Truckee River Autumn is definitely here! Changing leaves and early morning brisk temperatures have taken hold. Brown trout are starting to clean off shallow gravel areas in preparation for their Fall spawn. We haven’t seen any active spawning just yet, but they are becoming more territorial and beginning to concentrate into groups. Streamers and crayfish patterns have been working well combined with small nymphs (#16-#20). There is a small hatch of mayflies around midday that has some fish rising, but for the most part the trout are feeding on midge, baetis, and other small aquatic insects.
The current streamer bite is more territorial rather than a feeding behavior because the presentation of our flies needs to be slower, allowing these patterns to “hover “ over areas longer, evoking an aggressive response. Choose a streamer that has a bit of flair and “kick” during the retrieve, Bank Robber, Weir’s Sculpin and Sparkle Minnow are good walk/wade selections and the Bangtail and Articulated Trout Slider and our choices from a raft.
Flies we suggest: Micro Mayfly, split case BWO, Ready Baetis, Jig TNT BWO, Cray Z Emma, TJ Hooker, Olive Perdigon, Pullover BWO, Parachute Adams, Emma Stone, Bank Robber, Weir’s Sculpin, Sparkle Minnow, Bangtail, Articulated Trout Slider, Truckee River Selection
Banger on a Bangtail
Pyramid Lake The larger Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are still on the deeper side, though the surface temps are cooling nicely, and shore fishing is picking up. The prolonged warm summer into fall has created an algae bloom that covers a lot of the lake’s surface. These blooms are sometimes representative that the lake has flipped, but other times it is just a bloom. We are leaning toward the lake is slowly flipping as the algae is more broken up instead of “pea soup” consistency. Either way, the algae will be located on the surface and only extend down a few feet.
This can make the retrieve technique challenging, requiring you to clean your fly a lot, but the reward can be worth it. Algae blooms and lake flips are also times where dissolved oxygen contents can drop, so be aware of how fish release and make sure they are doing well if the fight is long. Larger flies are recommended for both the retrieve and the indicator techniques. Pyramid Lake Buggers, Balanced Chub, Belly Ache Minnow, Jiggy Fat Minnow are a few good early season flies.
PYRAMID LAKE INSTRUCTIONAL CLINICS w/ Mike Anderson
October 26 & November 9, 2024 at Pyramid Lake
Want to learn all you need to know about Pyramid Lake before the fishing really kicks off?! We have two Pyramid Lake clinics taught by RFS Guide Mike Anderson on October 26th and November 9th. Book your spot today, these will sell out fast!
Join Reno Fly Shop guide Mike Anderson and 6 guests and learn all there is about this amazing fishery.
This 6 hour clinic will cover
- Fishing during different seasons and conditions
- Overview of techniques and gear
- Casting lesson and demonstration
- Lunch provided
- Fishing with Mike
Valid Pyramid Lake Tribal fishing licenses are required the day of the clinic.
Class is limited to 6 anglers to maximize the learning/fun environment.
When: October 26th & November 9, 2024 – 8am to 2pm | after your registration Mike will contract you directly to specify which beach at Pyramid Lake to meet.
Where: Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Mike will specify which beach to meet at the day before the clinic. This will allow the selection of the appropriate beach based upon the current conditions.
Who: Mike Anderson, only 6 anglers
How Much: $300/angler – paid at time of reservation
How to Signup: ONLINE HERE | Call the shop at (775) 323-3474 | Stop by the Shop
You can also email Mike at mike.anderson@renoflyshop.com