Current Water Conditions

The Truckee is fishing beautifully right now, particularly for those who make it out in the early hours. Cool mornings are delivering active fish and great conditions. Flows are holding steady at 301 CFS out of Tahoe City, 335 CFS through Truckee, and 549 CFS at Farad—ideal for wading and floating alike. In the canyon, the flows are near perfect right now. If you’re fishing past midday, keep a thermometer handy—when the water hits 68°F, it’s best to wrap it up for the fish’s sake. With warmer weather approaching next week, it’ll be important to keep an eye on the water temperatures.                                           

Water Temperatures

A true summer pattern—mornings start off in the low 50s°F and climb into the upper 60s°F by late afternoon. The best bite happens before lunch. Temperatures in the afternoon are averaging 65 degrees by 2pm.

Hatches

PMDs and Caddis are the main hatches. PMDs are showing around 10am, and caddis make their evening appearance after 6pm. Expect solid surface activity at first light and again near sundown.

Effective Tactics

Everything from tightline nymphing in riffles and seams to indicator setups in tailouts is working well. Early and late, dry flies are pulling fish, and a dry-dropper rig on 5x leader works all day. Streamers in deeper canyon runs are tempting some of the biggest browns.

Catch Report

Rainbows and browns between 14–20” are being caught steadily in Glenshire, Hirschdale, and the canyon. Streamer anglers are finding trophy browns, with some over 24” coming from the deep canyon pools. Early mornings are the hot window, with evening dry fly action offering a great way to finish the day.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Caddis Emergers (#16), Green Rockworms (#16), Squirmy Worms (#16), Elk Hair Caddis (#16), E/C Caddis (#12-14), Pheasant Tails (#14-18), Beadless Pheasant Tails (#16), Split Case PMDs (#16), Streamers-Sculpzillas and Conehead Mullers