The seasons are changing and conditions are in flux. A wide range of weather conditions are forecast for next week. As a result, a change in tactics will be required day to day to fish most effectively. A wide variety of water is fishable now and will continue throughout the spring. We encourage you to find new water to fish and explore.
This week’s report has been prepared for you by Aden Breckner @beadsnworms
Truckee River
The Truckee River seems to have fished differently on a hourly basis. Spring runoff is occurring and will alter flows here in Reno throughout the day. The USGS gauge in Reno shows a daily swing between 700-900cfs. Nymphing will be best in the morning as a result of lower flows and improved water clarity. Typical for spring, a mix of bugs have been on the menu and trout have been taking most well presented nymphs. A double nymph rig consisting of a large nymph (Conehead Stonefly, TJ Hooker) and a small nymph (Firestarter, black Perdigon) will best represent the bugs in the river. Stoneflies in a range of colors and sizes have worked well as an anchor fly, while smaller mayfly nymphs with flash have accounted for the most takes. New to the shop for spring 2022, the Firestarter nymph has produced well along the length of the Truckee River. This flashy Perdigon-style fly gets down has become one of our go-to nymphs on the Truckee and beyond.
When flows increase later in the day, streamer fishing has become more effective in the last week or so. With higher flows, Brown Trout can often be found confined to structure along the bank. Targeting water directly upstream with a streamer when wading has been a lot of fun and provides a different approach than in lower water conditions. When fishing this method, a large fly with a weighted head (Sculpzilla, Heisenberg) allows for a jig-style retrieve to be used.
We look forward to the coming summer season and the great fishing on the Truckee.
Flies we Suggest: Firestarter #14, TJ Hooker #8, Perdigon black #14, Carot #12, Jawbreaker White #1/0, Sculpzilla natural #2, Heisenberg #2
Pyramid Lake
As typical for mid-April, Pyramid Lake has slowed significantly as a result of the trout’s spring spawn. While more difficult this time of year, large trout can still be found throughout the day. Crowds have thinned significantly and large sections of shoreline are now empty. This is a fun time to be at the lake since you can watch large pods of cutthroat cruise through the shallows in search of tributaries. Fishing will be best in times of low light.
From here on out to the end of the season, stripping flies (Booby fly, Pyramid Lake Beetle, micro Pyramid Lake Beetle) on a sink line will be best. Very soon, a post spawn bite will commence and streamer fishing will continue to improve. Most likely the post spawn bite will pick up around the last week of April. While most anglers have left for the season, the late season at Pyramid Lake remains a shop favorite.
Flies We Suggest: Micro Midge albino wino #12, Micro Midge 49’er #12, Balanced Leech White #8, Jan’s Tui Chub Olive #2, Jan’s Perch Fry #2, Pyramid Lake Bugger northern lights #2
Other Local Waters of Note
Davis Lake
Davis Lake has experienced great spring fishing in the last few weeks following ice-off. Techniques used here are not dissimilar from fishing Pyramid Lake. Lake levels are lower than in previous years, but ledges and drop offs are still accessible in most bays. Fishing balanced leeches and chironomids in water 4-10’ has been most productive later in the morning after the water has had time to warm. Davis hosts a surprising population of Largemouth bass and offers a unique opportunity different from other local waters.
Flies We Suggest: Micro Holo Midge, Mini Jigged Leech, Balanced Leech, Micro Booby Fly
East Walker
The East Walker has fished well through a variety of spring weather conditions and flows. The Nevada side offers expansive areas of public access to good small stream fishing. This time of year, the East Walker offers dry, nymph, and streamer fishing all in the same day.
Stop by the shop for more information on day trips to water beyond the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. The springtime is one of the most exciting seasons as a number of local waters hit stride with higher flows and cold water.
Flies We Suggest: BH Squirmy Worm, Hot Spot, Quill Jig, Belly Ache Minnow, Psycho May
We just received a fresh batch of hats. The Reno Fly Shop Active Hat is available in multiple colors. Available online and in store.
