Fall is in the air and the Truckee River is fishing quite well. With water temperatures dropping we anticipate brown trout to begin their spawn any day now. The Sparks gauge is showing water temperatures dipping below 50 degrees in the morning. 

Bug life has changed a bit since the last report. Fish are starting to eat smaller presentations including midges and small mayfly nymph patterns throughout the day. Before the insect life gets started, attractor patterns in a size 12-14 have been fishing well. Anything with some flash that may not exactly imitate a real insect can work. The Duracell has been a staple over the last week accounting for a few nice fish. You can pair a big hares ear or Carot size 12-14 with it if fish are eating attractors. 

On the Nevada side, drop shot nymphing has been effective lately. Fish are scattered through different water speeds due to the changing temperature. The drop shot method allows you to fish flies through a variety of depths effectively without snagging on bottom as often. If you’d like more information on this technique, swing by the shop and look for a video tutorial soon.

Slower water speeds are starting to fish much better after a hot summer. We have noticed fish feeding in slower water in the last few weeks and anticipate this to continue with the mild weather forecast. Don’t be afraid to fish the frog water now as fish have pushed into these slow feeding zones.

Streamer fishing has been better with the cooling water temps and frequent cloudy daysl. On the cloudy days fish have preferred a darker pattern in either olive or black. You’ll want to slow down your presentation and place the fly near the bottom. You can use a heavy fly or a sinking line (Orvis Bank Shot) to drop down through the water column. A split shot can be added above the loop knot connection to the fly if you feel you are not down deep enough. The jigging motion of a heavy streamer can be very effective this time of year.

Flies we suggest for our area rivers: BH Zebra Midge, Hot Butt, Ready Baetis, Split Case BWO, TNT BWO, Micro Mayfly, Carot, Duracell, Perdi Bomb, Pullover BWO, Parachute Adams, Truckee River Selection