Fly Fishing Stillwater / Lakes

Northern Sierra

About The Lakes

The Northern Sierra is blessed with an abundance of fly fishing options. Freestone rivers, tailwaters, small streams, lakes and reservoirs offer a wide range of opportunities to catch trout on the fly. The Tahoe region can have plentiful fish swimming in these calm, high-altitude waters surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery – making it a great place to go fly fishing!

What We Catch

The Fish

The lakes that we fish have browns, rainbows, brook, cutthroat and bass. Stillwater fly fishing is different from fishing moving waters in a variety of ways. Most notably, the fish are constantly on the move in lakes while trout can be found in the same spot day after day in rivers. Fly fishing techniques we use on stillwaters include stripping bugs and streamers on floating and sinking lines, indicator nymphing, deep water break way indicator nymphing, dry fly and dry/droppers.

Where We Fish

Guided Trips

Milton Lake is home to wild brown trout in a magnificent backcountry setting. A tailwater impoundment, Milton fishes like a big spring creek. Cold water all season long, amazing hatches and finicky wild fish make this a destination for the dry fly enthusiast. Long light leaders, fine tippets and small dries are the name of the game at this wonderous backcountry lake. Webber Lake, Independence Lake, and the Truckee Reservoirs (Stampede. Boca, Prosser) in the Truckee area offer great fishing. We are also permitted to fish Lake Davis, Frenchmans Reservoir, as well as the Lakes Basin on the Plumas National Forest.

View Rates Book Trip

Best Time To Fish

Fishing Season

The fishing season for stillwater in the Northern Sierra peaks during the spring and fall months. During these seasons, cooler water temperatures and favorable weather conditions often result in increased fish activity, making it an ideal time for anglers to target trout and other species.

Spring is typically a prime time for fishing as fish become more active after the winter months. This is when many lakes are stocked with trout, and aquatic insects become more abundant, providing ample food sources for fish.

Fall is another excellent season for stillwater fishing in the Northern Sierra. As temperatures begin to cool, fish become more active in preparation for the winter months. Additionally, fall often brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds, making it a favorite time for many anglers to enjoy the scenic views and sounds of the lakes.

Stillwater Fishing Reports

Check out our fishing adventures in lakes and reservoirs in the Tahoe area. Stay up to date on water levels, conditions, and fish activity!

Fishing Report 10-29-24

Middle Fork Feather River Fall in the Northern Sierra is in full swing. We had our first storm of the… Read more

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Fishing Report 9-23-24

Middle Fork Feather River Fly fishing on the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Feather River continues to get better and… Read more

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Fishing Report 9-9-24

Truckee River Summer is fading on the Truckee, but the fishing remains solid as I write this fishing report. The… Read more

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Fishing Report 8-29-24

Middle Fork Feather River The recent cooler, fall like weather has the Middle Fork Feather River back in shape after… Read more

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Fishing Report 7-27-24

Truckee River Fishing on the Truckee River remains good inspite of the recent heat waves. Water temperatures have been problematic… Read more

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Fishing Report 7-11-24

Middle Feather River It has happened way earlier than expected; water temps are now too warm to safely catch and… Read more

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Fishing Report 6-18-24

Today’s fishing report will focus on the Middle Fork Feather River and the Truckee River. Middle Fork Feather River Fishing… Read more

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Fishing Report 6-3-24

Middle Fork Feather River Fishing remains excellent on the Middle Fork Feather River this week. Lots of bugs, eager fish… Read more

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Fishing Report 4-30-24

Middle Feather River Runoff is in full force on the Middle Feather at this time with flows around 550cfs on… Read more

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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!