The Truckee River seems to be the best game in town for
moving water in the north state, and it just keeps getting better despite the
high flows. As you are well aware, the spring runoff is under way, but the bulk
is yet to come. We may see it peak at the end of May if the region does not
experience a huge jump in air temperatures, big wind, and continued sunshine.
If that happens, watch out. There is still a huge snowpack at the upper
elevations, even on south facing slopes. Water temps are still in the mid 40’s,
colder in the afternoons from snow melt, or below feeder creeks. I have noticed
a slight increase in water clarity in the last week, enough to be able to see fish
holding in the soft side water. It’s been busy on the river in the more popular
access areas, and an angler will do better fishing water that has not been
pounded on.
I had a special day yesterday with a long time guest of mine
where he got into a great session with double digit numbers of fish, a feat not
often accomplished on the Truckee River. The key for success was location, and
we fished 6 different areas and kept moving. The bulk of the trout are podded
up, and if you catch one in a certain slot, keep hammering the water, there
will be more. Try different flies and stance positions within the same slot. We also
had three different rods, a tight line rig, an indo rig with a three fly set
up, and a streamer rod with a heavy sculpin pattern. I really like the RIO
Versi-Tip for streamer applications, both the clear 1.5 ips, and the green 3.0
ips are really all you need. I tie on a #12 swivel at the end of the tip, and
then run 3 feet of 12lb. floro. You still have complete control to your fly
with more sensitivity due to a direct line down to your fly. As always there
are nine different ways to achieve the same principal in fly fishing, if a
guide tells you there is only one way to do such – doubt them.
Once common mistake novice anglers make when tight lining is
they try to probe the bottom right away. A “sighter” section on your leader also
becomes a depth indicator, and when I approach a slot during high water I will
focus on the middle water column, then slowly drift deeper with each successive
presentation. Effective flies have been worms in flesh, red, and sparkle tan, Golden
stones, black rubber legs, larger Hare’s Ears, and #10 eggs in natural roe, and
peachy roe. No matter what rig you choose, set the hook often as the takes are
light.
More weather ahead with a downgraded atmospheric river of
moisture that will slam northern California starting Friday through Sunday,
with lingering precipitation heading into next week. Current models are in
conflict with rain and snow totals, as with mountain weather, we’ll just have
to wait and see. Either way this next system is impressive for the month of
April. If you want to learn more about how to fish big water, don’t mind hiking
and dropping down steep banks, while visiting multiple locations, give me a
ring at 530.228.0487, or email me at baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com
to book a trip with me. I do have a few days available in both April and May.
See you out there…
No comments:
Post a Comment