Things are warming up
Summer is in full flight and we’ve had a long dry run here in the Sierra. Everything seems to be coming about 3-5 weeks early including hatches, lower flows and rising water temps. CADFW updated there HOOT OWL WATCHLIST that includes the Truckee River, Upper Truckee River and several others in the sierra. Please carry a thermometer with you and be conscious of how you are handling fish. Any water temps reading 68 degrees or higher should be an immediate stoppage of all 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: Based on reports, rattlesnake activity on the EC is high. Watch your step and avoid know areas where rattlers den or rest. Flows on the EC are primetime and much of the activity favors those who ‘go the distance’. Both roadside, and below hangman’s bridge have been fishing well. Again, the state stocked some big Heenan Cutthroat in the EC, so fish for those before they turn into eels! These fish don’t maintain their size as they’re used to a food rich still water system, but a fun temporary opportunity. Good amounts of holdovers, state stockies, and the cutthroat have made the fishing consistent, with some nice wild rainbows and browns mixed in. The lower you go while staying in the mountainous/canyon area of the EC has seen some brown trout action and wash down holdovers. Flys to try are medium stoneflies (size 12 or 14), duracell jigs, black midges, small floss worms, and blowtorches. Those newish stonefly jig patters with the casing have been highly productive as well.
West Fork of the Carson River: The river has been fishing well after the stocking a couple weeks ago but we don’t anticipate that to hold much longer. Evening dry fly hatches have been good - go small. The more remote sections are starting to fish well, especially in the evenings as the bugs are hatching in large numbers. Some nice wild brookies and browns have been caught a ways off the beaten path!
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 Truckee continues to fish well and anglers know it. It’s been a busy tailwater and with school out for Summer, this isn’t going to slow. There are some afternoon/evening cloud formations in the forecast and look for those hatches to get a little boost with that weather change. PMDs, and some drakes are hatching daily, with the sporadic gammarus and sedge fluttering around. Fish the slower moving water in the morning, and move into the current close to white water as the day progresses, Flys to try are PMD mayfly imitations, which for the Truckee are normally size 16 or 18, and orange or pink in coloration. Some of my favorite patterns are Hogan’s lil amigos, pink perdigons, and tiny tailwater tungstens in rust color. Also a great time of year for swinging caddis nymphs in the tailouts, an overlooked presentation as most anglers dead drift their nymphs. Trout spey season!
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: Consistent flows, fishing, and anglers have been the storylines. This river sees a lot of pressure but it continues to produce lately. The fishing is great, but it can be hard to get a spot in one of the more popular runs. PMDs, and drakes are the hatch, and everyone knows it. If you go in the afternoons and fish to dark, you are more likely to get the runs and pockets you want. Enjoy this cold tailwater on our hotter days!
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: The E-Dub got a little flow boost in the last few days and fish are happy. Temperatures are starting to climb, especially in Nevada so get out there early, fish hard, and head out for lunch. We’ve had some good luck banging banks with streamers to find fish - this isn’t a numbers game but you can catch a monster hanging out along cuts and under overhanging willows. Caddis, streamers, and the usual small midge or may fly pattern will work well. After a flow bump, a natural/small worm pattern can be effective for big browns.
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: Heenan Lake is closed until September
Hot Lakes:
Higher Elevation Alpine Lakes: Now’s the best time of the year for going on a hike to our >8000’ elevation lakes! Beat the Heat!
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.
