The Lake Tahoe area is a world-renowned, diversified recreational playground. The addition of both public and private trophy trout angling in the area's alpine waters make this the premier outdoor site in the pristine High Sierra. During the decade of the '90's jaded flyanglers started visiting because word spread of the quality flyangling that was available.

During the 1970's, California's Department of Fish & Game became aware of the natural fishery potential that the area possessed.  The state then instituted public "Wild Trout" waters.  Restrictive regulations in the form of creel limits, minimum and maximum size requirements and gear were mandated. These areas now sustain self perpetuating, natural trout populations without the intrusion of "cookie cutter" hatchery fish that dilute their native instincts. Rainbows, brooks, browns and hopefully , cutthroats*, all jewels in their own right, are available to the conscientious and observant fly angler in and around the Tahoe-Truckee basin.

There are six (6) state mandated "Wild Trout" waters within one hour's drive from the town of Truckee. These fish, at times can be very difficult to dupe with an artificial fly. So, if you're up to the challenge, the following waters may pique your interest:

TRUCKEE RIVER --- There are 11 miles of special regulation water downstream of the town of Truckee; the first seven miles are of interest to the fly-rodder. The regulations are: barbless flies or artificials only, depending on which section you visit.  Minimum size is 15", limit two.  The next four miles have different rules: no gear or size restrictions, limit two.  This area features "big" water and big fish.

NORTH FORK OF THE YUBA---The head waters of this west slope stream is at the Yuba Pass, it free-flows through a deep, shaded canyon as it bypasses the majestic Sierra Buttes.  Below Sierra City, starts four miles of classic freestone fly angling in crystal clear water, which requires barbless artificials only, minimum size 10", limit two ..... colorful rainbows and browns.

MARTIS LAKE --- California's first "Wild Trout" lake is inhabited by acrobatic Eagle lake rainbows. Robust browns, which grow to 5-6 pounds on their diet of green sunfish, are lurking. The regulations are: barbless artificials only, NO KILL. It is fished from shore or in float tubes, prams, pontoon boats and canoes; no motors are permitted.

MILTON LAKE---This small, 12-acre lake is ideal for float-tubing; shore fishing is limited. There are times when its rainbows and browns can be very selective. The maximum size is 12", the limit is 2, and only barbless artificials can be used.

"SECRET SPOTS"---Intimate small creeks and beaver ponds are available throughout the area. They host unselective, but wary, rainbows, brookies & browns. One is a small, meadow stream, requiring 0-kill with barbless artificials only.