The storms that passed through our region throughout the first two weeks of December improved fishing at Pyramid Lake. On many days, a combination of rain, snow and wind moved into the area and improved the bite along the shoreline. With colder water temperatures and storms typical of early winter, the fish have moved into shallower water. 

Both stripping and indicator setups were effective through the first part of the month. The stripping setup tends to work well when fish are spread out and you are fishing a gentler ledge. This technique allows for flies to be fished in a variety of depths and maintains proximity to the bottom of the lake. On stormy days, flies such as the Pyramid Lake Bugger paired with a Booby Fly tend to be effective. When selecting flies to tie on, try using contrasting colors to key in on what the fish want. For example, if you select a dark bugger pattern, try fishing a lighter Booby or Beetle. 

Strip speed has varied day to day. To identify an effective strip speed, begin your retrieve slowly and speed it up incrementally throughout the retrieve. When the flies are closest to you, they should be moving fast. This technique helps when the fish are hard to pattern. 

The indicator bite has remained effective as well. While the Balanced Leech has fished well for the last two and a half months, Holo Midges have begun to produce in calm weather. Depending on wave height and current conditions, fly choice will change. With larger waves, a Balanced Leech seems to be the best option in colors such as Sizzurp, Midnight Cowboy, and Brown. 

When wave heights lower and the lake calms down, smaller flies such as the Mini Jigged Leech or Holo Midge are effective under the indicator. These smaller presentations are best fished with lower wave heights when fish are a bit more picky. The midge bite has been sporadic but certainly makes up a portion of the successful flies as of late. When fishing midge patterns, it is important to find the right depth and keep the fly there. Typically, the midge fishes best within a foot of the lake bottom. Along most of the fishable shoreline, this depth will be around 8-12 feet. While fishing flies near the bottom of the lake is the most reliable option, there are times when fish suspend mid-column and grab flies in 4-6 feet of water. By spacing two flies by 2-4 feet, you can effectively cover multiple parts of the water column.