Rainbows and browns are both showing up in the net

Truckee River


by Mountain Hardware & Sports
5-27-2025
(530) 587–4844
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Current Water Conditions

This week on the Truckee River, flows are moderating slightly but still reflect the tail end of spring runoff. Expect flows around 75 CFS out of Tahoe City, 295 CFS through Truckee, and 977 CFS near Farad. With most of the spring run-off done, water clarity is good throughout the entire day. The river is fishing good all day, especially in shadowed pockets and deep seams.    

Water Temperatures

Ranging from the low to mid 50s°F throughout the day, ideal for active feeding windows.

Hatches

We’re seeing a mix of spring and early summer bugs: Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns and Blue Winged Olives are showing strong, with Caddis and Carpenter Ants making more frequent appearances as daytime highs rise. Look for ants to increase as pine pollen starts to increase.

Effective Tactics

Indicator and Euro nymphing are still the go-to tactics. Use long leaders and heavier anchor flies to punch through swifter water. Streamers like Sculpzillas and Conehead Muddlers are highly effective during afternoon flows. Spin anglers are producing fish with jigs and smaller spoons fished near structure.

Catch Report

Trout are holding tight to structure and deeper lies. Rainbows and browns are both showing up in the net, with many in the 12–18” range. Mornings bring the best clarity and most consistent hook-ups. Afternoons offer solid streamer fishing with an uptick in aggression.

Fly Box Must-Haves 

Green Drakes (#12), Split Case PMDS, Bionic Ants, Olive Perdigons, San Juan Worms, Foam Flying Ants, Micro Mayflies (#18), Caddis Pupae and Adult Caddis, Pat's Rubber Legs, Sculpzillas/Theo's Sculpin