Water For All
Finally we are seeing the signs of summer and the ‘22-’23 winter seems to be behind us. We are excited for full rivers and lakes that should stay that way all summer long and even into fall, but right now some of those rivers might be too full to fish. The warm spring weather and even a few rain showers have jump started the spring run off, and some of our rivers may be tough to fish but if we get creative there are always options!
East Carson River:
Being a freestone river fed almost entirely from snow melt, this is one of the rivers that is going to be on the tougher side to fish right now. On the bright side, the river is receiving a much needed “flush” that should push out all the debris and sediment that have accumulated throughout the last couple years. When the flows do start to come down and the water clarity improves, we look forward to rafting and fishing this river all summer long, with cold water and evening sessions throwing dry flies.
Truckee River:
The Truckee is big water right now, which may be intimidating but also this is when some of those bigger fish are caught. During high flows, larger trout get dispersed from their normal hiding spots and end up in the soft seams close to the bank. Work the edges with a streamer, nymph rig, or euro rig, and cover some ground. Any soft water where fish can find some refuge from the heavy river flows is worth fishing wether it be shallow or deep. The flows on this river are perfect for streamer fishing, and you may get the fish of a life time to chase right now!
Flies to try are dark, medium to large stoneflies, squirmy wormies, blue wing olive/march brown mayfly imitations and medium or large streamers that look like crayfish or baitfish.
Little Truckee River:
Flows are abnormally low for this time of year, which leads us to believe they are trying to fill Stampede Reservoir to the brim before letting the water loose. At ~150 CFS the Little Truckee is crossable, fishable, and wadable which may sound perfect, but because of this might be a little busy.
On cloudy days there have been good BWO hatches, so tiny flies are producing well. Small midges, BWOs, or natural san juan worms should be working.
East Walker River:
The river has been put almost to a maximum flow and has been between 800-1100 CFS which is probably not worth the drive unless you like sink tips and streamers. If you are up for a challenge and want to throw some big flies, working the “miracle mile” by walking and casting into structure or any bit of soft water may just produce a large trout, or maybe just a tired arm. We would recommend waiting for the flows to come below 500 before making the drive.
Stillwater Options:
One of the best times to fish a lake is the few weeks after they have thawed called “ice out”. If you haven’t been able to experience ice out yet, do not worry as some of our lakes are still frozen! Indian Creek reservoir and Baron lake have thawed and have been fishing well, but the fish are starting to catch on and have been harder to catch. But soon Caples, Red, Silver, Spooner, and more will be thawed and that ice out window will be here. Fallen leaf and Tahoe can also give up monster trout this time of year that can be found cruising the shallows where a fly rod can reach.
Hot Lakes:
Sawmill Lake - BOOK NOW! Close to opening!
Fallen Leaf - Fishing well especially near the inlet
Prosser Reservoir - Thawed Water level is low as they make room for snow melt but have a chance at trout and Smallmouth
Lake Baron - Thawed with plenty of holdover trout
Bridgeport Reservoir - Chance at a nice brown trout from shore
Caple’s Lake- Frozen but close to thawing out
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime
