BY DAVE HURLEY
SUTCLIFFE, Nev. – The shoreline bite was predicted to bust loose once the weather turned around, and the predictions were right on the mark as big Lahontan cutthroat trout moved into the shorelines. Trolling continues to be solid as well, but the winds have created challenges, bringing fast-moving waves across the lake.
J.D. Richey of Richey Sport Fishing said, “It was very cold throughout the week and my trolling motor was unusable as it was frozen in the middle of the week. The spray from the bow was freezing on the windshield but the fishing remains solid. We are landing between 15 and 20 cutthroats per day, and the winds actually make the fishing better. We are running a combination of Yakima’s MagLips, J-Plugs or Lyman Lures for cutthroat trout in the double-digit range up to 13 pounds on a daily basis. The conditions have been rough, and we fought 3- to 4-foot swells on Saturday due to the south wind. It can come up quickly on this lake and boaters have to be cognizant of what is happening at all times.”
Captain Robert Hagerty of the Pyramid Fly Company in Reno said, “What did I say in last week’s report? Well, the 20 pounders kept coming in and then some. Lake legend Rich Moomaw from Sutcliffe landed the biggest Pilot Peak cutthroat trout verified in 70 years at 27.8 pounds and 38 inches on a midge below an indicator on a main lake beach. Richie definitely deserves this fish as he puts his time in and is one heck of a guy. It’s incredible how many big fish are being landed right now. Is it easy?, No, yes, maybe? The key is to put yourself in the right area with the right bugs and good things should happen. Where? Pelican Beach and Rocks, Windlass, Blockhouse, Sand Hole and Marina Beach will put you in right zone. Remember, you have to put your time in. Bugs need to be in the water to catch fish and don’t miss your takes. Midges in wine, red and black are producing most for the indicator fisherman and the Ol’ trusty Popcorn Beetle for the anglers who want to retrieve flies. A couple of evenings we even had doubles with fish in the 15-to 18-pound range. Clients are experiencing some great action. Weather is still a fac- tor as low light and cloudy periods have been the best. Here’s the scary part, it’s only going to get better as we’re still in February.”
Miles Zimmerman of Trout Creek Outfitters in Truckee said, “Some of the best fishing of the year took place this past week as the last storm pushed through, dropping a dusting of snow at the lake level. As we have stated before, February is THE month for your best shot at a Mega. Most methods of fishing are working right now, and it pays to mix up your presentation to see what the fish respond to best. We’ve been finding good numbers of fish with an indicator paired with a balanced leech and a midge, primarily focusing at depths from 4 to 8 feet. The strip bite has also stayed steady most of the day with Midnight Cowboys or other buggers or Woolly Worms with a beetle or booby trailer on sinking line. The bite remains spread out amongst most of the beaches. We recommend spreading out at well as there is structure along nearly every single beach. While the fish seem to be most active during the low light hours of the day, the big fish have seemingly been caught midday when the bite is often at its slowest.”
