Current Water Conditions

The Little Truckee River is skinny at 51 CFS between Stampede and Boca. Low, clear flows make this a true technical game—stealth and precise drifts are key. The bite is best early, and if it gets warm, it’s wise to wrap up before midday to avoid stressing trout.

Water Temperatures

Cool reservoir releases are keeping temps steady in the low-50s°F, rarely topping 55°F. Bugs are active, but trout feed far less aggressively during bright afternoons with the low flows.

Hatches

Midges are the main players from mid-morning through early afternoon. Small PMDs and caddis show up here and there. Using small flies in the #18–22 range is often necessary to fool these picky fish.

Effective Tactics

Long leaders (12–14 ft) with 6x–7x tippet are a must. Matching midges and PMDs with emergers or dries during hatch windows produces eats. Hopper-dropper rigs are a nice option mid-morning. Tightline nymphing works when fish slide deeper.

Catch Report

Fish are averaging 14–18 inches, with some browns close to 20 inches. Well-placed dries in the morning and evening are connecting with some of the best trout of the week.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Pale Morning Duns (#18), Black Caddis (#18), E/C Caddis (#18), Midge Emergers (#20-22), Zebra Midges (#20), Elk Hair Caddis (#18), Quigley's Blue Winged Olives (#18), Burkes Pale Morning Duns (#18), PT Nymphs (#20), Juju Baetis (#18-20), Flossy Worms (#12)