The Ants...the Ants!

The ants are in Truckee area...numerous. Don't leave home without one! Warm weather is to continue for a few days. If fishing lakes do not fret if there is wind and waves, trout are aware one of the "Big Bugs of June" is present.

TRUCKEE TRIVIA #25...answer...and More!

Answer:

The "hatch of '96" was a six-week long PMD hatch on the Little Truckee trophy water from late-June to early August of 1996. During the entire period there were predictable and consistently, surface-feeding trout. It was dry fly fun.

...an excerpt from my essay in Sierra Fisherman, summer 2009:

"Looking down from the high bluff saw I saw the bright, white mouth of an 18”-plus rainbow inhale a bug at the surface.  I then observed several mayflies flying above the stream. I thought, “Right on time!” I hastened my pace down the trail, crossed the stream and got into position for my first cast to one of the rising trout. This occurred during what is now known as the “hatch of ’96”; six weeks of a prolonged and consistent 11AM- 4PM, Pale Morning Dun hatch…and rising trout.

 This event occurred on the Little Truckee River, below Stampede dam. The “hatch of 1996” is considered the one important event that propelled the Little Truckee River to its status as one of California’s premiere fly fishing venues. At that time, it was still a “secret”; and the locals wanted to keep that way.  But, the word spread out of the area and a lobbying campaign started for “catch & release” regulations."

I'm Alive #4 & Angling Report

Yes, been awhile. Getting busy now with clinics, guiding, responsibilities as president of Tahoe-Truckee Fly Fishers and a 1 week "busman's holiday" trip to the Green River in Utah (eventually I'll do a report on the Green).

FISHING REPORT:

Fly angling in the Truckee area has been decent for several weeks. Better fish NOW and during the next 6-8 weeks. True, it is only May, but we're currently experiencing summer conditions with low, clear waters and progressively higher water temps. Last week I got a 60 degree flow temp at 6 PM on the main Truckee....not good!

Thus far there hasn't been any intense bug emergences. If looking for heads, the best times have been 11AM-2PM. The rise can last for 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours. BWO's, a smattering of micro-caddis and late-blooming March Browns are on the surface menu. But the reality remain,...as usual...if you consistently want to be in the game, go down.
Producing surface patterns for the surface have been #16-#18 BWO Pull-Overs or Quigley Cripples and a traditional up-wing Adams, sized 14. For tandem-rig sub-surface rigs, trail #16-20 a FBPT or Disco Midge in red or black behind a larger Floss-
Worm, Hare's Ear or rubber-legged stonefly nymph.

Because of this prolonged drought there will be little water to fish come July; whether fishing moving or stillwaters...not to mention water temperatures. The trout will be very stressed and in a survival mode....Believe me, this is not a Chicken Little "da sky is falling" scenario...it is real.

Here's my May TTFF president's message Intro:

"Well we experienced a nice “dump” the evening/morning of “Opening Day”; Friday/Saturday April 24/25. We also were in awe of the previous evening’s a fabulous thunder and lightning display; seemingly directly above my home for two hours.  Both weather events are what we anticipate during a “normal” year. For this year; better late than never. Right now the trout appreciate any water they can get.

Explore our local waters…now.  By July we have no idea what angling conditions we will experience.   Do consider voluntary Hoot-Howl Closures as we did last year. No need to wait for an official mandate; use common sense. People know my mantra: "Health of the fishery comes first, public angling second and commercial guiding a distant third and last" 
 

Carry a thermometer.  Leave the water and quit fishing when the temps get to 67-68. Such occurred last year on the big Truckee about 10:30-11:00 AM. Last year my voluntary HO closures occurred around mid-July. This year it should occur earlier; assuming there is water in the river".