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Truckee River/Lake Tahoe Area Fly Fishing Report, 04.05.21

As April begins, one can’t help but appreciate springtime. T-shirt weather pairs beautifully with the continuously chilled water of the Truckee and its tributaries. Add a dry dropper rig and you’ve got yourself a perfect day, regardless of fish.

Matt putting another client on another wild Truckee fish. Photo by Matt Heron.

Though our runoff isn’t what we were expecting, we are making the most of it and the fish are still here. We’ve had nothing but warm sunny days in the past couple weeks and the weather forecast expects that to continue, with no storms predicted for the near future. Daytime highs are in the mid to high 50s, and the nights are still freezing.

Flows:

On the river, we are seeing high flows that happen to be strangely clear as well. Lack of snowpack is likely the cause of this, though other factors may also be in play. Below are the recorded flows on the California side of the Truckee.

Tahoe City to Truckee: 391 cfs

Truckee to Boca: 600 cfs

Boca to Farad: 613 cfs

Farad to Stateline: 667 cfs

Our guides are finding fish on more of the bigger attractor patterns. Stoneflies, worms etc.. Skwalas are also out, though we are reaching the end of their season. If you hear fish attacking something on the surface, odds are a skwala just got crushed. Keep a couple dries on hand in case fo the chance to throw one at an eating fish. If you need some, our boys at Trout Creek Outfitters have some killer patterns and can set you up with flies, tippet, leader, and if you’re up for it, sink tips! Streamers have been getting love and will only become more productive as the water warms up! We are also excited for March Browns to show themselves, as they are just around the corner.

Both indicator and tightline rigs have been producing. Our guides have had most of their success on these. However, deep dry droppers have also been very productive. Midges and baetis are still on the menu, though bigger nymphs may be a bit more prominent. Winter stones are also always a good go-to.

Photo by Matt Heron.
A colored up Truckee River buck, all ready to meet some ladies. Photo by Matt Heron.

Ryan Rintala | Social Media @mattheronflyfishing

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