For the river, we recommend fishing mid-day when water temps are at their warmest and for the lake, it will be all about those early mornings or late evenings, when fish are cruising the drop-offs. Needless to say, this has been an interesting start to the winter, but for those that have lived in the area for a while, we’ve seen it all too many times to get worried just yet. We just recommend making the most of it and getting some time on the water and leave the skis at home for now.
December 12th Fly Fishing Report for the Truckee River, Little Truckee River and Pyramid Lake
With temps in the 60’s this week, we’d say you’d have to be crazy to not get outside. We expect the fishing to pick up quite a bit this week with the warmer days in the forecast, and otherwise stable conditions on the river. Pyramid remains a bit tougher with these high pressure days, but there are still some fish to be caught out here.
Winter Guided Fly Fishing
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Truckee River Fishing Report
The Truckee has continued to be very consistent, considering it’s the middle of December. The flows are still holding strong along the entire river system, and the fishing remains good all up and down the river, from Glenshire Drive to USA Parkway. That’s a lot of good water to fish, so get out and try something new!
The water remains very clear just about everywhere, even out east, so downsizing bugs will be important right now. This is especially true as we haven’t had any precipitation to really flush any of the larger meals downstream (I.E. Worms, eggs, stoneflies). Baetis nymphs and midge pupa are going to be the most consistent producers and with the gin clear water they are good to fish in tandem.
Streamer fishing has been fair as well, with a few good fish found on sculpin imitations this week. This will be a game of covering water quickly and making those first cast count into any fishy looking water, whereas with nymphs, taking your time and picking apart a run thoroughly is best. We prefer to fish our streamers on the euro rod to maintain control with them at all times, and really get them to sink into the zone, but swinging them on a trout spey can be a fun way to get a few grabs as well. Note that these two methods would require not only different rods, but also a different style of streamer and each need specialized rigging to get them down to the fish.
Recommended Flies for the Truckee River
Little Truckee Fishing Report
No changes on the Little Truckee this week as the state holds back water out of Stampede and drains Boca. We are unsure when anything will change with this flow regime, but until they increase the water out of Stampede we highly encourage you to fish elsewhere and give these fish a break.
Pyramid Lake Fishing Report
With the lack of weather, Pyramid really hasn’t switched on just yet. That said, there are still fish being caught, with a few reports of some good days here and there if you land on the right beach and are fishing it effectively. During the high pressure system this week, your best fishing from shore will be early mornings and late evenings. Primarily under the indicator.
Stripping bugger beetle combos will be best during low light, switching to the indicator for most of the day. This is also a good time to get back out on the float tube and try to cover some water and fish deeper. On some of the beaches with tufa rock, a more gradual bottom or a secondary shelf, we have even been having some good days on midges, especially during glassy, high sun conditions.
Recommended Flies for Pyramid Lake
Check the Flows Before You Go...
Trout Creek Outfitters Clearance Rack!
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