of the rising wild fish!
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: Flows have begun dropping on the Truckee and the river is said to be fishing great! Some big fish have been shuffling around as they find new holding spots with the changing currents, which is generally when we catch them. Wading and crossing is also becoming easier so more river access has begun to open. Nymphing is still king but some of my favorite days on the Truckee have happened in June when the green drakes decide to pop and every fish in the river begins to rise for these large offerings. Always be prepared with some green drake drys and a spare rod/spool for throwing drys when fishing this river in June, you don’t want to miss out if this happens while you’re on the river! PMDs have also been showing on the warmer days, and this hatch will only strengthen as the water warms.
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: They’ve begun stair casing the flows down on this river, which is excellent for fishing depending on where they decide to leave the flows. Generally our favorite flow is between 150 and 400 CFS, perfect for nymphing outside of the hatches and dry fly fishing during! Main hatches will be PMDs and Green Drakes, making this river the most consistent summertime dry fly fishery in the area. If you find yourself there on a busy day, the in between areas can be surprisingly productive if you’re patient and let the fish show themselves as they rise for the big green drakes. Be mindful of your fellow anglers and give each other some space!
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: Some of the hype has worn off and the river has returned to the normal amount of anglers both in California and Nevada. Flows have generally been stable between 150 and 180 CFS, which is perfect for fishing and wading. As we move into the warmer months of summer, this river is one of the first to have temperatures reaching above 70 degrees so be mindful on those extra hot days and check those temperatures!
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
Pyramid Lake: Wrapping up the season.
Heenan Lake: Heenan Lake is closed for the season.
Hot Lakes:
Lake Davis: Awesome Lake for float tubing!
Frenchman’s Reservoir: Big browns being caught from shore and tubes
Bridgeport Reservoir: Some nice browns from shore at the dam.
Sawmill Lake - Opened and stocked, fishing great!
Almanor Lake: A Little far from Tahoe but great for camping trips. Hexagenia Hatch soon!
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime. We fish it quite a bit, so if you want to the goods, stop by the shop and we’ll share the coordinates.
