After a few small storms during the first week of 2026, we are back to a high pressure weather pattern for the next few days. This would be a great time to get out on the Truckee and try your hand at some mid-winter fishing. With access still remaining a bit more difficult here in town, look for areas where the plows have created parking along the river, or head down the hill where the snow thins out, which can be as close to town as the Hirschdale exit. While Pyramid Lake can still fish ok when the sun is shining, it’s hard to imagine any lights-out days happening this week out here.
January 9th Fly Fishing Report for the Truckee River, Little Truckee River and Pyramid Lake
Winter Guided Fly Fishing
Winter on the Truckee is a truly special time, and our guided trips are your ticket to the best of it! Leave the crowds at home. Winter solitude brings cold, clear rivers, and the biggest fish are ready to strike. Whether you want to hunt for a trophy or looking to dial in technique, our guides know exactly where the action is. Maximize your time on the water, learn the local secrets, and make this winter the most productive yet. Don't wait—book your Truckee fly fishing adventure today!
Truckee River Fishing Report
The Truckee has dropped back into stable flows with cold and clear conditions this week after a few weeks of overly wet storms, which caused the river to periodically run high and off color. With a return to conditions similar to the month of December, LBS (Little Black Stuff) will be your best friend right now.
Midges and baetis make up the bulk of this category, and we are fishing sizes 18-22 for both bugs. Using larger attractors is still a good move if fishing the bigger sections of river, I.E. from the Boca confluence down and do a good job of bringing attention to your smaller flies while still getting their fair share of eats. Look for some really slow, nearly featureless water right now. You will find fish in tailouts, bubble lines, slow moving seams off boulders, but will even find fish in what would be described as flatwater as well. This is often the biggest departure from summer fishing and where a lot of anglers used to trout fishing during the warmer months go wrong. Because of where these fish are sitting, using indicators to present your nymphs will be the most effective.
The streamer fishing this time of year can also be surprisingly fun, especially over the last few weeks when the river was up. Just make sure that you’re slowing down your presentation this time of year. Slow steady strips in slow water will be where you will find the best success with this method.
Recommended Flies for the Truckee River
Little Truckee Fishing Report
Due to recent snowfall, access to the Little Truckee will be closed out to all vehicles. With the watermaster continuing to hold back flows out of Stampede Dam, the LT has run low for some time now and we are happy to see angling pressure stop for a short while, giving these fish a well-deserved break.
Pyramid Lake Fishing Report
We have seen the lake really kick into gear over the last few weeks and while this week slowed down with the nicer weather and the full moon, it has certainly fished more like we’ve seen in past years. All methods are having their day (or maybe even hour) and we are finding them on both leeches and midges under the indicator as well as stripping.
Stripping is typically best early mornings and late evenings, but on steady overcast days (none in the forecast) you can see a good bite all day. For leeches and midges, our choice of flies would depend on the amount of waves/current, the amount of cloud cover and the beach we are fishing. Typically beaches where there is a more gradual drop off or where there is a secondary shelf is where we find the best luck with midges. Deep drop-offs, open water, a significant amount of chop on the water and overcast days make us lean more towards a leech.
Most beaches are fishing pretty even right now, so get out and try a new spot, it could very well pay off! With the continuous sunny days in the forecast, look for other factors of success when planning a day out here, the biggest one would be wind. Any winds greater than 15 MPH can really do a lot to move some fish around when the cloud cover and precipitation isn’t there.
Recommended Flies for Pyramid Lake
Check the Flows Before You Go...
Trout Creek Outfitters Clearance Rack!
Before you go, take a moment to explore our end of summer blowout sale featured on this Clearance Rack. It's a great opportunity to find quality gear at reduced prices, perfect for adding to your kit or trying something new. You might just hook a fantastic deal!
Watch us catch some fish in the snow!
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