It’s a bittersweet time for me, fall is one of my favorite times of the year to hit the Truckee, but winter has
some advantages that can’t be overlooked.

Here’s a few pros and cons to consider if you’re looking to book a winter trip with myself, or one of our
awesome guides this season.

CONS:

-It can be cold. However, on a normal day, you can expect to see highs in the 40s though. Totally doable with the right clothing and layers.

-Although there are exceptions, it’s typically not a numbers game. The smaller fish disappear for the most part which keeps catch rates lower than usual.

PROS:

-Between the skiing community hitting the slopes, and fair-weather fishermen, it’s usually not crowded on the Truckee from mid-December on. Life is good.

-The average fish can be much bigger than in the summer, and it’s not even close!

-The colors of the post spawn brown, and pre spawn rainbows can be off the charts. We’ll find some of the best-looking fish of the year.

-Because we can run into low, clear conditions, sight fishing can be really, really, good. And if you know me well, this is my game!

In the end, it’s hard to beat big fish and less people. Grab your warm socks and give us a call!

Enjoy a few images from winters past. 

The post Pros and Cons: Winter Fly Fishing appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

We (Cast Hope) were very fortunate to be asked to be the beneficiary of our buddies Gear Up for the Mid event in Reno this year. The last few years, the guys have averaged over 200 hundred people!

ALL proceeds from the entire day will go directly to getting at risk youth from Reno/Tahoe on the water through fly fishing. We’re hoping to make this one of the biggest single day, fundraising events ever for Cast Hope!

Here’s a tentative schedule on what to expect for the day…

When: September 23rd

Where: Battle Born Beer Brewery, Reno. MAP.

Times:

Gear Up Event- 10am-330pm.

Fly Fishing Film Tour- Doors 5:15pm. Show 6pm-830pm.

Tickets: $20. Online and at the door only! We’re fully expecting to sell out. Please buy your ticket in advance!!

During the Gear Up for the Mid event during the day/afternoon, expect to see vendors and booths from some of your favorite companies such as Sage, Simms, Costa, RIO and more!

Our friends at Traeger will be cooking up some BBQ during lunch. $20/per plate, with a beer, and ALL proceeds will benefit the Reno/Tahoe Region of Cast Hope.

There will also be a huge raffle going off throughout the day.

The evening will conclude with the our showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour. We’ll have another raffle and silent auction with some big ticket items!! Again, please get your tickets in advance online!

Check out this years film trailers HERE.

Ping me with any questions at mattheronflyfishing@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

The post Ready to party this fall and raise a few bucks for at-risk youth!? appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

It’s hard to beat the first cool, consistently lower air and water temps since May. These two things typically lead to a few things every trout angler loves…

• We can typically see the first consistent hatches in months. Can you say baetis?! Give me clouds, rain, snow a little crappy weather and things can go off!
• Pre and post spawn browns can be a little easier to run into this time of year. With exceptions, we don’t get many big browns in the summer and fall can be the time that changes.

So what’s the deal with this fall? Well, it’s easy…

We haven’t had this much water in the fall since 2017!! We should have better water temps are more water than in recent memory. Both can lead to ridiculously better fishing than we have on an average year!

It’s no surprise that me and our guides are already seeing an uptick in fall booking with our repeats and regulars. The secret is out, and serious anglers are already planning what could be the best fall conditions I’ve seen in my 17 years in Truckee!

Now’s the time, don’t wait. If you’re looking to get a little help on the river this fall, our team of experienced guide are ready to show you and unforgettable time on the water. You never know, you may just run into one of the browns that had made the Truckee famous!

-Matt

Our boy Rob Wolford with last years fish of the season…in the FALL!

The post Two reasons why you can NOT miss this fall on the Truckee River! appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

The river between Truckee and Lake Tahoe along Rt. 89 is still very low as they are continuing to hold water back in the lake. This isn’t surprising at all, but at some point, sooner than later releases will happen. The good news is that will give the river a much-needed flush of fresh water. It also helps that evening temps are getting cooler and that surface water coming out of the lake won’t be nearly as warm as it was a few weeks ago.

