Between Storms...

...such as now! During the next week we'll experience pleasant weather which will afford the fly fisher an opportune time to do some mid-day fly angling in the Truckee area. The BT is more accessible than the LT...Today was a perfect day (home image below); no wind, sun and & wispy clouds.My intent was to meet Pancho on the main Truckee. It was an intended respite from the "shack nasties" that can afflict us mountain dwellers. It didn't happen because of an unforeseen minor injury to my wife while skiing...a chipped tooth. When I finally arrived at the rendezvous-point on the river...late in the day...I didn't wader-up. Pancho had just finished a very satisfying session. He landed three (3) upper-teen Browns and lost a larger Rainbow on an aerial at the end of a strong surge across the river. All four hook-ups where under an indicator, some shot and a, promised, undisclosed fly.

If you visit, strap-on you snow-shoes & test the "warmer"waters...you may be surprised.

Here's an excerpt from an article I authored for the Spring 2009 issue of Sierra Fisherman magazine; entitled "Early Season on the Truckee River":

"During winter and spring, California’s Truckee river is fly fished like most freestone streams in the California. Water flow and water temperature are the key factors governing strategy; and why fly anglers adjust tactics accordingly. For consistent success; simply, fish…“low & slow”. For surface addicts; wait as springtime wanes into summer; there will be an occasional, although limited, opportunity to feed that jones.

"If accessing the river during January, February and March (snow-shoes are a good idea); go at mid-day seeking warmer water exposed to solar heating. You’ll find warmth in “soft water”, mild currents, edges and eddies. During May to mid-June; ideal conditions may still be an “iffy” proposition; wholly dependent on the snow-melt. Your best ploy remains the earlier months’ tactics of stripping streamers or a preferred technique with a tandem, big/small fly rig deep in the deep runs, troughs and pools and in the lower-water column of eddies in boulder-strewn pocket-waters.

Early in the year there are sparse surface emergences. You will observe the ubiquitous, little, black winter stones peppering the snow banks and flitting above/on the water surface; midges, March Browns, first-brood BWO, and thus far, an unconfirmed Skwala hatch. Don’t hold your breath anticipating many, if any, of these bugs getting eaten on top…"