We have seen an increase in water being released out of Lake Tahoe for rafting over the holidays. This is a mixed blessing because the increase in flows is good for the upper section of river which was getting a little skinny for fishing, but being a top release off Tahoe, this water is coming in warm and may speed up the possibility of 68 degree water temps and hoot owl conditions.

Although last week’s freak snow storm certainly helped the water temps for the short term, odds are we will see temps rise back up quickly along the upper river and we encourage you to take a thermometer along with you to the river in the coming weeks. Take a preliminary reading when you’re on the river with follow up readings throughout the day, calling it a day if/when water temps exceed 66 degrees. This will also likely happen east of Reno, from Sparks and down on the lower river, and the same precautions should be taken for those fishing down there. Because of the bottom fed releases out of Boca, we should not see temps become an issue in the canyon section and through west Reno for a while longer.

When we do see the voluntary hoot owl restrictions put in place, we will still have a great window of morning fishing, but afternoons may be a bit limiting depending on what the weather decides to do.

The hatches continue to be exceptional this week with great numbers of PMDs, caddis, yellow sallies, a few golden stones, and still a few green drakes around as well. This has been some of the best dry fly fishing we have seen on the Truckee in a long time. We recommend you take advantage of this opportunity by being prepared with a few good patterns of these bugs for when you see some noses.

Euro nymphing this time of year will continue to be the most consistent way to find fish on the Big T as fish remain in fast water most of the day right now. Look for riffles, pocket water or the heads of runs when using this technique, and don’t forget to cover water! Using a heavy anchor fly will remain incredibly important right now, especially if you’re fishing the canyon. Be sure to have a good assortment of anchors representing golden stones, crawdads or sculpins and make sure you’re ticking the bottom. Because of the presence of the larger green drake nymphs, larger size 12-14 flies are fishing well for your tag fly option.