Current Water Conditions

The Little Truckee is running low and clear, holding steady at 52 CFS between Stampede and Boca. This technical stretch is rewarding but challenging, with the best fishing window running from first light until late morning. Stealth and precision are critical—trout are on edge in these conditions, and a sloppy approach won’t cut it. Afternoons add extra stress to the fish, so plan to fish early and wrap up by noon.

Water Temperatures

Consistent cold releases are keeping temps in the mid-50s°F, rarely topping 56°F. While bug activity stays steady throughout the day, trout become noticeably less active in the heat and under low-flow pressure.

Hatches

Several hatches are happening right now on the Little Truckee. PMDs, caddis, mayflies, and midges are all on the menu and emerge between 8am and 2pm. Midges are most present in the mornings, and breezy afternoons can bring occasional hopper activity along the grassy banks. Anglers should fish smaller flies in the size 18–22 range.

Effective Tactics

Clean drifts with PMD dries will fool fish during hatch windows. Hopper-dropper rigs are producing mid-morning, while tightline nymphing in deeper slots works when trout settle down. Long leaders (12–14 ft) with 6x–7x tippet are mandatory for success.

Catch Report

Most fish are running 14–18 inches, with some browns around 20 inches being taken on well-placed dries in the morning and evening hours.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Pale Morning Duns (#18), Black Caddis (#18), E/C Caddis (#18), Midge Emergers (#20-22), Zebra Midges (#20), Elk Hair Caddis (#18), Quigley's Blue Winged Olives (#18), Burkes Pale Morning Duns (#18), Baby Boy Hoppers (#12-14), Dave Hoppers (#12), Flossy Worms (#12), PT Nymphs (#20), Juju Baetis (#18-20)