What's to Report?

My dilemma is whether to post a quick report on the fly fishing OR the lack of snow. Simply good and bad, respectively. I'll go with the positive first.

FLY FISHING:

Both  BT and LT are fishing well. My hope was that most of these waters would be mostly inaccessible. These fish need a break, most especially those that inhabit the Little Truckee. Unfortunately the trout are not getting a break since both waters have unlimited access. Close the LT in winter!!*

We're experiencing frosting mornings, scattered cloud-cover and mild wind. Best fishing opportunities exist from 1100-1500. There is sparse surface activity...small bugs. Going deep into the bottom water-column is the preferred tactic; "low and slow". Small flies trailing a larger, high-caloric food-item such as an aquatic worm or stonefly nymph are good choices and are producing hook-ups. Prospect the "softer" water or the spill-in of pools. My original saying relative to use of lead applies; "when in doubt, add". There have been reports of streamer success; providing a chance for an apex feeder.                                                      ..small trailers...

                                           How do you say "Midge"?

User-friendly flows are occurring at both locally featured waters. Best success on the BT has been throughout "the canyon" to the CA/NV border. Here it is flowing at 225 cfs (normal this date is 300). Below Stampdee dam; it is being discharged at 157 cfs.

*Contact CA DFW and implore them to close the LT fishery in winter. I may have a petition in my Truckee Guide NetWork booth at the Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show during February 20-22. If so, please come-by and sign it if you concur with me about a winter closure. 

SNOWPACK:

As of today's date, for the Truckee River Basin's 8 measurement  stations ranging from 6456'-8801' elevations, the "D-word" is still legitimately operative. Snow-Water Content is 44% of median; ranging from 15%!-68%. Total Precipitation is 60% of average; ranging from 39%-73%. Dismal news.

This pattern is trending to what we experienced a couple of years ago, a big December (although this year there was really wet snow that didn't stick except for the higher elevations) and a sparse January and February. I'm still remaining positive for a big February and March...just for a chance for a break-even to normal!