The last two weeks of fishing in the Reno Tahoe area have been good with the moderate weather. The Truckee River has benefited most from the warmer days while Pyramid Lake has been slow generally speaking. The Truckee River blew out this week on Monday (3/19) but shaped up almost overnight and is fishing really well. On the other hand, Pyramid Lake has been slow but the fish being caught have been nothing short of stellar.
We have dates available on the guide calendar for Pyramid Lake Trips, Truckee River Walk/Wade Trips, and Truckee River Float Trips. Call the shop or swing by to get out on the water for a day!
Truckee River
The last two weeks on the Truckee River have been phenomenal. While the river did blow out on the Nevada side on 3/19, it shaped up overnight and was fishable the following morning. Smaller flies continue to be the best offering right now- with midges and Blue Winged Olives (BWO’s) leading the charge. The Micro Mayfly has been a solid pattern lately in either a 16 or 18. You can also try a Quill Jig or an Assassin in smaller sizes.
Aden with a Truckee River Brown Trout
After the blowout, fish have really keyed in on attractors in addition to the small flies. From Reno up to the Truckee area, eggs and worms have caught some quality fish when paired with a small nymph. Below Reno, try using dead drifted streamers or even a Balanced Leech as an attractor on a nymphing rig. Flies like the Polar Jig or Jiggy Fat Minnow work exceptionally well.
Truckee Rainbow primed for Spring
The dry fly fishing has been good if you can catch it on the right day. The wind plays a big role in our dry fly fishing and can hinder success when it gets real breezy. Midges are hatching in good numbers from around 10am-12pm. As the midges start tapering off, BWO’s can hatch in varying numbers depending on the day. Cloudy and warm weather can make for some really great surface activity this time of year. Keep your eyes peeled- the biggest fish can make the smallest rise.
Flies we Suggest: Micro Mayfly, Quill Jig, Assassin, Spanish Bullet, Perdigon, Jig TNT’s, Psycho May, Galloup’s Jig BWO, Baetis Cripple, Pull Over BWO, Zebra Midge, Griffiths Gnat
Pyramid Lake
Cooler water temps have driven the fish back into deeper water. We’ve been casting a lot of fish from 7-11 feet deep. The indicator bite has been best with both midges and leeches fishing well. I believe that we are in an inflection point out at the lake and that we are moments away from the midge bite really taking off. The typical colors have been working well (red, black, brown.)
Zac with a solid LCT at Pyramid Lake
The retrieve bite has been fishing well on the more stormy days as the fish feel more comfortable and willing to chase in low light conditions and when the water has a big current to it. Boobies, beetles and buggers as usual, but I’ve noticed the fish leaning more towards the darker flies (midnight Cowboy, northern lights, etc.).
Big Cutty= happy client
The lake is primed to really start fishing well, as the days get longer and the lake naturally starts to warm. Barring any cold storms the fishing should ramp up all the way into the spawn which is usually around mid April.
Flies We Suggest: Holo Midge, Micro Midge, Balanced Leech, Pyramid Lake Beetle, Booby, Pyramid Lake Bugger
IF4 Tickets Still Available
Join us March 9th, 2024 at Revision Brewing for our showing of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival. Enjoy nine feature films, a new beer release from Revision Brewing, raffle prizes, and more. Tickets are $20/ person and include one free beer with purchase. Event is 21+. Show starts at 7pm.
