Wild Weather Woes And The Crystal Ball
Following up on a top 5 largest snow storms in the Sierra this month was a warm air current off the Pacific that brought heavy rain and washing nearly all of that snow around the basin away and flooding our rivers to un-fishable flows. But if you pick the right days to fish Pyramid, these storms cycles in February made some outstanding days producing big LCT stockers. This past week with swirling winds, the ‘mid fished great in the morning and slowed as winds shifted consistently out of the West/Southwest. A majority of the fish coming to hand are colored up and stripping season is going to start soon out there. Gear up with your black Woolies, Beatles, and Boobies for the strip strip boom.
All that said, if Pyramid isn’t your thing and the river is where it’s at. We believe with colder temps over the coming 7-day stretch, and little to no precip in the forecast, our rivers will come into shape and the sun will be out again. Look at Wednesday or Thursday as the first days to get out and bring your sunscreen.
7-Day snapshot for the East Carson River Valley around Markleeville.
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: Prior to the Snowmagedon Week, fish were being found around the confluence of Markleeville Creek and up into the first stretches of the creek with some big browns around as well. But the storm blew out the river taking it up to almost 1,900 CFS near Markleeville. It has since come down and gazing into the crystal ball we think see that Wednesday and Thursday should become fishable with flows in the 300 - 450 cfs range as runoff slows with colder overnight temps. River river is going to be back on it’s game of weighted San Juan Worms, Black Pat’s Rubber Legs, Heavy Duracell Jigs, and midges. Make sure to get the bugs down with some weight under an indicator.
East and West Carson River Fishing Regulations:
Whole river to Nevada state borders catch and release, artificial, barbless.
Truckee River: The Truckee experienced a similar spike in flows and is still well over 1,000 cfs below Boca inlet and continue to grow up to 1,400 cfs through Reno. The good news is with the temp drops coming this next week, flows will be back to normal and with mild winds and partly cloudy skies, we’ll see the midday, high sun BWO hatches once again. While it’s a bit early, we are seeing evidence of Skwalas (before the snowstorm). If you’re a progressive angler, give your skwala patterns a run with a midge below under an indicator with weight to get the bugs down. Pat’s Rubber Legs with a Little Amigo Midge or the like have been a ticket to fish. As well, worms and eggs will continue to fish.
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 only. Zero Bag limit.
Little Truckee River: Fishable and looking really good at 164 cfs. This is a great flow for the LT and with the low % threat of precipitation, mild winds and some cloud cover it could be a special few days on the LT. We’ll know more in the next day or two and have a full report next week and with the high pressure full sunshine weather in the long term forecast, you could be in store for a hot bite report, but then again, you might be too late! Black Winter Stones, small baetis, and of course worms and eggs are in play here.
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 and flows have been steadily climbing over the last 6 days. This climb up to 250+ cfs is coming a bit earlier in the season than flows normally have their first spike but keep an eye and take advantage of flows in the 150 - 300 cfs range. The fish get a little spooked immediately following flow changes but if we see a couple days of stability, it’ll be worth the drive to the Nevada side. Winter stones, skwalas, cray patterns are all in play.
East Walker River Fishing Regulations:
Nevada: Elbow to California Boarder, catch and release, artificial, single hook, barbless.
California: Closed
Pyramid Lake: It’s been Pyra-mood out there and predictable. The lake is all about the weather patterns. The lake has fished well the last week and particularly good on those stormy days. Look for a decent bite through Wednesday. The wind out of the West isn’t our favorite, but we are still catching fish on midges and stripping flies. Don’t miss your chances and fish early to give yourself the best bite window. The fish are colored up and making for some epic pics out at the lake. Chironomids working best, leeches will work with wind chop. Some calm day tips are to downsize your tippet and indicator, increase the distance between your fly line and indicator, and use smaller flies.
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. We fish it quite a bit, so if you want to the goods, stop by the shop and we’ll share the coordinates.
