Last week’s storm was a potential season saver. Unfortunately, it has been followed by a few days of rain which has shrunk down the snowpack and brought the river up. Still, compared to 2 weeks ago, we’re doing okay. Let’s hope we see a few more good snowstorms to cap off the season before things really switch to spring. As the weather stabilizes this weekend, we should see the river start to fish well again and Pyramid Lake continue to fire. We are quickly approaching what is often considered the best month for Pyramid, but it is also a sleeper time of year for the river, especially out east where hatches of baetis provide some great surface action and streamer fishing makes for a fun alternative to the old standby of nymphing.
February 27th Fly Fishing Report for the Truckee River, Little Truckee River and Pyramid Lake
Spring Half-Day Guided Floats - Lower River
Trade the walk-and-wade grind for a spring float on the lower Truckee east of Reno. Our half-day guided floats put you on prime water during one of the best windows of the year, with Baetis hatches bringing dry fly opportunities and high flows setting up excellent streamer fishing. Spring is when this stretch really opens up, and our guides know how to make the most of changing conditions. Don’t miss the short window—book a half-day float and experience the lower river at its best.
Truckee River Fishing Report
After a wild week of weather, the weekend forecast is calling for days in the mid-50’s with a day or two of light rain. Be sure to keep an eye on the USGS gauges along the Truckee because as things drop back into shape after this week’s heavy rain, we should see the river quickly begin to fish well. Fishing streamers or attractor nymphs in the deeper water will be the name of the game, and with both methods, think high contrast colors, larger flies and heavy tippet. The obvious choice for nymphing this week with be worms, and squirmies in particular will add that movement that should grab the fish’s attention in dirty water. For streamers, we would say that larger profile baitfish imitations in darker colors will be a good place to start. The positive thing about the rain this week is we’ve seen access open up along most of the upper river. When thinking about where to go, consider a spot that may have received a break because of a lack of parking!
Recommended Flies for the Truckee River
Little Truckee Fishing Report
The Little Truckee will remain closed out to all vehicle access as of today. Things could melt rather quickly out here however, so feel free to give us a call for the latest on access.
Recommended Flies for the Little Truckee River
Pyramid Lake Fishing Report
As expected, Pyramid fished quite well this week. Also as expected, it was quite busy. We were finding fish on all the standard methods, both midges and leeches under the bobber as well as on the strip, on buggers and beetles. While the more consistent indicator bite was on the midge, the leeches came in handy on a few of the beaches with fast drop-offs or early mornings and late evenings. The larger Two Tone Midges in size 10s have been fishing best and the smaller leeches like the MFC balanced leech in 14 or even the MFC BB Micro Leech in 16 were doing well. Just note that these hooks are not tied with 20+ pound trout in mind, so be sure to play them gently if using these smaller flies, or even better tie your own on some heftier hooks! Brown and wine have been the main midge colors and black or brown for the leeches have been good to us this week. For those looking to strip, the bite will typically be best when the sun is off the water, either early mornings, late evenings or if there is cloud cover. The standout for stripping has been the classic chartreuse and white beetle, don’t leave home without it!
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 Doug Ouellette Break Down Pyramid Lake Beetle Retrieves on YouTube!
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