Tahoe Fly Fishing Report Archives

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

I want to take a minute and thank all of you that came and fished with me this season and help make this one of the best vocations there is! Thank You!

The winter fishing regulations are in effect so the Truckee from Trout Creek to Statline, the Little Truckee between Boca and Stampede, and the local reservoirs are the open waters around here until April. The rivers are ZERO KILL and BARBLESS. The local warden has been out and writing tickets.

Winter fishing here presents some challenges. First, the water is cold. Second, access can be a problem. Third, the weather can be a problem. The cooler water slows the fish's metabolism down and they don't need to eat as much. They are more likely in the slower sections of water. The access to the fishing can be a problem when it snows a bunch. Parking areas that were easy during the summer and fall are now snow storage and finding a safe place to pull off and park can be a problem. Also, may need to consider using snow shoes or cross county skis to reach the water. Weather can factor in here as well. Look for those days after a storm when it is sunny and warms up to the mid-forties or even 50 degrees. When it is snowing here the skiing/boarding is going to be way better than the fishing. I will be skiing on storm days myself.

Truckee*** Check out the article in the Nov/Dec issue of *Southwest Fly Fishing* magazine on fishing the Truckee. Thanks Zach for plugging my guide service. Nymphing and streamers in the slower water are going to be the best tactics this time of year. The fish are slow and you will need to put it in their face. That is not to say that their won't be a hatch with fish working but, generally, no. BWO's 16-20, Midges16-20, and Sculpins 6 make up most of the food sources for the winter. Pick your favorite pattern, work it hard, and make that extra cast.

Little Truckee**** Watch the storms they can affect the car access to the LT. Same as the Truckee for bugs and type of water to target.

Reservoirs*** Until they freeze over and access is limited the reservoirs are an option. Walking the bank and hitting the inlets, outlets, points and drop offs with a streamer is a good bet. There are some mides 16-20 hatching still on the very calm days. A word of caution if you drive into the reservoirs, they are very low and what appears dry is very soft and muddy. Park farther away and walk down.

Upcoming events* Make plans to attend *The Fly Fishing Show *in Pleasanton CA on February 26, 27, and 28. I will be there in the Truckee Guide Network Booth. Stop by between presentations and say hello.

If you have questions or want to book a trip please don't hesitate to contact me.

See you on the water,

Brian