Through DT Truckee to Boca is a little low, but nothing crazy, and definitely worth fishing. Water temps are really good most of the day, but it wouldn’t hurt to keep a thermometer with you after around 3pm. Once the water temps hit 68 degrees (they may not), give the fish rest and come back for that last hour before dark.

From Boca to NV conditions are nearly perfect. That’s all you really need to know. If you can, fish it!

Evening hatches are decent to good with caddis and yellow sallies being the main go-to for most anglers. That said, almost all fish on top in the evenings are 1-2 years old. Small but fun. You’ll have to walk some to find the few adults on top before dark.

Mornings and afternoons are when most anglers are fishing, no surprise there. Our guides have been getting most fish on bobber and tight-line rigs, with hopper-droppers right behind that. There really aren’t many hatches early or around lunch worth talking about. You may see some bugs, but the dry fly fishing has been slow.

A lot of you have fished with me in the summers and you know I’m a sucker for a good hopper-dropper rig. Occasionally, you’ll run into a big summer fish on top too! That said, it is the Truckee, and most fish are taking the dropper.

Don’t overlook fast rifles and pocket water this time of year. Fish are relying on the bubbles and the oxygen in those areas with water temps in the high 50s/low 60s most of the day.

The main bugs have been caddis larva and pupa- 16 to 18s, PMD nymphs- sz 16s, rubberlegs and other assorted stoneflies- 10s to 14s, crayfish and worms. Some yellow sally nymphs have been catching fish too.

If you have questions or are looking to get a guide, let us know. Lu and I are ready to get you on the water, and make sure you have a great day on vacation!

-Matt and Lu

Shari with an amazing buck earlier this week!

The post Truckee Fly Fishing Report- August 19th, 2023 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

Wow, what a difference a few weeks makes. We’re already well below the spring Water Masters projections from months ago and not surprisingly, the trout are loving life right now.

A few quick tips of note…

Color- Perfect

Temp- Good and getting better. Mid to high 40s, occasionally pushing 50.

Flows- A bit higher than normal (no surprise there). It’s about 500cfs through town, picking up to around 950 or so in the canyon to NV.

On to the fishing. Our guides are reporting daily catching of mostly rainbows, some browns and even some Lahotan Cutthroat. If you’re willing to get a bit adventurous with our crew, maybe even some brookies.

We’re starting to see more and more 1 to 3 year old fish by the day…summer conditions are right around the corner.

With current water temps nymphing is the name of the game right now. To be honest, if your fly presentation is good right now, the fish are eating a mix of everything under the sun.

Flies- Caddis larvae/pupe, tan, green, sz 18 and 16. Stones- goldens and yellow sallies 10’s and 16’s, baetis in 20s and 18s, PMD in a 16, March browns in a 14, midges 22-18s, streamers (dealers choice), worms, eggs and craws…is that enough for you?! haha.

During our Truckee Trout School a few days ago, we saw caddis, midges, PMDs, Baetis and March browns hatching but not a single fish was on the surface. I’m pretty sure it’s a mix of water temps and the small number of bugs so far. That could change soon though!

All that said, never overlook a deep hopper dropper set up around the edges. You never know what might slam that early season hopper on top.

If you’re looking to unlock the secrets of the Truckee, drop us a note. Our amazing team of guides will be more than happy to show you around our backyard.

-Matt and Lu

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- June 22nd appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

Tahoe City to Truckee: 514

Truckee to Boca: 732

Boca to Farad: 766

Farad to Stateline: 875

The water is high, but still pretty clear for the time of year. While the bump in flows has allowed us to get away with some bigger, flashier bugs, we are still seeing the most success with smaller sizes. Baetis and March Browns have been some of the most consistent nymphs, and are hatching often along the river. And some of our seasonal big bugs are starting to appear as well. Our first carpenter ant eat of the summer came one of last week’s guided trips! As of late, we’ve been seeing a different, smaller skwala than those typical of late spring fishing. Although they’re somewhat sparse along the river, it’s worth carrying a few nymphs or dries that can match these.

