Current Water Conditions

The Little Truckee is clear, cold, and full of opportunity. Flows are holding steady at 103 CFS between Stampede and Boca, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more technical, sight-fishing challenge. Expect some company on the water during midday hours, so bring patience and a friendly attitude. The fish are there—you’ll just need to outsmart them.

Water Temperatures

Being a tailwater, the LT stays cool all day long, typically in the mid-50s°F and rarely climbing above 56°F. These consistent temps keep bugs hatching and trout active from morning to evening.

Hatches

PMDs continue to lead the charge, with solid hatches starting around 9am and again near 7pm. The main PMD hatch happens between 9am and 2pm. A few midges are still hanging around, and hoppers are starting to become a bigger factor during breezy afternoons.

Effective Tactics

Dry fly fishing has been excellent for anglers making careful casts and getting clean drifts. Hopper-dropper rigs are effective from mid-morning through the afternoon, while tightline nymphing is producing well in deeper runs. Long leaders (around 13’) and fine tippet (5x–6x) are essential when targeting these educated fish.

Catch Report

Browns and rainbows in the 14–18” range are common, with a few trophy browns over 20” being fooled by well-presented dries in the evening. This is challenging fishing that rewards stealth, precision, and a good hatch match.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Pale Morning Duns (#14-16), Film Critics (#16), Pheasant Tails (#16), Midge Emergers (#22), E/C Caddis (#16), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Quigley's Blue Winged Olives (#18), Burkes Pale Morning Duns (#16), Baby Boy Hoppers (#12), Dave Hoppers (#12), Flossy Worms, Zebra Midges (#20), Juju Baetis (#18-20), PT Nymphs