Current Water Conditions

The Truckee River is running strong and fishing great heading into the first week of July. Flows are stable and healthy: ~217 CFS from Tahoe City, ~234 CFS in Truckee, and ~912 CFS near Farad. Expect a possible bump in flows as more water is released from Lake Tahoe. Water clarity is excellent, especially in the mornings, and temps are ideal for trout—ranging from the mid to high 50s°F. Wet wading is very doable by mid-morning, but early mornings still call for some layers.               

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures are sitting in the high 50s°F, creating an optimal window for trout activity from early morning through late evening.

Hatches

Evening hatches of PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and Green Drakes continue, though the heat has slightly narrowed the hatch window. Look for rising fish at dawn and dusk.

Effective Tactics

Tightline and indicator nymphing are still producing fish in seams, riffles, and tailouts. Nymphs have been working in the faster water all day, while dry fly action is solid from 6–11 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to dark. Streamers like crayfish and Sculpzillas are pulling big fish during low light in deeper runs or cut banks. A 5x leader with an indicator or dry-dropper rig is recommended for most situations.

Catch Report

Trout are active throughout the system, especially near Glenshire, Hirschdale, and the canyon stretch. Expect healthy rainbows and browns between 14–20", with occasional bruisers up to 24" taken on streamers.

Fly Box Must-Haves

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