Fall is here in the Truckee Tahoe area and it is a great time to be fly fishing as conditions are prime for this time of year. This report will focus on the Truckee and Little Truckee Rivers.
Before I get started on the report I wanted to mention the passing last week of my friend and long time Truckee area guide Frank Pisciotta. Frank or "Uncle Frank" as some of us knew him was a mentor to myself and others. A conservationist with eye for what is best for the fish. A jolly character and conversationalist Frank was friends with everyone. If you were lucky to engage in a conversation with Frank the talk could cover multiple topics and take up way too much fishing time. On the river, I would hear him talking with his client well before I would see him. Frank did a lot for me, the fly fishing community, and our local community. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Truckee River Conditions
The flow in Truckee is 76cfs and at Boca 455cfs. Mid-day water temps are 58-60 degree and more on the warmer days. Clarity is very good above Boca and and good below. Look for Donner Lake to start getting dumped soon.
Truckee River Tactics
Tactics for the Truckee at this point or based on the flows. Above Boca Dry and Dry/dropper is great way to go. Below Boca any tactic that you want to try will catch fish. There are good numbers of hoppers still around and the smaller Mayflies, Caddis, and Midges are all in play. Look for October Caddis to make an appearance as well. Browns are starting to stage for the spawn so big 'ol streamer early or late could be fun as well.
Truckee River Suggested Flies
Time to downsize and that goes for tippet too. May need to use 6x to get the right look on those tiny dries. Dry Flies: Thorax Dun 16-22, Parachute Adams 16-22, Rusty Spinners 16-18, Quigley Cripple 18-20, Royal Wluff 12-16, Double Dutch 8-10, Morrish Hopper 8-10, Crystal Stimulator 16, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, E/C Caddis 16-18, Missing Link Caddis16-18, Chubby Chernoble 10, Humpy 12-16, and Griffiths Gnat 16-20. For nymphs: Pats Rubber Legs 10-8, Twenty Incher 8-10, Peacock Stones 8-10, Mercer's Poxyback stone 8-10, Soft Hackles 16-18, Prince Nymphs 8-12, Poohpah 14-18, LaFontain Sparkle Pupa 16-18, Burk's Bottom roller 14-16, Mop 10, SJW, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Flashback Haresear 16-18, Copper Johns 12-20, Crawdad 8, and Birdsnest 10-16. Streamers: Sculpzilla 4-6, Dali Llama 4, and Sparkle Minnow 2-4.
Truckee River Summary
The summary is that the Truckee River is fishing well. It is basically two different rivers with the current flows so adjust tactics to fit the section your in. The smoke has abated somewhat and conditions are perfect for fall fishing.
Little Truckee River Conditions
The flows on the Little Truckee River are 85 cfs. The water temp is good and the clarity is good.
Little Truckee River Tactics
The Tactics for the LT haven't changed too much the fish are still finicky. There are some hatches of BWO's in two sizes and, lucky for us, the fish are eating both. Hoppers are still around as well. The Kokanee have started to move up the river so the Browns and Rainbows will be setting up for some easy meals. The Dry Fly action has been good and when that is slow Dry/dropper has been getting it done.
Little Truckee River Suggested Flies
Beatis, and Midges are all out and about. For dry flies: Hopper 10-12, Parachute Adams 14-20, Griffiths Gnat 16-20, Quigley Cripple 14-18, Royal Wluff 10-14, Thorax Dun 14-18, Hackle Stacker 14-18, and Compara Dun 14-16. For nymphs: Micro May 16-18, Rainbow Warrior 16-18, Pheasant Tail 16-18, Flashback PT 16-18, SJW, Copper Johns 14-18, Zebra Midge 18-20, RS2 16-18, WD-40 16-18, Brassie 16-18 and Prince 16-18.
Little Truckee River Summary
The LT is in good shape. There are some nice hatches of Beatis and the fish are eating them. Kokanee have moved in so that should create some opportunities to get a fat Rainbow or a Brown.
Steelhead
Four Seasons will be headed up to the Klamath to guide #Steelhead starting the last half of October. There are still open dates available.
Four Seasons Fly Fishing is the premier #Orvis endorsed #Guide service in the #Truckee#Tahoe area. We offer walk/wade trips on our rivers and on the local reservoirs, as well as #flyfishingclinics for beginners to experts in all styles of Fly Fishing. Give us a call to book your adventure today. 530-386-0525
email: brian@flyfishingtruckee-tahoe.com