Pyramid Lake Report Section by Mike Anderson
Pyramid Lake may start fishing well earlier than we’re used to, and here’s why. El Niño years are typically warm and wet. On a typical season at Pyramid Lake, one of the factors that makes fishing better in the spring is the warming of the water as days get longer. With an El Niño year water temps rarely drop below 45 degrees keeping the fish “warm” and willing to bite. The trout have also adapted to start spawning based on water temperature. This means that we may see the spawn start early this year. What I’m trying to accomplish with this report is to encourage you to consider fishing sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the end of March because that’s “when you usually go.” You could be missing out on some of the best fishing the lake has to offer by doing so.
The lake has been fishing well with a lot of quality fish! Some days are still a grind, but the size of fish more than makes up for the wait. Storms are also staking up nicely, further adding to the quality of the experience. The indicator has been the best way to fish still, though the retrieve bite has picked up some on the more stormy days. Midges and balanced leeches are split roughly 50/50 as far as efficiency is concerned. Lighter colored leeches and darker colored midges should do the trick. The fish have been anywhere from 7-12 feet deep. Try spacing your flies further apart to cover more of the vertical water column to locate the fish’s depth more quickly. For the retrieve bite I’ve been using mostly boobies and beetles. Retrieve speed has varied based on the day, but one thing that has been interesting is that a fast strip has net deterred some fish and should definitely be implemented if that is your desired technique.
Pyramid flies and accessories we suggest: Balaned Leech, Holographic Midge, Micro Holographic Midge, Mini Jigged Leech, Jaydacator, Jaydacator Leader
Truckee River Report Section by Aden Breckner
The Truckee River has seen an increase in water temperature over the last week – kickstarting a consistent hatch of midges with a few Blue Winged Olives (BWO). With temperatures rising throughout the day, early morning has not been particularly productive. Around 10-11 am, fish activity has increased and the fishing has been much better.
Nymph fishing has been best from downtown up to the California state line. Flies like the Psycho May BWO and the Micro Mayfly work great as an imitative pattern. When fishing the Truckee during winter, it helps to use an attractor in a tandem rig with an imitative fly. You can fish a San Juan Worm, bead, or even a dead-drifted streamer in this role.We are stocked on TroutBeads in the shop along with hooks, pegs, and boxes. Lately the Thin Mint Bugger and the Silver Fish have worked well when fished under a bobber. Not every fish is going to eat the drifted streamer- but the ones that do tend to be big.
The dry fly fishing has gained momentum in the last week or two. Good hatches of midge are starting around 10 a.m., lasting into the afternoon. The BWO’s have not been as active but we are closing in on that time. While BWO’s are the preferred hatch, fish have been very willing to eat midges off the surface on the right day. The dry fly fishing has been most productive east of town from the end of Sparks on down the USA Parkway. Patience is key here- take your time approaching fish and make your first cast count. Rainbows and Browns can be quite picky when eating dries in the frog water, so being stealthy is key. Lately it’s been tough to beat the tried and true Parachute Adams in a size 18. This fly can imitate both BWO’s and midges with its gray body. Additionally, the Griffiths Gnat is a great midge dry that’s withstood the test of time.
Flies we Suggest: Parachute Adams, Baetis Cripple , Pullover BWO, Psycho May BWO, Micro Mayfly, San Juan Worm, Thin Mint Bugger, Silver Fish
NEW – Freestone Zip Bootfoot – In store NOW
We have the Freestone Z Bootfoot Wader available now in three sizes! This wader takes the Freestone Wader and adds a centered zipper making it easy to get on/off, as well as a fleece-lined rubber and neoprene boot. This wader is a great choice for fishing Pyramid lake and will keep your foot warmer than anything else on the market. Available in store only give us a call or stop by to get your Freestone Z Bootfoots.
Available in the following sizes:
- Medium (size 10 boot)
- Large (size 11 boot)
- X-Large (size 12 boot)
