Fly Fishing Report | Truckee River and Pyramid Lake | early October | Fly Tying Class

Sep 30, 2021 | Classes, FISHING REPORT, Pyramid Lake, Reno Fly Shop, Truckee River

Days are growing shorter, and quick storm fronts with cold air alert us to the changing of the seasons. The fall equinox has come and gone since our last report and our first freeze of the year too. That can only mean one thing… The Pyramid Lake opener is upon us. We live in a fortunate area. As most fly shops and anglers pivot to storing their gear or begin traveling to international destinations, we are just gearing up to chase the largest cutthroat trout minutes from our doorstep. The beginning of Fall also marks the pre-spawn stage of our Truckee River brown trout. It won’t be long before these fish start chasing streamers like kids chasing after the ice cream truck. 


Truckee River 

Still looking at low flows in town, but further up the system has plenty of water. We’re moving fish on streamers, but the fish are not quite ready to commit to them just yet. Nymphing with light bobber rigs or ESN has been productive with smaller nymphs in a myriad of water speeds. I’ve been fishing more in the morning and noticing fish sitting in shadows or right on the edge of shadows in any water that has at least 2 feet of depth. 

Flies: Perdigon Olive and Black #16, Duracell #16, Zebra Midge Red and Black #18 and #20, ID Theft #14-16, Mini Leech Olive and Black, Truckee River Dozen


Pyramid Lake 

Pyramid Lake opens on October 1st. The lake level has dropped a couple of feet from last season. This will allow anglers to access some drop offs that have not been within casting distance in a few years, but will also make some drop offs that were a perfect depth last year too shallow, we will have to move around the lake to dial in the new depths. We will be out there a bunch so stop in or call the shop for new updates everyday. Fish will generally be in 20-30+ feet deep on the opener, though a nice cold front like the one we had earlier this week will bring them up nicely. Retrieving flies, or jigging flies from a boat/float-tube will be the most effective technique. 

Flies: Boobies (Spanish Olive, Cat Whisker, Diablo), Pyramid Lake Beetle, Bellyache Minnow, Jans Tui-Chub, Balanced Leech, Holographic Midge, Pyramid Lake Fly Selection


Fly Tying Class – Tying the Balanced Leech with Matt Cullen

October 21, 2021

6:00 pm

Learn to tie the Balanced Leech with RFS Instructor Matt Cullen.

Matt will share his approach and methods of tying the super effective Balanced Leech. This will include material selection, preparation and tying through the finished fly. You will have the chance to tie along with Matt and will go away with a few flies to fish Pyramid Lake or any of our local stillwaters.

Learn to tie the Balanced Leech

Cost is $50 and includes all materials and the use of shop vises/tools if needed. The class fee will be discounted off the purchase of a premium tying vise from the Reno Fly Shop during the night of the class.

This class is best suited for beginner tyers just starting out or intermediate tyers looking to sharpen their skills. Limited to 6 Students. Registration is on a first come basis.

Call 775-323-3474 with any questions.

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