Arlo Townsend

Advisor

 

Arlo Townsend operates Arlo’s Fly Fishing Services in Reno, Nevada, a year round guide business on the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. Arlo has been guiding the Reno/Tahoe area for the past 17 years.
Originally, Arlo grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska. After high school he moved down to Reno to start college. While attending UNR, Arlo explored the Truckee River and discovered its brown trout. Game over. The love affair began, and he has been chasing them ever since.
Arlo has built and maintained a strong reputation as being the guide to hire in the Reno/Tahoe area. He is a pioneer fly guide on the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. Arlo is one of the greats. He has opened the doors of fly angling to thousands. His efforts have paved the road to success for future aspiring anglers and guides.
  1. Home water? My Home water is the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake
  2. What 2-3 lines do you use the most and why? Amplitude Anadro/Nymph taper is my workhorse on the freestone Truckee River. This taper turns over heavy rigs with ease and gives long distance mending capabilities.  A perfect fit for the way I fish the Big T. Amplitude Trout taper gives me everything I desire for our demanding tailwater tributaries. The Trout taper brings a lighter approach for more delicate presentations. Spey Lite Integrated Scandi line was built for casting indicator rigs over the shoal lines of Pyramid Lake. This taper makes fishing Pyramid Lake stupid easy.
  3. What was the watershed moment when you knew you wanted to make your living fishing? I was fly fishing during the times in life when one ponders what they want to do when they grow up. Inherently I knew it was fly fishing all along.
  4. If you could spend one day on the water with anyone, who would it be? My Dad. I would really love to fish with my Dad again.
  5. On the rocks or straight? 
 On the rocks. Cold & Clinky
  6. If you could give one piece of angling advice to a younger version of yourself, what would it be? 
 Pay attention to the details, enjoy the day, be careful who you trust.
  7. What’s in the cooler? 
Root Beer
  8. What are you doing when you’re not fishing. 
 When not fishing I am spending time with my lovely Lisa, taking family hikes with my nieces and nephews, tying flies, or taking pictures.
  9. Where would you most like to fish? 
 Russia
  10. Stealth or bright lines? 
   Bright. I find vivid colors pleasing.
  11. Two Truths and a Lie. 
   I grew up in Fairbanks, AK until I was 18 years old.One of my ancestors was the first to cross through the Truckee River Canyon in covered wagon while journeying the Migrant Trail West, in 1844.  I love Tenkara
  12. Craziest experience on the water? 
Recently while fishing the Truckee River, I was joined by a couple of River Otters. They are not a common occurrence on the Truckee River. I see River Mink on a daily basis (a much smaller weasel), but River Otters have not been in the Truckee River since the late 1800s due to over-trapping. The two otters I encountered were as curious about me as I was about them. We spent a couple hours testing each other’s boundaries and communicating the best we could before parting ways. A surreal experience on my home river, and I captured some photos which I will never forget.