As we get later into the summer, water temperatures in the Truckee River are beginning to get to a point where anglers need to consider other options.
On a recent outing, the evening temperature was near 67 degrees. At this temperature, the water loses the ability to support oxygen levels that are sufficient for fish. Catching a fish in these conditions will make it difficult to release the fish unharmed. As a result, anglers should consider fishing while the water is cooler, in early the morning. An angler should carry a thermometer and use it to keep an eye on water temperatures.
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“Please take the time to revive your fish. It will certainly take longer,
but fish deserve the effort that you put in to aid in their survival.”
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According to the book, “Trout (Wildlife Series),” edited by Judith Stolz and Judith Schnell, salmonids prefer water temperatures in the 53- to 63-degree range. Brown trout tend to be able to tolerate higher water temperatures than rainbows, according to most experts.
Anglers can use the trout’s temperature preference as a guide. While fish can achieve higher tolerances to temperature, depending on how gradually a system warms, the angler using this guideline will best serve the survival of fish released if he or she uses these temperature thresholds.
Fish can still be caught at the elevated temperatures, such as the 67 degrees that was experienced on a recent outing, but the fish will show signs of stress. It can take a substantial amount of time to revive the fish to be released.
As we discussed in an earlier piece on catch and release (visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read the column), many fish that are released may seem fine and swim away only to die later. This is due to an improper release or rough handling by the angler. However, when temperatures get higher than the 63- or 64-degree threshold, an angler must take extra time to revive the fish.
You will notice that the fish seem to be more labored in their breathing when the water is warmer. Fish will tell you when they are ready to go. If you support the fish and watch its breathing, you can tell when it is beginning to get enough oxygen. Notice its pectoral fins: once you see them straight out, the fish has regained its equilibrium and will soon pull out of your grasp and swim off.
Please take the time to revive your fish. It will certainly take longer, but fish deserve the effort that you put in to aid in their survival.
All in all, the better option is not to fish when the water is warmer. Turn your attention to a tail-water fishery, such back-country lakes and streams where cooler water prevails. Target other species, such as bass or carp that we have in our area. Give the fish a break. They will be there for you later when the waters cool in the fall.
FISHING REPORT
Boca Reservoir | Inflow is at 223 cfs and the outflow is 217 cfs. Powerbait, nightcrawlers and lures are all working. Fly-fishers have been catching some fish near the inlet with nymphs, streamers and dries.
Donner Lake | 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-fishers 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 | The flow is at 223 cfs. Be prepared to share the water with a lot of anglers. With the water at this level, nymphs and dries have both been working. Hatches are similar to the main Truckee. In addition, green drakes typically show well into July.
Martis Lake | Zero kill. Catch and release only with barbless, artificial lures or flies. Fishing is best early in the season and again the fall. Smallmouth bass are now part of the fishery here.
Prosser Reservoir | Fishing has been fair to good. Anglers using bait, lures and flies have all caught fish. Fly-fishers have done well near the inlet areas. Bass fishing has been fair.
Stampede Reservoir | Fishing has been fair to good from shore. The lake level is dropping pretty fast as more water is being released. Nightcrawlers, Powerbait and lures have all produced from shore. Fly-fishers 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 | It is not flowing out of the lake at Tahoe City. The flows through Truckee are at 156 cfs. Fishing has been good. Keep an eye on water temperatures now. Carry a thermometer and check it. Caddis imitations, PMD, Little Yellow Stones and streamers are also working. This is special-regulation-artificial-only-with-barbless-hook water. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged in this section, but an angler may keep two fish with a minimum size of 14 inches during the regular trout season.
Davis and Frenchman lakes | Both are now in full swing. Boat, shore and fly anglers are catching fish. Reports from Davis are only fair. The damselflies still going well, but the fish have become very selective. Blood midge and Callibaetis imitations are also producing. Frenchman fishing has been good. Try the same hatches as in Davis.
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