All said and done, the year-to-date conditions on the Truckee were some of the best we’ve ever seen. Ample water after a series of good winters, cooler than average air temps, no nearby fires (knock on wood), and a very healthy trout fishery. We are hopeful that these excellent conditions are going to continue into the fall, which is often considered to be one of the best seasons for trout fishing, especially for pre-spawn browns.

While we are out of hoot owl restrictions in the canyon section of the river this week, we are still seeing water temps exceed 68 degrees anywhere above the confluence of Boca Reservoir. Please continue to carry thermometers with you on the Truckee and gauge the temps throughout the day.

The crawdad bite remains good this week and is working well dead drifted under an indicator, using a heavy imitation for tightline nymphing, or even swinging on a trout spey or single hand rod with a sink tip line. When nymphing them, smaller baetis patterns such as micro mays and juju baetis are a great fly to pair the bigger flies with.

Don’t be fooled by their size, a #18 BWO nymph has been catching some of the larger fish on our guide trips over the last few weeks! Early starts are making some brisk wet wading in the mornings, but once the sun pops over the trees, you will be very glad you left the waders at home.

Fish are being found in fast water again this week and deep pocket water, riffles, and areas just adjacent to these water types will be where a majority of the fish are holding. Considering the great flows and cooler water, we are encouraging those able to do some walking/boulder hopping to head into the canyon for the day.