July 22, 2022 Fly Fishing Report for the Truckee River Region
The hot days ahead will likely continue the warming water temps on the river and this will mean that catch and release fishing will only remain viable in the morning hours. Please continue to carry a thermometer and check temps regularly, calling it a day when temps reach 68. The best time to be on the river will be from sun up until around 10-11. This will be best both for the fishing and for the current temperature issue. High elevation lakes will be a great alternative right now and the lakes around Jackson Meadows, the Gold Lakes basin and the Desolation Wilderness area have been kicking out some nice trout and can make for a nice weekend camping trip. Warm water species such as smallmouth, largemouth and carp also make for a great way to still get your rod bent while being kind to our cold-water friends.
Truckee River Fly Fishing Report & Forecast
The Truckee still has some great flows all things considered, but unfortunately the water temps have become a significant issue, hitting 68 by about 11 am here on the California side and even earlier down in Nevada. Please remain hyperaware of this and check your thermometer regularly. Overall, the river is still fishing well, and using indicator or tightline techniques will be effective as the fish hold in fast water. Look for riffles and pocket water right now, this water type doesn’t need to be very deep to hold fish and you will often find fish in 2-4 feet of water this time of year.
Floating the river in the early morning with a guide can get you on to new fish.
Photo credit @Mavrk Fly Fishing
With the majority of the water coming from Lake Tahoe, it continues to run very clear and light tippet such as 5x, as well as clear or white indicators can up your odds. We have been doing best on PMD nymphs in a size 16-18, Caddis pupa in a 16-18, BWO’s in 18-20 and crawdads dead drifted under the indo or tightlined. At first light, streamers have been putting some fish in the net and olive sculpins are definitely the go-to locally.
Little Truckee Fly Fishing Report & Forecast
The Little Truckee remains low, but the water temps remain cold. While we encourage you to fish elsewhere, we do acknowledge that this will be your best bet to fish later in the day if a dawn patrol day on the Truckee is not in the books for you. Just remain aware of the pressure this river receives and limit your fishing here, give other plenty of space and be kind on the fish, releasing them quickly and with very little handling. There have been good hatches of PMD’s throughout the day, with a mix of caddis during low light hours as well. Last August we saw water temps rise up to 68 degrees in the afternoon here even though it is a tailwater, so please keep your thermometers at hand here too to make sure you are fishing ethically.
Seek out local high-elevation lakes and streams where water stays below 68 degrees.
Photo credit @Perfect Loop Productions
Local Stillwater Fly Fishing
We are in the height of backcountry fishing right now and one thing that our area has an abundance of is high elevation lakes containing wild trout. This is the best way to feed that trout fix right now, while doing your part to fish where water is colder and to help spread out angling pressure. There are hundreds of fishable lakes in our area and every one of them can be fished off the shore and using the same gear and flies as you use in the river. Backpacking and flyfishing go hand and hand and if you haven’t experienced this yet, your missing out, it is the ultimate in fishing solitude.
For those looking to keep it easy, there’s a number of lakes in the area you can drive right up to, like Boca, Prosser and Stampede, as well as nearby lakes like Webber Lake, Lake of the Woods, and Milton Lake around Jackson Meadows. The lakes along the Gold Lake loop are also fishing well including Lake Davis and Frenchman’s (both of which have great bass populations as well).
We have a new stock of Float Tubs in the shop too!
Photo credit @Perfect Loop Productions
Our entire staff has a very in-depth knowledge of our backcountry lakes and we are excited to get you set up with the right gear for your next adventure. We also received a big order of float tubes last week which we have on display in the shop, so if you’re in the market, stop on by!
-- Miles
Learn more about Guided Fishing Trips and Local Clinics