By Bruce Ajari ·
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) were introduced illegally about a decade ago into some of our local reservoirs. Boca, Prosser and Stampede reservoirs all have self-sustaining populations of these great game fish.
Ask just about any angler what the hardest fighting game fish in America is and many will answer the Smallmouth bass. Those that have fished for them say that pound for pound they are the hardest fighting fish.
About six years ago, I was visiting with Andy Burk, renowned fly-fisher, author and artist, and the topic turned to fishing for Smallmouth bass. Andy explained that he loved fishing for Smallmouth and even showed me a simple jig-head crayfish pattern fly that he had been using.
Andy loved Smallmouth, not only because they were so fun to catch, but also because they were great table fare.
Catching a decent Smallmouth in local waters is not hard. Smallmouth have established themselves in both Prosser and Stampede reservoirs and to a lesser extent in Boca reservoir, and are plentiful.
Once we began fishing for them we began to do a lot of research on them, particularly for the summer months when our local trout waters often get too warm to safely fish for trout. What we found was that first and foremost, that the No. 1 food for largemouth and smallmouth bass is crayfish, and local waters have lots of crayfish in them.
As a result, local Smallmouth bass have become huge. We have heard reports of Smallmouth bass larger than 5 lbs. being caught in some of local reservoirs. Fish 2 to 3 lbs. are quite common.
Guys using conventional gear, such as crank baits have done the best recently. Fly-fisherman are catching them using crayfish and baitfish imitations.
As water temperature rise above 70 degrees, Smallmouth bass generally are found in deeper water. They do come in and frequent shallow water during the evenings in search of food. This is probably the best time to try and target these fish if you are a fly-fisher. Many fly-fishers also target early mornings when water temperatures are at the coolest for the day.
On a recent trip to Stampede, we fished early in the morning. At that time, water temperatures were in the upper 60s. Fishing shallow during this period, a number of fish were caught. However, when temperatures rose to 70 degrees, this shallow water bite died off. Fish were caught more in water 10 feet or deeper.
With our local trout waters experiencing lower flows and higher temperatures due to the drought, alternative species such as Smallmouth bass and carp offer the angler some additional options. Smallmouth bass are fun to catch and dispatching one for the dinner table is not a bad idea either.
We recommend fly anglers use a 7 or 8 weight rod due to the large flies that you will be using. A stout rod also allows you to set the hook, and will increase your chances of landing them. A floating, intermediate and type III sinking line are all good options to have. Get out there and give it a try, and let the local trout catch a breather until the water temperatures cool down.
FISHING REPORT
(See Sightseeing for water levels.)
Boca | Inflow is at 47 cfs and the outflow is 8.2 cfs. Try powerbait or nightcrawlers. Throwing lures from shore has been working. Fly-fishers have been catching some fish near the inlet, mostly nymphing and with streamers.
Donner | Fishing has been good. Nightcrawlers and Powerbait seem to be the bait of choice. Mackinaw and Kokanee fishing has been fair. Fly-fishermen are catching some fish with streamers.
Lake Tahoe | The Lake within 300 feet of a tributary is closed. Tributaries are open 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 | Flow is now at a 47 cfs. This is a pretty minimal. Fishing has been fair. Keep an eye on water temperatures here with these low flows. Try a dry dropper rig here. Hoppers are showing in good numbers.
Martis Lake | Zero kill. Catch and Release only with barbless artificial lures or flies. Some small cutthroats and an occasional large brown or rainbow can still be caught here. Smallmouth bass have been introduced in this water. It is too warm for fishing now; wait until fall.
Prosser | The lake is fishing fair to good. Powerbait and nightcrawlers are the best bait. Lure and fly-fishermen are taking some fish from shore and near the inlets. Smallmouth Bass fishing is fair to good.
Stampede | Stampede continues to drop. Fishing has been fair to good from shore. Kokanee fishing has been good. Mackinaw fishing has been good. Smallmouth bass fishing is fair to good.
Truckee River | Flowing out of the lake at 161 cfs. The flow through Truckee is at 160 cfs as of Aug. 3. Fishing has been fair to good, but temperatures are well above comfortable levels for fish. If you must fish, do so before 10 a.m., but it is best to avoid fishing here and try for other species such as bass or carp. Leaving the river alone until fall when the temperatures cool is a better option.
Other Waters | Davis and Frenchman have been fair. Fish are being caught on blood midge and Callibaetis. Streamers fished deep can be productive. Water is very warm.
