Sierra County Fishing Reports

The Truckee is back to cold, clear, stable winter flows after recent storms. Trout are spread into soft, slow water… tailouts, subtle seams, and bubble lines. Small midges and baetis dominate right now, with fish keyed on size over movement. Indicator nymphing is the most effective approach given how slow and specific these holding zones are. Streamers can still produce, but only with very slow, deliberate presentations in soft water rather than aggressive retrieves.

Water Clear . Water Temperature 46 degrees. Last stocked 3 weeks ago. Fishing from boat good AM . Anchor 30 feet off the big rocks which is located same side as restaurant . Fish to the right of the rental boat dock. There’s a deep hole there. For bait use floating rainbow glitter . Or green glitter. Use this line set up. Tie bell weight on very end of 2lbs. 5foot leader. Tie split swivel on other end. Tie . 3ft. leader off main leader. Tie treble hook size 16 . It’s important to keep your floating bait off the mossy bottom. Good Luck

Kokanee action is peaking at Stampede, with fish holding in the 55–70 foot range and feeding aggressively in the morning. The lake is full, with surface temps sitting in the lower 60s°F, and conditions are quite ideal.

Best concentrations are near the island and the Little Truckee inlet. Pink hoochies behind orange or pink dodgers remain the go-to, with shoepeg corn. Keep setbacks short (15–20 feet) and speed steady at around 1.2 mph. Many strikes are occurring immediately after resets, so fresh scent and clean presentations are making a difference. After 9am, expect fish to drop deeper. If you’re not adjusting, you'll be going right over the top of them.

Trout are still hitting early near coves and points, and smallmouth bass are holding around 15–25 feet, taking small jigs and plastics. But the kokanee bite is the main event right now.