Truckee

[Jeff F]

After being humbled yet again this weekend, in both CA and NV, I think it would be interesting to hear thoughts on why these fish, with so much cold water, so many bugs and baitfish, and so much fishy water, are so damn befuddling.

Not whining, cuz we had a great time as always, nor looking for tips, fishing spots or flies. Just curious on some observations about why these particular fish are what they are.

[Rossflyguy]

After being humbled yet again this weekend, in both CA and NV, i think it would be interesting to hear thoughts on why these fish, with so much cold water, so many bugs and baitfish, and so much fishy water, are so damn befuddling.

Not whining, cuz we had a great time as always, nor looking for tips, fishing spots or flies. Just curious on some observations about why these particular fish are what they are.

That’s why they call it 'fishing' and not 'catching'.

[Jeff F]

Ya I figured that was coming. Just trying to have a conversation about what makes the Truckee so different than other rivers. So nevermind. Bill please delete this post.

[McFish]

I too am curious about why they are harder. I can get platitudes anywhere. i suspect it is mostly educated fish. I have a private pond I get to fish regularly; it's loaded with bass. After a winter where they don't see anyone, the fish bite great. I'm talking Feb/March,not April/May. By June they totally ignore whatever they liked earlier. And it's not just that they are located differently or focused on a different pattern or depth. They learn. I can switch to poppers and be good for a week; then they want something else. Even in Sept/Oct when they should turn on again, they are still wary of what I caught them on earlier. And I represent 75% of the total fishing pressure. On the Truckee; the pressure has tobe about 100 times as much.

[JayDubP]

Ya i figured that was coming. Just trying to have a conversation about what makes the Truckee so different than other rivers. So nevermind. Bill please delete this post.

JEFF- your point is valid. There seem to be many more posts about having an "OK" day of the Truckee or being skunked that there are posts on spectacular results.

Jim

[mogaru]

The Truckee gets a lot of fishing pressure, specially in the last few years. I think part of the success is locating the feeding fish which varies depending the time of the year and water temperature. Some techniques (euro nymphing) seem to be more successful than others. Look for sections of the river that don't get as much pressure because it involves more walking or difficult access. Fly patterns, size are the other part of the equations. Learning a river well takes time, perseverance, and determination but the rewards are worthy. Be willing to move location frequently and change fly patterns until you find the ones that work. Don't fall into a fishing routine. Location and fish diets change frequently.Get local advise from fishing guides, they have all the knowledge and secrets. I hope all of this helps you in your next fishing adventure.

[John Sv]

I don't think the Truckee fish are any wiser per se or necessarily pickier. Most of the guys I know that do well- it seems like it is two statistics: Time on the water and weight. Re time on the water- that's not intended to be flip. The hatches that move the river's fish around or pique their curiousity are usually sparse, fleeting and a right place, right time thing. Re the weight, I think the difference between the people that get decent success is that with the tricky currents and wired slots, they get their flies to the fish more effectively. Lastly a fish biologist guy I know, recently retired from CA DFW , also told me the Truckee is a tough existence for fish and there just isn't a ton of biomass down there. Seems like a good day on the Truckee vs, say the Yellowstone is 4 fish vs 25...
My $.02 as a guy that lives near the river but doesn't fish it that much but has some pals that do!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Ya I figured that was coming. Just trying to have a conversation about what makes the Truckee so different than other rivers. So nevermind. Bill please delete this post.

Jeff, I fished the Truckee river off and on for almost 50 years, that said I never got very good at it either.

Over 50 years in the tackle business I talked with thousands about the Truckee river too.

Some who will admit it say it is not an easy river to be successful on.


Techniques have improved in the last decade or two with "right angle indicator nymphing" and improved streamer techniques.


When I started fishing it most used attractor dry flies, classic wet flies and classic old streamers because 50 years ago there were very

few nymphs to buy.




I think the problem with the Truckee River is the fact that there is way too much food in there.

Crayfish, minnow/small fish, aquatic insects, terrestrials, mice, frogs......?

[Jeff F]

That's what i was getting at. Thanks to all. Can't tell you how many times we've tried to figure out these fish over beers in Reno or on the drive home.

I dig Jim's comment on making the 1st drift count. Great advice

[bigfly]

Jeff.....
I am the president of the Universal fisherman's assoc.
Which means, if I don't watch out, I will fish just like the other guy.
I've found in over 20 years guiding on the T...that a first drift fish is not only possible, it's even probable.....
I've lost track the number of demo drifts for a client that has turned a fish. It happened so often, I just started planning on it.
After that first drift, we often find a bunch of follow-up drifts garnered not a single look. I will also suggest a reach cast to increase the quality of said drift. That elbow down "dry fly" mend is the worst possible mend. You move the fly when mending, and the fish here know what that means. Lift your line off the water when mending....DON'T MOVE THAT FLY!
Another guide up here refers to the T as the Pebble beach of rivers. I agree.
If ya fish poorly here, you get poor results.
I can even get a client into a one drift fish, if they practice good cast and drift skills.
Had a guy out the other day...it took about five or six casts every try on new water.
The outcome was..."no fish in the river.
Nobody wants to think they fish poorly, so we do not want to even consider it.
I hold up my right hand and say...
" Hi, I'm Jim I'm a universal fisherman. "
I believe you have to admit you have a problem, to get better.
Mediocrity is easily attainible, excellence is not......

Jim