Hot Tips


Generally speaking, nymphing is the most effective way to fish most of the North Tahoe creeks and rivers. Although on cloudy days and evenings the dry fly fishing can be very good, and exciting.

The water flows out of any particular creek or river can vary quite dramatically. When the flows are low either dry or nymphing will do well. When the flows are high it is probably best to work on your nymphing technique. When nymphing faster waters it is critical to get your fly down as quick as possible. Repeated drifts are necessary as the fish often hold very tight in their lies. Early season when the water is high and the cold fish will hunker down in deep pools or in softer water along the banks. In these conditions, don't get frustrated, keep changing flies. Once the water starts to warm up fish will move into their typical holding waters, behind rocks, downed trees and any spot where there is protection from the current and predators.

Early in the season, call to check flows on the Truckee, with March, April, and May being so unpredictable the main stem can be high and cold. Call one of us at the Truckee Guide Network, Truckee River Outfitters (530-582-0900). One of these resources will have a good and honest report!

In any of the surrounding rivers and creeks fish will unseasonably go after stimulator and grasshopper patterns. Usually we are using these flies as strike indicators. Meaning that we have tied a smaller nymph to the hook of the larger attractor fly. Usually the space between the attractor fly and the nymph is 18-24 inches. This allows you to cover the surface and sub-surface water. Any questions feel free to call.

In cold conditions the fishing may be a bit slow, and the fish may tend to hold in pools, eddies and slack water behind boulders and obstructions. Fish may be holding tight to the bottom, so nymphs and streamers will be your best bet. If the water is discolored use bright colored streamer patterns. Runoff and cold temperatures will usually mean nymphing and steamer fishing.


Recommended Patterns for the North Tahoe Area

Nymph's	Dries Flies	Streamers
Stoneflies sz. 10 Prince Nymphs sz. 12,14 Hares Ears sz. 12,14 Copper John's (12-18) Rubber Leg Hare's Ear (14,16) Rubber Leg Copper John (14,16) Flash Caddis (10-14) Buddy Holographic (10,12,16) Hotwired Prince (12-16) Pheasant Tail (12-16) Z Wing Caddis (12,14) Zug Bugs (12,14) Bird' Nest (12-16)	Burk's extended body yellow stone Cutter's Little Yellow Stonefly (14,16) Cutter's E/C Caddis (14,16) Pink Cahills (14,16) Soft Hackles Sierra Caddis (14,16) Sparkle Bug (14, 16) Dave's Hopper PMD's Burks Spent Hopper	Wooly Buggers (6,8) Muddlers (6,10) Burk's Aggravator (6) Sculpins (4) Stanley Streamers (6) Clouser Minnows (6) Cutters Goblin (6) Clouser Darters Crayfish Patterns C.H. Rubberbugger (6)