Fly Fishing on the Truckee River through the first part of January has changed greatly day to day. On days where water temperatures have increased into the high 30’s, fish activity has increased. On days that water temperatures don’t come up, fishing has not been great (reference temperature graph below). This is the time of year when you’ll want to pick your days and focus on fishing in warmer water temperatures. With the cold water, fish have been found mostly in slow/deep holding water where trout don’t have to expend much energy.

This is the time of year to tie on TBS (Tiny Black Stuff) when fishing a nymph rig. Flies like the Ready Baetis fit into this category along with the French Nymph. Additionally, attractor flies can hook a few fish when other natural patterns are not. When running a multi-fly rig, try a combination of one attractor fly and one imitative fly. Bright attractors like San Juan Worms, and egg flies (yes-beads included) can help get a lethargic fish to move to your presentation and feed.

Get out and have some fun!

Flies we suggest for the Truckee River: Parachute Adams, Pullover BWO, Quill Jig, Thread Quill, Jig TNT BWO, Galloups Jig BWO, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow, Articulated Trout Slider