By Bruce Ajari ·
The drought has hit us hard and the Truckee River is showing the signs of it. Recent rains had pushed the level of Lake Tahoe briefly over the 6,223 ft. level so a trickle of water was put into the river. However, this was short lived as the level has again dipped below the rim.
With the river running through Truckee now at less than 30 cfs and from Boca downstream at less than 100 cfs, I am suggesting that fishermen stop fishing the river at this point.
While water temperatures may still seem tolerable, it is about more than just temperatures. Fish are stressed at these low levels. They are more subject to predation, disease and overpopulation caused by the confined spaces. This certainly increases their stress levels.
Though it is possible that the river could run dry sometime this year in certain stretches and anglers should let nature take its course. Personally, I am not a proponent of piling on to the problems that the fish already have.
As responsible anglers, we have a choice to fish alternative species and waters to pursue our sport. One of the overlooked local fisheries is the smallmouth bass that inhabit a few of our local reservoirs.
Carp is also another species that pulls like a freight train when hooked. These fish are very selective and quite challenging on the fly rod. They are abundant in Nevada waters and some California locations.
Travel is another option for the angler, as well. Get out and explore some of our country where the drought has not been as severe. I have many of these on my bucket list and will be seeing a few of them this year partly because of our local situation, but also because it is on my bucket list.
As anglers, we need to be aware how the low flows in our area are impacting the fish that we target. Low flows mean additional stress and we need to be sensitive to that. Give the fish a break.
FISHING REPORT
(See Sightseeing for water levels)
Boca | Inflow is at 45 cfs and the outflow is 21 cfs. Powerbait, nightcrawlers and lures are all working. Fly-fishers have been catching some fish near the inlet with nymphs, streamers and dries.
Donner | Fishing has been fair to good. Kokanee fishing has been good although the fish are small. Nightcrawlers and Powerbait seem to be the main bait. Mackinaw fishing has been good. Fly-fishermen are catching some fish with streamers.
Lake Tahoe | Tributaries are only open from July 1 to Sept. 30. Fishing has been fair to good for mackinaw. A guide is highly recommended if you are fishing for mackinaw for the first time. Toplining and shore fishing is fair. Most shore fishermen use inflated nightcrawlers.
Little Truckee River | The LT flow is at 45 cfs and is running low at only 5 cfs above a minimal subsistence flow now. Consider fishing in alternative waters.
Martis Lake | Zero kill. Catch and Release only with barbless artificial lures or flies. Fishing is the best early in the season and again the fall. There are still a few nice fish in this lake that has severely declined. Smallmouth bass are part of the fishery.
Prosser | Fishing has been fair to good. Anglers using bait, lures and flies have all caught fish. Fly-fishermen have done well near the inlet areas. Bass fishing has been slow.
Stampede | Fishing has been fair to good from shore. The ramp is not usable for larger boats; only car top boats are getting on the water. Nightcrawlers, Powerbait and lures have all produced from shore. Fly-fishermen have been doing well near the inlets with nymphs and streamers. The Kokanee fishing has been fair to good for those getting out. Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair.
Truckee River | At 0.27 cfs Tahoe City, 27 cfs through Truckee and 94 cfs at Boca Bridge. The river is not flowing out of the lake at Tahoe City. Flows are low through the town Truckee. Give the fish a break in this section and leave them alone. The flow from Boca downstream to the state line is running at 98 cfs. This, too, is a low flow. Fish are at higher stress levels. It is just not a water temperature issue. Be mindful of this and give the fish a break. Think targeting alternative water and other species such as bass or carp.
Other Waters | Davis and Frenchman are now if full swing. Boat, shore and fly anglers are catching a fish. The damsel migration is now in full swing and Hexagenia Mayflies are showing at Davis. Some days the fish are extremely picky. Get there now.
Bruce is a long-time area fly-fisherman and past president of Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishers. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read more.
