Flows do Matter

I think a lot of people don't understand the importance of stable flows for good trout fishing. Here on the Truckee there are two damns, one at Tahoe, and the other at Boca that fluctuate water depending on needs downstream. There is also the other damns, Donner Lake, Stampede, and Independence Lake that all can be controlling what gets dumped into the main stem of the Truckee River. On top of that you have run off from melting snow. When the water rises and gets off colored fish will move closer into the bank and find cover out of the fast water. When it lowers just the opposite happens, Trout are trying to get back to to deeper holding lies. You can catch fish in both situations. I like when the water rises a little, lot's of food gets pushed down and fish can go on a feeding frenzy. When the flows come up or down to fast, I think this freaks them out making the fishing very tough. Today was a very tough day. The flows came down about 100cfs on me, not good for good Trout fishing. I still managed to hook a few and land a nice Rainbow. Make sure you check those flows before you come and fish the Truckee this Spring.