Truckee, CA.

[bigfly]

It's been a while.......
Was a "weathery" week.
Poured rain onto what little snow we had near town. A skosh of new on the crest....
Both pounding rain, and heavy flakes...and heavy winds.....
(I took a couple days off with chest crud, sat by a fire and tied the perfect Skwalla).
Knocked power out in town, always fun to see people shopping in the dark.
Get the distinct feeling they don't practice darkness very much. Always bring a head light....in the mountains.
Only the cash registrar were powered......

The Truckee is running a little high right now and off color.
Glennshire stretch is wade-able, below Boca is two handed rod territory......
But those who know.......shared fishing successes of both bows and browns.
The menu always expands during high flows, serious fishers take advantage.
This week will warm dramatically, the flows will drop, and clear.
One nice thing about the T is how quickly it clears.
Bees, and other flying bugs are showing up.
It's pushing it, but this might be the week for Skwallas. Would be the earliest ever....
Try a dark 2nd instar Stone. Several fish rose for Adult recently, but none are out that I can see.
Nor have I found the nymphs near shore yet....that is the tell....
A big difference between stockers and wild fish, is the wild fish remember this bug over 5-6 years and more....I love Skwallas because of this very thing. After eating Midges all winter, nature serves a double bacon cheese burger......on top.
Midges are still a dominate bug. I've been fishing them as a dry, and drowning them.
I have convinced several "old guys" that they can learn to fish the little stuff...let me know if I can help you...
BWOs still making an occasional appearance. Dry or nymphs....
Alders are budding, grass is greening, zero issues moving around the water. (Maybe bring a staff.)
Most of the water fowl are acting amorous, and thinking Spring.
I will state once again, this IS the time to fish, not this Summer when there is no water left.....
Do not fish out of seasonal habit, it's the worst approach.
Right now the fog is lifting, sun peeking, and hoar frost is drifting and twinkling like diamonds.......

Jim

[Chris Evison]

As usual a great report Jim, really enjoy reading your posts. On top of Kingsbury we got close to 5 inches of rain thru Sunday night, then 5 inches of snow. At 7700ft on east side that 5 inches is we have on the ground. Pretty scary, fingers crossed for big March and April snows. Keep the reports coming!

[bigfly]

A popular spot for reference. Looks fishy to me......
High water mark was two days ago, water well up in the grass (The line of sticks in foreground).
Now the water is dropping 2-3" per day and is green/tan and clearing fast.
Water has warmed to a fishy forty+ degrees.
Warm enough to swing........
First Robin of the year as well....
Saw my first Little Winter Stone yesterday....(1)
Spied maybe 2 BWOs...
Midges are happening near noon, with mating swarms about 4:30 pm. Clumps after that.......
I'd fish subsurface for a while yet, water's a bit high for risers.
As soon as it stops freezing at night, it's officially spring, and we will start going off color.
It's game-on right now though.
Thanks Chris....

Jim

[Morgan]

Nice read Jim.
Its ridiculous how warm it is for mid feb. Scary actually.
I would usually be bundled up throwing tiny bugs on local waters. Not this year. Its long sleeves, no fleece and huckin streamers.
As you said. Fish now while we still have water. Hope for a miracle March and nasty April.

[bigfly]

A buddy found the first Skwalla yesterday.
I love being able to call it close on bugs appearing.......no schedule to this really, it's, are the conditions right?
Makes fishing a little easier if you time it...
Tie them, buy them, but don't wait, it will be a whole year till we see'em again.

Next bug.......fly'n ants.....start tying.....

Jim

[cmcdhuibh]

I envy you living in Truckee, I know its only 100 miles from Sac. but it's 100 miles from Sac.
Enjoy your posts cheers Chris

[bigfly]

Just so you BELIEVE......the reports...sz8 and be there.
Remember, they walk to the water...that means fishing near bank for spooky fish.
Thanks Chris..

[Mr T]

Eating lunch and dreaming right now- thanks for the distraction.

What size are the skwalas?

[cdevine]

Eating lunch and dreaming right now- thanks for the distraction.

What size are the skwalas?

Yeah, Jim has a nice way with words. Fish while you can is the message I'm taking away. Our reservoirs in the valley are in a little better shape. Folsom actually resembles a lake again. I'm like you... 100 miles down the hill from Truckee but still 100 miles. Jim skwalla subsurface or in the film?

[Mr T]

Yeah, Jim has a nice way with words. Fish while you can is the message I'm taking away. Our reservoirs in the valley are in a little better shape. Folsom actually resembles a lake again. I'm like you... 100 miles down the hill from Truckee but still 100 miles. Jim skwalla subsurface or in the film?

Word- might have to swing a day there soon.