With the water warming up, crayfish are beginning to show themselves too! These are a favorite on the Truckee trout’s menu, and one of the main sources of calories for them during the summer months. These are worth a shot fishing now, and will only heat up from here on out! Streamers are also heating up as fish become more aggressive and are willing to move further to eat. Now is the time to get out on the river with some variety in your flybox!

Ryan Rintala | Social Media @mattheronflyfishing

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Flows: (cfs)

Tahoe City to Truckee: 514

Truckee to Boca: 732

Boca to Farad: 766

Farad to Stateline: 875

The water is high, but still pretty clear for the time of year. While the bump in flows has allowed us to get away with some bigger, flashier bugs, we are still seeing the most success with smaller sizes. Baetis and March Browns have been some of the most consistent nymphs, and are hatching often along the river. And some of our seasonal big bugs are starting to appear as well. Our first carpenter ant eat of the summer came one of last week’s guided trips! As of late, we’ve been seeing a different, smaller skwala than those typical of late spring fishing. Although they’re somewhat sparse along the river, it’s worth carrying a few nymphs or dries that can match these.

With the water warming up, crayfish are beginning to show themselves too! These are a favorite on the Truckee trout’s menu, and one of the main sources of calories for them during the summer months. These are worth a shot fishing now, and will only heat up from here on out! Streamers are also heating up as fish become more aggressive and are willing to move further to eat. Now is the time to get out on the river with some variety in your flybox!

Ryan Rintala | Social Media @mattheronflyfishing

The post Truckee River Fishing Report 5/15/21 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

In a recent article, Bob Mallard addresses a topic of low popularity but high importance to watersheds and the future of fisheries in the United States: Native fish versus their nonnative but wild counterparts. Where is the fishing industry’s stance on having native as opposed to wild fish? “Native vs. Wild” explores the history of nonnative fish introductions and how they have changed the state of some fisheries.

This debate may provoke the question: What’s the difference? Though a native fish can be wild, and a wild fish native, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Native: A plant or animal of indigenous origin or growth.

Wild: A plant or animal living or growing in the natural environment; not domesticated or cultivated.

Though many don’t see the introduction of nonnative species like rainbow and brown trout to the Truckee River a threat, other examples have played out differently for the original, native fish in particular watersheds.

Maine’s St. John River was historically a haven for brook trout, the river’s primary native fish. Though many found satisfaction with the smaller trout, others wanted bigger fish in the river. The St. John flows through the border of the United States and Canada, and the decision was made north of the border to introduce a bigger, more aggressive fish: muskie.

Muskie, or muskellunge, are famous to anglers, and for good reason. The big brother to northern pike, these fish are capable of growing to 60 inches in length, and are known for their vicious attacks on baitfish, ducks, or, in at least one instance, a fisherman’s leg.

Muskie were introduced to the St. John across the U.S border in Canada, but quickly spread to occupy the entire river. While fishing for the deemed “fish of 10,000 casts” was exhilarating for anglers and an advancement from the smaller brook trout they used to know, change was happening. While the muskie population soared, the brook trout population sank to the point that, now, the St. John system is “nearly devoid” of brookies, a fish that’s historically been referred to as the bunny rabbits of the trout family.

Another instance where nonnative species decimated native fish populations is the Yellowstone cutthroat of Yellowstone Lake. Lake trout were intorduced to the lake and quickly outcompeted the Yellowstone cutts. They’re bigger and more aggressive, and their main food source in Yellowstone Lake is juvenile Yellowstone cutthroat. As one might expect, the cutthroat population declined drastically while the newer fish species took over the top of the lake’s food chain.

