The first part of December on the Truckee River has fished well for how cold water temperatures have been. If your catch rate has slowed from this Fall to worry. This time of year is about finding quality over quantity of trout. Beyond the water temperatures dipping below 40 degrees, the noticeable change over the last few weeks is the migration of trout into slower water velocities. Our best success has been found in the slowest parts of runs and the tailouts of pools. You’ll want to target water speeds slower than walking pace. 

Days with the most temperature swings have fished best. The warmer air temperatures may only raise water temperatures by a few degrees, but that is usually enough to get fish feeding regularly. 

Small flies are the name of the game right now. Around 10:00 am, we’ve seen a consistent hatch of dark midge. To match this bug, a size #18-20, Zebra Midge in black or red will do the trick. For the odd fish that is feeding on the surface, a Griffiths Gnat will do. 

After the midge activity subsides, Blue Winged Olives (BWO) begin to hatch and move around about noon. This activity can be good to great if cloud cover is present. Conversely, wind can really beat down this hatch and make dry fly fishing difficult. BWO nymphs remain effective both before and during this hatch. A shop favorite this time of year is the Micro Mayfly. This pattern is tied with a thin body, a touch of green dubbing for some pop, and a copper bead to get down quickly. Give this a try in either a size 16 or 18.

Flies we Suggest: Micro Mayfly, Spanish Bullet, Perdigon, Jig TNT’s, Psycho May, Galloup’s Jig BWO, Baetis Cripple, Pull Over BWO, Zebra Midge, Griffiths Gnat, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow

We are well stocked on winter gloves, warm socks, and other cold season necessities. While you can’t control the temperature, you can control how you dress!

Stanley’s Ice Off Paste is a gamechanger for fishing in freezing conditions. This paste helps reduce the amount of ice buildup on rod guides and eyelets so you can continue to cast. To use this paste, simply apply it to each guide with your finger or a Q-tip BEFORE you start fishing! Limited quantity available in store and online HERE.