Winter has Arrived
With the big storms coming we are grateful for an overall solid fishing season on our rivers despite the continued drought year, which is why you won’t find us complaining about the incoming storm even though it means an early end to our fall time fishing! The good news is that most of our rivers are now open year around to catch and release, barbless, fishing so look for those breaks in between the weather and grab that rod. Winter time fishing brings its own challenges but with the right gear and staying dressed appropriately, you can find yourself some serious solitude with great fishing. This time of year also is the time when steelhead populate some of our coastal/valley rivers, and also Pyramid Lake opens and draws anglers from all over the world. Stop by the shop for more information on these destination fisheries.
East Carson River:
Regulations change November 15th to catch and release, barbless, artificial for entire CA river.
The recent rain/snow has improved fishing conditions with a slight bump in flows and a loss of clarity to help with those spooky trout. The county and state haven’t stocked in some time so the fish will be spread throughout the entire river system, with the big fish in the pools and the smaller fish in the pocket water. The main thing is good presentation and stealthy approaches as the fish have gotten smart and are weary of anglers. Try to fish minimal weight and the smallest indicators/drys with one or two tiny nymphs under them. I have heard a few reports of decent dry fly fishing in the late afternoon, and generally fishing being better during the warmest parts of the day.
Truckee River:
Regulations change November 15th to catch and release, barbless, artificial for entire CA river.
Funky flows continue on this river with minimal water coming through the upper section, and then increased flows below Boca and Prosser reservoir. Through the low flow section, fishing has been good because it’s pretty obvious where the fish are going to be holding, but be on the watch for spawning Brown Trout and avoid fishing to them or walking over their redds. The canyon section has also been fishing well with small baetis nymphs and various midge patterns.
Little Truckee River:
Flows have been great as they try to sustain the Truckee River with water from Stampede and Boca reservoirs, which has lead to some awesome fishing. Unfortunately word has spread that this river is one of the better options at the moment so the crowds have been thick. Weekdays, or late afternoon is probably your best chance at getting some solitude. If you do find yourself there on a busy day, fish the in between stuff with a walk and cast style and cover some ground. Fish can be in a lot of nooks and crannies at 120 CFS. Hatches have been midges, and baetis. Try to be respectful of your fellow angler or guide, and give each other some room.
East Walker River:
Regulations change November 15th: Closed in California to all fishing
Temperatures of plummeted on this river with some super cold nights, so fishing has been best in the middle of the day when air temp is the warmest. The fish have been lethargic so small streamers or nymphs are probably the best bet at getting some fish. Flows are below average so cover some ground, the big fish are often found in shallow water!
Stillwater Options:
Unfortunately the main fall time still water of Heenan Lake is more than likely coming to an end as the lake is accessed by Monitor Pass which closes after large snow storms, and the one forecasted for the next few days looks like a big one. However, the fly fishing destination of Pyramid Lake where anglers travel from around the world for their chance at a large cutthroat trout will only improve with the nasty weather as the food is stirred up close to shore and those monster cutthroat move into the shallows. Stop by the shop to talk about the rigs we use to fish this massive lake from shore, and the gear we use to keep us warm and dry out there.
Hot Lakes:
Sawmill Lake - BOOK NOW! The lake is open until December first, but may be hike in only.
Heenan Lake - Closed while Monitor Pass is closed
Prosser Reservoir - Trout and Smallmouth
Lake Baron - Get it before it freezes!
Bridgeport Reservoir - Chance at a nice brown trout from shore (try near the dam)
Caple’s Lake- The narrow window where the fishing is spectacular is now!
Tahoe - Not a numbers game but when we fish Tahoe we are looking for that fish of a lifetime
