By Bruce Ajari ·
Smallmouth bass caught at Prosser Reservoir ·
With local rivers at low flows this year, fishing has been for alternative species. My primary target has been the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). Introduced illegally sometime in the late 90s, they have found a home in a number of our local waters including Boca, Prosser, Stampede and Martis Creek reservoirs.
Smallmouth are a terrific game fish. They put up an incredible tussle for their size. Fish more than 5 lbs. have been caught in some of these waters. A fish in the 1 lb. or 1½ lb. range really put up a good fight. They sometimes put on aerial displays, as well as a good tug of war.
They aggressively take a fly and most fly anglers use a 9 ft. #6 to #8 weight rod. Stripping baitfish imitations on a sinking line and a crayfish imitation under an indicator with a floating line are the two most productive methods.
Depending on the time of year, you will find smallmouth in different areas of the lake and at different depths. Read up on smallmouth behavior to learn about where and when to fish. There are many articles on the Internet that you can find to help you learn about Smallmouth Bass.
Populations of bass are probably best in Prosser and Stampede. My experience is that there are bass in Boca and Martis, but certainly not that many. Some people tell me that they have caught some nice bass in Boca, but my own experience has not been that good.
The first trip for the season was late in April and no bass were seen that evening, but two nice trout were caught. There was an incredible blood midge hatch and the trout were going wild. Unfortunately, we had no trout gear with us, but the two trout took a crayfish imitation intended for the bass.
Subsequent trips have been OK, but not stellar as some trips last year. Two to three fish were caught each time, but a few were in the 2 to 3½ lb. range.
Perhaps the low water is affecting the fishing in these waters, as well. The reservoirs are low right now. It is the lowest that I have seen Stampede in my nearly 38 years in the Tahoe area.
With surface water temperatures in the mid to upper 60s, this is a great time to get out and chase some bass.
FISHING REPORT
(See Sightseeing for water levels.)
Boca | Inflow is at 88 cfs and the outflow is 51. 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 | The flow has been raised to 88 cfs temporarily. This is a fishable flow, but I am suggesting that you give the fish a rest. It will be cut to 15 cfs on Aug. 15 for habitat improvement work. 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. Try fishing it again in the fall.
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 to good for those getting out. Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair.
Truckee River | The river is not flowing out of Lake Tahoe. The flows through Truckee are at 10 cfs. The flow from Boca downstream to the state line is running at 80 to 93 cfs. Flows are too low for this river now. Please target alternative water and other species such as bass or carp.
Davis and Frenchman | Boat, shore and fly anglers are catching fish. Callibaetis is the main hatch now with damsels and Hexagenia waning. However, water temperatures are getting high for trout.
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