What used to be a pristine cutthroat population in Yellowstone Lake is now in critically low numbers. The good news is that with proper action being taken, the lake trout are losing the battle to a team of humans and Yellowstone cutthroat. While this is appearing to be a near miss, the lake’s native fish population will never be what it once was.

Locally, on the Truckee River, the primary fish are brown and rainbow trout, both of which were introduced to the system after the native Lahontan cutthroat was driven within a hair’s breadth of extinction. As we begin to observe Lahontan Cutthroat returning up the Truckee, albeit in very few numbers, it triggers a pondering of the future.

Will these Cutthroat breed with rainbows? If they do, will it weaken the Cutthroat or rainbow populations to make the dominant fish in the Truckee a giant hybrid? Will the genetic difference make the cutthroats smaller? The definite way to find out would be to watch it play out. But, if poor things happen to the cutthroat and rainbow populations, would we ever get back our fishery? The odds would be extremely slim. A potential dilemma we may have to face is whether we want our current fishery, or want to take action against the rainbows and make way for a pure strain of Lahontans (brown trout are not a threat to the cutthroats as they spawn in different seasons, so the risk of hybridization is nonexistent).

What makes nonnative fish more damaging to an ecosystem? Are they all harmful? The answer is somewhat mixed, though science and history suggests the latter is often accurate, which provokes another question, why hasn’t this been brought to the attention of the fishing industry and conservationists?

The reason, as Mallard describes in his article, is selfishness.

“We, as anglers, and I use the term figuratively, like nonnative fish, as do many of those charged with managing our waters,” writes the executive director of the Native Fish Coalition.

If the issue did get its spot on the table, going about the eradication of nonnative fish species would be, at the very least, an uphill battle. This is because even other conservationists may use nonnative fish as a business. Guides, lodges, fishing tackle and gear companies, and everyday anglers alike would have their businesses jeopardized by the proposed disappearance of nonnatives.

State agencies like the Department of Fish and Wildlife would also be placed against the pro-native crowd, and would be the biggest enemy of the hypothetical movement. In Mallard’s article he does point out that stocking operations regulated by the state are the most profound source of nonnative introductions. While our fisheries change, there is a wide variety of outcomes we may observe. What we need to determine is if we prefer the native fish, or the wild fish, and in which watersheds. Read Mallard’s full article here.

The post Native vs. Wild appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

——————–

What a great early Christmas gift…water!

Just in time for the holidays, mother nature delivered the best gift ever. As you may know Truckee got blasted by an incredible winter storm this week delivering anywhere from 2-7 feet of the white stuff! This is exactly what we needed as we prepare for out winter fishing season.

On que, fishing immediately got better this week as flows came up and the river got a much needed flush of water. Flows more than doubled in some places. With another system coming in later this week the bite should continue to be really good.

That said, the water is really cold! Fish are absolutely in winter holding lies at this point, so keep an eye out for slower water. If not REALLY slow. Late morning water temps are anywhere from 31-36 degrees right now. The fish don’t want to use any energy. Slow, even deep water is key and you need to hit them in the face.

Our go-to nymphs are nothing special for this time of year, baetis (brown, black, olive) in 18-22s. The same for midges, zebra, tan and red. Rubberlegs and worms make a great attractors bugs this time of year too.

Although the water came up, it’s still pretty clear. Not unusual for this time of year. We mostly fishing 4 and 5x while nymphing.

If you get really lucky there are dry fly fish to be had on the same flies mentioned above. If you’re drift is perfect and they still aren’t eating try going down to 6x.

Again, this is the weather we’ve been waiting for! Now is the time to get on the water, especially with one more storm on the way before Christmas. It should only get better.

Looking to book a winter trip? Email Lulana and lets goooo! mattheronflyfishinginfo@gmail.com

Three quality dry fly eaters from this current weather system.

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- 12/18/2021 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

This debate may provoke the question: What’s the difference? Though a native fish can be wild, and a wild fish native, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Native: A plant or animal of indigenous origin or growth.

Wild: A plant or animal living or growing in the natural environment; not domesticated or cultivated.

