Main Truckee River and tributaries
(Between Little Truckee confluence and downtown Reno)
Flows on the river have returned to seasonal averages as water is sent from Boca down the system. The gauge at Downtown Reno fluctuates from 238-290 cfc throughout the day. This consistency in flows should trigger some nice hatches, specifically caddis, as the water temperature rises throughout the next month. Be aware of fish health and safety as water above 68 degrees can be lethal to fish when stressed from being caught.
Wild Rainbow on the Truckee
Expect grasshoppers to begin showing up any day now, if they have not already. These are very effective during windy days which seems to be everyday this summer so far. Focus on current seams and undercut banks where fish can greedily ambush these flies. We have experienced fish that are very eager to take crayfish patterns that are presented with a dead drift under an indicator or tight-lined. For more ideas on how to fish crayfish patterns and their effectiveness check out our podcast episode with Ralph Cutter.
Fish have been holding in faster water to follow oxygenated water as well as easy access to bugs and crayfish.
Truckee River in downtown Reno
Flies: E/C caddis, Missing link, Burks Silhouette PMD, Red Butt, Dead Drift Crayfish, Meatwhistle rust, Beadhead Crystal PT, Wool Head Sculpin
Lake Davis and Frenchman’s Reservoir
Lake Davis’ surface temps are approaching the 70 degree mark. This is the limit where fish can be very stressed during catching them and it might be lethal. We encourage anglers to fish on during very early morning periods when the water is cooler or find cooler water in other lakes and/or streams.
Holo worm (blood midge larva)
Frenchmans Reservoir has been cooler and the fishing has been decent. Hatches will be concentrated in the early morning and evening and then sporadic through the day. Chironomids under a slip indicator, wooly buggers, damsels and other streamer patterns will be the most efficient way to catch fish in the dog days of summer. Callibaetis, midge and caddis dry fly patterns will be good when the fish are on the surface.
Flies: Yankee Buzzer, Red/Gold Midge, Blood Midge larva, Emerging Blood Midge, Flashtail Wooly Buggers, Jawbreaker white, Mini Damsel nymph, Gilled Nymph (beaded and unbeaded), Stillwater Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Comparadun Callibaetis and Griffith Gnat
Hobart Reservoir and Marlette Lake
Marlette opened on the 15th of this month, and is fishing well from reports we have gotten at the shop.. Crowds have been minimal. Chironomids under a slip indicator have worked well as well as small streamer patterns with a suppleflex leader on a Type II-IV line. As with most high elevation lakes food sources are scarce so fish are willing to take a variety of flies and are forgiving when flies are not presented exactly. Hatches of midges, baetis, and ants are possible so make sure to have your box loaded with dry flies and spools of smaller tippet, 5x and 6x. Hoppers should play a lead role soon as dry, hot and windy conditions continue.
Instagram photo by jimibobi_d
Flies: Bellyache Minnow, Near Nuff Sculpin, Dave’s Hopper, Chernobyl Hopper, Sprout Midge adult, Marabou Damsel, Yankee Buzzer, Ice Cream Cone black/red, Marabou Blood Midge and Parachute Adams
High Elevation Sierra Lakes and Reservoirs
The eastern high Sierra is graced with incredible options when lower elevation waters become low and warm. With varying degrees of effort it is possible to access amazingly beautiful stillwaters that often have amazing fishing and scenery as well as very little angling pressure. From the Reno/Tahoe area these are often and short drive and walk from the car. You will find a variety of trout species, Brook, Rainbow, Tiger, some Brown and maybe even a Golden.
What you might give up in size of the fish you will make up in fish enthusiasm to eat, beautiful scenery, cool water and solitude. Here are a few options available. We can provide more details when you stop by or call us here at the Shop.
Lakes Basin Raymond Lake Leavitt Lake
Desolation Wilderness Caples Lake June Lake Loop
Lundy Lake Mammoth Lakes area etc.
Private Waters available through the Reno Fly Shop
(Moving and Stillwater options available)
As summer continues and you begin to look for different options available consider one of the private water options available through the Reno Fly Shop. We have been able to secure both moving and stillwater options. These options are less than a 90 minute drive from the Shop and have a very limited rod/day. Private water doesn’t always mean super easy fishing but can guarantee quality fish in a pristine, quiet environment with very limited angling pressure. Please call the Reno Fly Shop for more information.
