Truckee Tahoe Fly Fishing Report October 22, 2021

We couldn’t be happier to see this amount of rainfall in town this week. There has already been a slight increase in flows on the river and we have some of the heaviest days of precipitation expected at the end of the week.

Typically, heavy rain events only raise the flows temporarily however, and what is going to keep this river flowing is snowpack, so keep on doing your snow dances over the coming months. This bump in flows will bring the river back up to a fishable level in the short term, and with the rain making the clarity of the water diminished, we recommend using attractor nymphs under the indicator or swinging streamers.

Please focus your Truckee time on the lower section of river from the Boca confluence down to the Nevada state line where the river remains at its highest, as the flows in town, up 89 towards Tahoe and the sections in Reno are still incredibly low.

The Little Truckee is still a little touch and go as there are still some fish making their annual spawn runs and flows out of Stampede Reservoir remain low. If you do choose to fish out there, please be aware of where you are stepping to avoid stepping on spawning redds or harassing any spawning fish. The LT can be a great option during times of heavy rain as this tailwater will still run clear when the river is “chocolate milk”. During breaks in the storm, you can expect some good dry fly fishing using BWO’s and midges in sizes 18-20 or when the rain is falling try using BWO’s, midges, eggs or worms under the indicator or tightlining. Please focus on the top section of river to help avoid any browns or kokanee still attempting to spawn and be aware of any signage placed by our local TU for spawning areas.

Pyramid Lake is still a little spotty for shore anglers and those getting out on a float tube or boat are reporting the best results, with this storm system moving through however, we don’t recommend the use of any small craft until we get some calmer days. This weather should also help bring surface temps down, bringing fish higher into the water column and improve shore fishing in the coming weeks. Stripping streamers has been best for both float tube anglers and shore anglers and any flies imitating tui chub are sure to get some looks with other classics such as midnight cowboys, Pyramid beetles and Booby flies also consistently finding fish.

In the shop, we’ve received some new fall and winter gear to help with your cold-weather outfits. Come in and say hello. New hours are 9-6pm every day. 

Thanks!  ~ Miles and the TCO crew