Though many don’t see the introduction of nonnative species like rainbow and brown trout to the Truckee River a threat, other examples have played out differently for the original, native fish in particular watersheds.

Maine’s St. John River was historically a haven for brook trout, the river’s primary native fish. Though many found satisfaction with the smaller trout, others wanted bigger fish in the river. The St. John flows through the border of the United States and Canada, and the decision was made north of the border to introduce a bigger, more aggressive fish: muskie.

Muskie, or muskellunge, are famous to anglers, and for good reason. The big brother to northern pike, these fish are capable of growing to 60 inches in length, and are known for their vicious attacks on baitfish, ducks, or, in at least one instance, a fisherman’s leg.

Muskie were introduced to the St. John across the U.S border in Canada, but quickly spread to occupy the entire river. While fishing for the deemed “fish of 10,000 casts” was exhilarating for anglers and an advancement from the smaller brook trout they used to know, change was happening. While the muskie population soared, the brook trout population sank to the point that, now, the St. John system is “nearly devoid” of brookies, a fish that’s historically been referred to as the bunny rabbits of the trout family.

Another instance where nonnative species decimated native fish populations is the Yellowstone cutthroat of Yellowstone Lake. Lake trout were intorduced to the lake and quickly outcompeted the Yellowstone cutts. They’re bigger and more aggressive, and their main food source in Yellowstone Lake is juvenile Yellowstone cutthroat. As one might expect, the cutthroat population declined drastically while the newer fish species took over the top of the lake’s food chain.

What used to be a pristine cutthroat population in Yellowstone Lake is now in critically low numbers. The good news is that with proper action being taken, the lake trout are losing the battle to a team of humans and Yellowstone cutthroat. While this is appearing to be a near miss, the lake’s native fish population will never be what it once was.

Locally, on the Truckee River, the primary fish are brown and rainbow trout, both of which were introduced to the system after the native Lahontan cutthroat was driven within a hair’s breadth of extinction. As we begin to observe Lahontan Cutthroat returning up the Truckee, albeit in very few numbers, it triggers a pondering of the future.

Will these Cutthroat breed with rainbows? If they do, will it weaken the Cutthroat or rainbow populations to make the dominant fish in the Truckee a giant hybrid? Will the genetic difference make the cutthroats smaller? The definite way to find out would be to watch it play out. But, if poor things happen to the cutthroat and rainbow populations, would we ever get back our fishery? The odds would be extremely slim. A potential dilemma we may have to face is whether we want our current fishery, or want to take action against the rainbows and make way for a pure strain of Lahontans (brown trout are not a threat to the cutthroats as they spawn in different seasons, so the risk of hybridization is nonexistent).

What makes nonnative fish more damaging to an ecosystem? Are they all harmful? The answer is somewhat mixed, though science and history suggests the latter is often accurate, which provokes another question, why hasn’t this been brought to the attention of the fishing industry and conservationists?

The reason, as Mallard describes in his article, is selfishness.

“We, as anglers, and I use the term figuratively, like nonnative fish, as do many of those charged with managing our waters,” writes the executive director of the Native Fish Coalition.

If the issue did get its spot on the table, going about the eradication of nonnative fish species would be, at the very least, an uphill battle. This is because even other conservationists may use nonnative fish as a business. Guides, lodges, fishing tackle and gear companies, and everyday anglers alike would have their businesses jeopardized by the proposed disappearance of nonnatives.

State agencies like the Department of Fish and Wildlife would also be placed against the pro-native crowd, and would be the biggest enemy of the hypothetical movement. In Mallard’s article he does point out that stocking operations regulated by the state are the most profound source of nonnative introductions. While our fisheries change, there is a wide variety of outcomes we may observe. What we need to determine is if we prefer the native fish, or the wild fish, and in which watersheds. Read Mallard’s full article here.

Ryan Rintala | Social Media @mattheronflyfishing

The post A Look at Bob Mallard’s “Native vs. Wild” Article appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.