Pyramid Lake
Storms earlier in the week have cooled the lake down considerably. Surface temperatures last Friday were ending the day around 67°F. Yesterday (10/15/25) temps at 2:30pm were 61°. That dramatic change will definitely shock the fish for a day or two. The cooler surface temps though mean that shore fishing is picking up!
Shore fishing has already been pretty good, not a lot of big fish but good numbers. Most of the fish have been caught on the strip using the white and chartreuse booby fly. We have hooked a couple on the indicator on balanced baitfish, but I don’t think that technique will be very effective until the water temps are consistently below 60°F.
Baitballs are still scattered around the lake, but it seems that they have started moving deeper. The LCT are feeding heavily still on the Tui-Chub, and this should continue for a few more weeks.
We have observed that the LCT are showing up in shallower water already. This is different from other early season behaviors. This behavior is more consistent with April or late season conditions. We have even hooked fish right off the drop with flies suspended no deeper than 3’. Just goes to show you, you have to be willing to try anything and continue to adapt until you find the fish.
Truckee River
Fall is in the air and the Truckee River is fishing quite well. With water temperatures dropping we anticipate brown trout to begin their spawn any day now. The Sparks gauge is showing water temperatures dipping below 50 degrees in the morning.
Bug life has changed a bit since the last report. Fish are starting to eat smaller presentations including midges and small mayfly nymph patterns throughout the day. Before the insect life gets started, attractor patterns in a size 12-14 have been fishing well. Anything with some flash that may not exactly imitate a real insect can work. The Duracell has been a staple over the last week accounting for a few nice fish. You can pair a big hares ear or Carot size 12-14 with it if fish are eating attractors.
On the Nevada side, drop shot nymphing has been effective lately. Fish are scattered through different water speeds due to the changing temperature. The drop shot method allows you to fish flies through a variety of depths effectively without snagging on bottom as often. If you’d like more information on this technique, swing by the shop and look for a video tutorial soon.
Slower water speeds are starting to fish much better after a hot summer. We have noticed fish feeding in slower water in the last few weeks and anticipate this to continue with the mild weather forecast. Don’t be afraid to fish the frog water now as fish have pushed into these slow feeding zones.
Streamer fishing has been better with the cooling water temps and frequent cloudy daysl. On the cloudy days fish have preferred a darker pattern in either olive or black. You’ll want to slow down your presentation and place the fly near the bottom. You can use a heavy fly or a sinking line (Orvis Bank Shot) to drop down through the water column. A split shot can be added above the loop knot connection to the fly if you feel you are not down deep enough. The jigging motion of a heavy streamer can be very effective this time of year.
Flies we suggest for our area rivers: BH Zebra Midge, Hot Butt, Ready Baetis, Split Case BWO, TNT BWO, Micro Mayfly, Carot, Duracell, Perdi Bomb, Pullover BWO, Parachute Adams, Truckee River Selection
Area Stillwaters
If you aren’t quite ready to put your Sierra stillwater rods away to prepare for Pyramid Lake you are in luck. Our area stillwaters have been fishing good to very good. Summer recreational users have left for the season and if you can find a mild Fall day the fishing has been fun under indicators or slowly retrieving flies on sinking lines. The depth under the indicator will vary by waterbody but if you started 6-10’ deep it would probably have you in the zone. Both boat and shore fishing has been good and we have found fish congregating near tributaries that still have water flowing or known spring areas. We anticipate these conditions will continue until ice over occurs.
We now offer stillwater guide boat trips on Frenchmans Reservoir and Lake Davis. We will run these until the ice over occurs. See some details here and book a day before the season ends.
Flies we suggest: Micro Holo Midge, Yankee Buzzer, TB Balanced Leech, Mini Jigged Leech, Balanced Chub, Thin Mint Bugger, BH Prince Nymph, BH Birds Nest
NEW Jaydacators have arrived and are available in store and online
The Jaydacator indicator has received an update in sizing, color, and now include bobber stops. The indicators that we have all come to appreciate are available in multiple sizes and a now a variety pack to provide the ultimate adaptability to fisheries and conditions.
Turned from high quality foam these slip indicators provide you the sensitivity and performance you have always wanted.
The Variety Pack comes with sizes large, medium and small (1 ea).
Packages will come with a random color combinations.
