Tahoe Fly Fishing Report Archives

Tuesday May 5th, 2008

The conditions in our area are continually improving. Overall, we are down in total water and snowpack for the winter. The weather has been cool during the day and freezing at night. As a result of the cooler weather, runoff has been very controlled so far. Nice and steady! It should be another great spring of fishing. The Truckee from Tahoe City to Boca is very fishable right now. The Little Truckee between Boca and Stampede is fishing good too. The reservoirs are filling each day and the water is also warming up some. This is a great time to be here fishing there is not alot of people out every day and the fish are waking up and eager to feed.

If you are new to the sport, or, even if your a veteran this is and excellent time to brush up on your techniques and skills. I offer schools that fit all abilities and are available anytime. Beginners, you should start now so that you have all summer to practice and experience the changes as the season progresses. Guide service is available everyday for the rivers and streams and well as the local stillwaters. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

Truckee River**-*** From River Ranch to Boca is the best fishing on the Truckee right now. The flows are starting to get bumped around and could change any day check my Venues page for a link to the Truckee and other rivers. The flows in Town are around 250 cfs and change with the daily runoff and outflows of the reservoirs. Below Boca is higher 580cfs and still fishable. Its has been a cool spring thus far this year with indicator nymphing and stripping streamers being the most productive techniques now. I have heard of a few fish taking on the surface and as it warms up surface techniques can become more effective. I have noticed March Browns and midges have been popular with the fish this spring. For dries try: Stimulator 10-6, Royal Wluff 10-8, Parachute Adams 10-20, and Emerger/cripples 10-20. For nymphs: Stones 10-6, Prince 12-6, PT’s 16-10, SJW, Haresear 16-10, Micro Mays 20-16, and Midges 20-16.

Little Truckee** Use Caution! The flows are up around 260 wading can be difficult here as the flows go higher. The dry fly action is not as productive as nymphing or streamers. There are bugs around, however, the fish are not really looking up yet. For dries try: Elk Hair Caddis 18-14, Compara Duns 20-14, Parachute Adams 20-14, Griffiths Gnat 18-16, and Emerger/Cripples 20-14. For nymphs try: Zebra Midge 10-16, Mirco May 20-16, PTs 18-14, SJW, eggs, Prince 18-10, and Stones 16-10. For streamers Try a Woolly Bugger or Stanley Streamer 10-6.

Local Reservoirs**-*** The ponds are starting to fill, and, again may not get full this season. The fish are spread out. As the water warms up throughout the day they have been moving up onto the shallows and shoreline to feed on Midges. I have not hit the inlets much yet, but the they are always a good start and Boca inlet has been good. One of my scouts says he has been seein a few blood midges about. They are always a good trout meal. For steamers try Woolly Buggers, Stanley Streamers, and leeches in 10-6. For nymphs try: Midge Pupa 18-14, PT’s 18-14, Martis Midge 16-14, Brassies 18-14, and Damsel or Dragon fly nymphs 12-8. For dries try: Griffiths Gnat, Parachute Adams, Cripples, and Emergers 18-14.

High Country Lakes and Streams There is still snow in the higher elevations and it may take a while for things to open up given the cooler weather we have been experiencing.

May 31st I will be at Kiene's Fly shop in Sacramento giving a presentation and answering questions on the Truckee Area and Morrisons Rogue River Lodge where I guide Steelhead fishing in September and October. This season, at Morrisons, we will be offering a Steelhead Fly Fishing School in September. If you ever wanted to get a jump on an already elusive fish and increase your odds, this is the school to attend! I'll be able to answer questions at Kiene's on May 31st or go to the website morrisonslodge.com. Come by Kiene's and say hello it well be a great event.

See you on the water,

Brian