The next few weeks is the quietest our little mountain town will likely be for quite some time, and to be honest, we’re okay with it! The fishing on the Truckee has been really good with slightly above average flows here in town and around average down in the canyon, and you better believe we’re making the most of it. With this 3-day storm coming in through the weekend, we expect the fishing to slow down a bit, but as things warm back up mid-week, it should be go time once again. We hope you’re getting out there in search of your Halloween pumpkins!
October 30th Fly Fishing Report for the Truckee River, Little Truckee River and Pyramid Lake
Truckee River Fishing Report
Things on the Truckee are looking great this week. Higher flows out of Donner Lake and Tahoe City have brought the Glenshire area up to 165 CFS, slightly above average for this time of year. Dry dropper or light indicator fishing would be a good bet here, but depending on how much precipitation we get out of this weekend’s storm, worms, stoneflies and eggs could be top choice food items in the upper river as well.
If the water does stay clear, then the typical baetis and midges will be your best choice. Flows remain at 400 down in the canyon, and this is where we would encourage either indicator fishing with your standard large attractor down to a smaller nymph. Think Pat’s Rubberlegs or an egg, to a Micro May.
Once again, depending on how much weather we end up getting this weekend, worms will be a great choice as well. Streamer fishing should be good this weekend and through the week with the extended days of overcast weather in the forecast. The Nevada side continues to fish very well too, with great conditions just about everywhere down here. The lower river, east of Sparks, is picking up and will continue to do so though the entire winter.
Once the snow starts flying here in Truckee, this section will be a great option to get out of the weather and into some good fishing. As for right now, the lower river will be a great place to throw streamers, with the additional turbidity and higher densities of browns.
Recommended Flies for the Truckee River
The LT saw a bump in flows a couple weeks ago. Currently it’s 80 CFS. While we have not seen any browns begin their spawn just yet, there have been a good amount of kokanee in the river this year, making it all the way up to the dam.
While they are cool to observe, as with all these species, we don’t encourage anglers to target them and allow these fish to do their thing, keeping in mind that these are all naturally reproducing populations of fish and it’s up to us as anglers/conservationists to do the right thing during this vulnerable time of their life cycle.
Please note that this is the same with all fish in this river, there is no stocking out here, these fish are 100% wild and naturally reproducing. At the end of the day, the fish in the LT is a finite and valued resource for our community, even though they may appear abundant. Do you part and spread out angling pressure throughout the year, avoid fishing during active spawning periods.
Recommended Flies for the Little Truckee River
Pyramid Lake Fishing Report
Pyramid Lake has entered its transition period for anglers. With the lake flipped and surface temps dropping, we are seeing fish spread out through the entire water column. This will prove to be a difficult time to have a consistent day of fishing out here.
Once we continue to see water temps drop, maybe as soon as after this weekend’s storm, we will begin to see the shore bite start up. Odds are we will see fish consistently caught off the beaches by Mid-November so long as this weather continues. If you are heading out right now, we would recommend using a slip indicator technique with two balanced baitfish patterns from a float tube or boat. Because of the fish hanging out all over the place, the depth you will fish may vary, and using a fish finder to mark them will be key to having a successful day.
For anyone heading out this week, we are well stocked on vertical jigs, balanced baitfish and all the tippet, indicators, nets and everything else you’d need for a successful day out here. Stop in the store or check us out online!
Check the Flows Before You Go...
Fall Guided Trips
Autumn brings classic fall fly fishing conditions to our local rivers, making it the prime time to experience a guided half-day walk and wade trip with Trout Creek Outfitters. Whether you’re targeting eager trout during crisp morning hatches or mastering technical presentations through glassy runs, our expert guides are ready to put you on fish for an unforgettable autumn day on the water.
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 Doug Ouellette Break Down Pyramid Lake Beetle Retrieves on YouTube!
Don't hesitate to reach out and give the shop a call with questions: (530) 563-5119
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