Fly Fishing Stillwater / Lakes
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!
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.
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.
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!
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Middle Fork Feather River and Truckee River Fishing Report 6-25-25
Truckee River Fly fishing on the Truckee River is good at this time with water temps in the 50’s to… Read more
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Middle Fork Feather River Fishing Report 6-12-25
Middle Fork Feather River With the arrival of summer in Feather River Country, we are seeing dropping flows and warming… 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
