Fishing Report 3-1-24 — Caught the tail end of a sweet baetis hatch yesterday and Joe made the most of it landing this beauty on a dry

Middle Fork Feather River

Fly Fishing on the Middle Feather River has been outstanding this winter with the best dry fly bite I have seen since the river opened to winter fishing a few years back. Daily midge and baetis hatches have the fish looking up and feeding heavily. Flows have dropped back under 200 cfs on the Portola gauge and visibility was about 30″ or so and water temps jumped up to 46 degrees resulting with the fish back on the feed. The epic dry fly bite has resumed with fish eating BWO’s midday. Midges are still present along with Baetis, winter stoneflies, and a smattering of skwala stoneflies. Hatch timing is from ~10 am to ~3 pm.

What’s Working

Dry flies: Film Critic (18-20) , Sparkle Flag (16-18), Para BWO (16-20) Parachute Adams (16-20) Nymphs: Plastic Surgeon (16-18), Raindrop perdigon (16-18), Hot bead PT (16-18), Simple Skwala (10), and bunny jigged streamers (10). Streamers: Sculpzilla Olive, white and natural (10). While the streamer bite on the Trout Spey continues to be slow, swinging BWO soft hackles on a floating tip is excellent!. As of this writing a major winter storm is affecting the Northern Sierra with heavy snow and very strong winds. The river is starting to rise again but I feel the biggest impact will be loss of access due to snow. Time will tell. I am booking spring and summer dates at this time. Book now!

Truckee River

While the current storm is hammering the Sierra, I reminisce to just a few days ago and how great the access on the Truckee was. Access will be the main issue after the storm clears. Flows are under 100cfs on the Truckee gauge and around 350cfs at Boca.Water temps are in the low 40’s. All methods are working with nymphing still the best way to get into fish. Baetis, winter stones, eggs, san juan worms and jigged streamers have moved fish this week. Very nice mid day baetis hatch happening daily in certain sections of the river with an opportunity to fish dries. Skwalas are starting to show but haven’t had any takers on the big dry yet.

Locations

Jay Clark - Professional fly fishing guide for the MIddle Fork Feather River and Truckee River.

About The Author

Jay Clark is a lifelong outdoorsman that enjoys being near the water. Starting out with fishing as a childhood pastime, Jay has honed his skills over the years, evolving from a hobbyist to a seasoned fly fishing pro. Jay’s passion runs deep – offering guided fishing excursions along the Middle Feather River, Truckee River, and serene stillwater spots in the Northern Sierra.

Interested in going fishing in the Lost Sierra? All levels welcome. Book a guided fly fishing trip today!

Fred Cheatham

02/03/2024

I had the opportunity of fishing with Jay in the middle of winter. My expectations were not too high for the actual fishing but very high to find a guide in the Graeagle area. The temperatures were below freezing but you would have never guessed it from Jay. He hopped out of his truck having the energy and enthusiasm of a kid going fishing for the first time...like me fishing all the time...AND the way it should be. We fished for a full day and I lost count of how many fish I caught BUT the part that impressed me was his ability to teach and hopefully break me of my bad habits. He is a fantastic instructor, teacher, guide, and an amazing person. I had such a great day on the water with Jay, I immediately booked another trip with him the same week (another great day). I had an amazing time with Jay and learned a lot!! Looking forward to our next adventure. Thank you JAY!!

Doug Softy

08/09/2023

Jay did a fantastic job. As a novice to fly fishing, I appreciated the instruction and Jay’s patience. He’s “hooked” me on the sport!

Dwight French

02/06/2023

My son Nico and I have used many guides. Jay Clark is simply the very best experience! He knows his profession, yes. But just as important, he knows how to make the experience memorable. He not only teaches you about the art of fly fishing but he teaches you about nature, how to respect and preserve it and how to appreciate it beyond just its beauty. If you’re looking for a true teacher that wants you to have a great experience as much as he wants you to land the perfect fish story to tell your family and friends, Jay Clark is the best choice!

Christopher Olson

03/06/2022

Trout fishing with Jay is exciting and enjoyable. I really appreciate his local knowledge, passion, and professionalism. Every time we go out I learn more and become a better angler - while at the same time keeping it simple. Jay is approachable and connects well with people - probably why I keep coming back. Can't wait for next time!

Brian Bowyer

02/07/2020

Jay helped us with various techniques, he was extremely informative. He has a great personality and worked very hard for us on the river We are both better fishermen from the experience. I highly recommend!!! Thanks Jay

Emanuel Rose

29/06/2020

Jay is an excellent guide, extremely knowledgeable and patient.

Robert Blodgett

01/06/2020

Jay taught us to fly fish like the pros. He knew the hot spots and gave us just the right gear line rigging. Maybe it wasn't the best of days for the Mountain Whitefish but it definitely was for us. Plus, it was amazing times to spend with my sons to unplug and enjoy the beautiful Truckee. There are other guide "firms" out there, but the personalized time Jay spends with you is so much more worth it. We will be back. I would suggest anyone else does too.

Mario Guel

09/04/2020

Hey dude. Call me. I have some things I want to discuss. You have my number.

Edward Lanning

13/02/2020

I have fished with Jay numerous times. I remember the first time when another guide who was already booked on the day I could fish recommended Jay to me and said "He will work his a** off for you." It was so very true. Jay will teach you what you need to know and patiently work with you for as long as it takes on your trip. I've fished Pyramid Lake with him and now I feel very confident on the lake from the teaching he has given me, and have enjoyed success from the things he has shown me. Thanks Jay!