By Bruce Ajari ·
The use of strike indicators in fly-fishing has caught on with all forms of trout fishing, and it is a technique that may be used in both lakes and rivers as an effective way to catch trout that has made successful anglers of many beginners.
A strike indicator is attached to the leader and floats above the surface like the old red and white bobber that we used as kids. Who does not remember watching that red and white bobber dart downwards to catch a fish? Today’s strike indicators come in many forms. Yarn, cork, balloons and plastic seem to be the most popular.
As it has become more popular, the different choices that an angler has are limitless. Typically, indicators are fished within the length of a 9-foot rod. This is particularly true of rivers.
However, within the past 10 to 15 years, deep water indicating has caught on in lake environments. What this involves is an indicator that has a hollow post that is attached into a hollow indicator. The leader is looped and held in place by the hollow post. When a fish strikes, the indicator slides down the line to the hook. This allows the longer leader to be reeled in beyond the top guide, making it easier to land a fish. When the fish are in deeper water, this indicator system allows anglers to get down to them.
Within the past several years this technique has been used with great effectiveness in our neighboring Pyramid Lake northeast of Reno. Some have refined it by including a swivel between the tippet and the rest of the leader. By using a swivel, the indicator doesn’t slip all the way down to the hook. A large enough swivel must be used that does not slip through the holes in the indicator or tube. Sometimes this adds a significant amount of weight and the indicator can ride low and be hard to see in windy conditions. Plastic swivels, called Insta-Swivels, are available and make a great alternative to the metal ones, if you use this system.
The folks at Umpqua sell a premade deep-water indicator set up ready to use. Local angler Rob Anderson of Reno Fly Fishing Outfitters is credited with marketing this through Umpqua. They are available at most local fly shops.
FISHING REPORT
(See Sightseeing for water levels.)
Boca | Inflow is at 120 cfs and the outflow is 69 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. Nightcrawlers and Powerbait seem to be the main bait for shore anglers. Mackinaw fishing has been good. Fly-fishermen are catching some fish with streamers.
Lake Tahoe | 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 | With this being the only fishable stream around it will likely get too much pressure. 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. With the warming water, the fishing here is slow.
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 fair.
Stampede | Fishing has been fair to good from shore. The ramp is not usable for larger boats. 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 for those getting out. Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair.
Truckee River | The river is not flowing out of the lake at Tahoe City. The flows through Truckee are at 10 cfs. The flow from Boca downstream to the state line is running from 80 to 93 cfs. Flows are too low now. Please target alternative water and other species such as bass or carp.
Davis and Frenchman | Boat, shore and fly anglers are catching fish. However, fishing has slowed. Water temperatures are getting high for trout.
Bruce is a long-time area fly-fisherman and past president of Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishers. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read more.
