Truckee River
Fly fishing on the Truckee River remains good for most anglers as the dog days of summer have set in. I’ve been grinding out a bunch of fun family beginner trips this July and our success has been a mixed bag. We are getting grabs every trip but hooking, fighting and landing fish has been the real challenge. The fish are in “hit it and spit it” mode and cat-like reflexes are mandatory otherwise the fish are too quick. We have hooked into some rather substantial fish, yet they are getting away before we can net them.
Flows are still very good but water temps are getting too warm in the afternoons. We have had some radiational cooling the past few night and water temps have come down a touch. Per usual, use your streamside thermometer throughout the day and stop when water temps hit 68-70 degrees. There is a noticeable slow down in the fishing when temps hit 65 degrees.
There are not a lot of bugs hatching at this time. Mostly a few stoneflies and caddis flies in the evenings, a few mayflies during the day and midges ovipositing. Fish are looking up at times and we are still moving fish to a variety of large dry flies but nymphing is getting most of the action.
What’s Working
Dry Flies: Chubby Chernobyl orange, pink (8-12), Missing Link pmd, yellow sally (14-16), Thalkan’s Double Dutch Bug (8-10), Turk’s Tarantula (10), E/C Caddis (14-16), Last Chance Cripple (16-18), Film Critic (16-18), Sparkle Flag (16-18) Nymph’s: Jigged PT (16-18), Rusty Jig (14-16), Raindrop (14-16), Plastic Surgeon ((14-18), Walt’s Worm (14-18)
A Look Ahead
Fall will be hear before we know it. Fall fishing opportunities will be robust and diverse as water temperatures fall to acceptable levels. Webber Lake will offer opportunities at large Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT), brookies, rainbows and browns in an idillic high country setting. Milton Lake for fiesta wild brown trout. The Middle Fork Feather River will be very low until fall rains return. The Truckee will be excellent with browns and rainbows putting on the feedbags to help prepare fore the lean winter months.
Plan ahead to ensure you get the dates you want as my fall calendar is starting to fill up.
Thanks for reading!
Jay
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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.
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