Current Water Conditions

The Truckee River is flowing steady and fishing very well this week. Flows are healthy and consistent: ~198 CFS out of Tahoe City, ~183 CFS through Truckee, and ~1100 CFS near Farad. Flows could increase through the weekend with more water flowing out of Lake Tahoe now. Clarity remains excellent, especially in the mornings, and water temperatures are ranging from around mid-50s°F—ideal for active trout feeding throughout the day. Wet wading is comfortable by mid-morning, but start in layers if you're heading out early.         

Water Temperatures

Temperatures are hovering in the mid-50s°F, making for ideal trout feeding windows from mid-morning to late evening.

Hatches

Evening caddis hatches are strong and predictable right now, while daytime hatches of Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), Yellow Sallies, and a few Green Drakes continue to emerge across most stretches. Expect rising fish in the morning and just before dusk. Full on bug apocalypse in the evening when the sun starts to set. 

Effective Tactics

Nymphing and indicator fishing remain a good bet to use on the Truckee River. Tightline and indicator rigs are producing in seams, tailouts, and riffles. Dry fly fishing is best between 7am to 11am, and in the evening from 5pm to dark, but really, there are opportunities all day long. Some suggested flies to try are Elk Hair and E/C Caddis, Caddis Pupae, PMDs, and Yellow Sally imitations. Streamer fishing has been most productive during low light windows—swing a crayfish or Sculpzilla pattern through deeper pools or undercut banks.

Catch Report

Rainbows and browns continue to be active, especially near Glenshire, Hirschdale, and the canyon sections. Most fish are in the 14–20” range, with a few larger browns taken on streamers. Some fish up to 24” are being caught.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Adult Yellow Sallies (#14), Split Case PMDs (#16), Green Drake Emergers (#12), Elk Hair Caddis (#16), E/C Caddis (#12-14), Caddis Pupae and Adult Caddis in Brown/White, Green Drake Cripples (#10-12), Pale Morning Dun Nymphs in Pink, Pheasant Tails (#14-18), Streamers-Sculpzillas and Conehead Mullers, Crayfish Patterns in Green or Brown or Purple