Storms are starting to stack up after a very dry start to winter. As always, weather is what drives the fish in the shallows to feed. Even though the LCT are the apex predators in Pyramid Lake they still have an instinctual drive for safety provided by overcast skies and waves.
Pyramid Lake
Indicator fishing has still been the primary method of fishing in recent weeks. The midge bite is still on, but we’re noticing a bounce back to the balanced leech as well. Darker colors have been working well for midges and lighter colors for the leech. Fish have been at varying depths throughout the day. We have caught them from 6-14 feet. We have been spreading our flies apart more than the typical 3 feet to cover the vertical water column more efficiently. 3-6 feet apart to start then adjust your depth and distance to really hone in on their depth and desired fly.
The retrieve bite has been good on the stormy days. The shallow beaches that are known for a good strip bite should be lighting up soon, but have not quite yet brought the fish in as usual. I like high contrast flies this time of year. A white boobie beetle or bugger and a black boobie beetle or bugger. Check out our mopcorn beetles for a little extra movement under the water.
Flies we suggest for Pyramid Lake: Mopcorn Beetle, Balanced Leech, Holographic Midge, Micro Holo Midge, Booby Fly, Tadpole, Pyramid Lake Bugger
Truckee River
Fly Fishing on the Truckee River through the first part of January has changed greatly day to day. On days where water temperatures have increased into the high 30’s, fish activity has increased. On days that water temperatures don’t come up, fishing has not been great (reference temperature graph below). This is the time of year when you’ll want to pick your days and focus on fishing in warmer water temperatures. With the cold water, fish have been found mostly in slow/deep holding water where trout don’t have to expend much energy.
This is the time of year to tie on TBS (Tiny Black Stuff) when fishing a nymph rig. Flies like the Ready Baetis fit into this category along with the French Nymph. Additionally, attractor flies can hook a few fish when other natural patterns are not. When running a multi-fly rig, try a combination of one attractor fly and one imitative fly. Bright attractors like San Juan Worms, and egg flies (yes-beads included) can help get a lethargic fish to move to your presentation and feed.
Get out and have some fun!
Flies we suggest for the Truckee River: Parachute Adams, Pullover BWO, Quill Jig, Thread Quill, Jig TNT BWO, Galloups Jig BWO, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow, Articulated Trout Slider
NEW PYRAMID LAKE LEADER MATERIAL
We have received our first shipment of the new fluorocarbon leader material from Cortland. We have been waiting for this for Pyramid Lake and streamer fishing on the river. Coming in 12, 16 and 20 pound strengths. This is a very similar formula as their super popular Ultra Premium Fluorocarbon and features a crystal clear, glass smooth finish, with a highly abrasion resistant coating.
Cortland describes the XTR technology as an ideal blend of fluorocarbon resins creating exceptional knot strength while maintaining a perfect combination of suppleness and stiffness
