Fly fishing on the Truckee River has been great through the first half of November. Fish are keying on a variety of food sources and have started to congregate in slower water. It looks like we have a storm coming in before the weekend. This should raise the river slightly and put some color in it. 

The brown trout spawn is well underway on the Nevada and California side of the Truckee. Rainbows have begun keying on egg patterns in deeper water. This time of year, an egg paired with a small mayfly or midge can work really well. The Galloups Jig BWO is a great option with a natural body color and white gill highlight. Try switching out your nymph pattern every 20-30 minutes to identify what fish are keying on. The standard zebra midge in either black or red can work well. Look to fish these in a size 18-20. 

The dry fly fishing has been consistent on cloudy days on the Nevada side. Hatches of midges and Blue Winged Olives can be found on cloudy, non-windy days. Rainbows and browns will typically hold in flat water when keyed in on these hatches. Stealth and a purpose driven presentation go a long way when targeting fish on the surface.

Look for water temperatures to rise and the fish activity to increase mid morning. While you certainly can get out at sunrise, fishing has been better from mid morning continuing throughout the afternoon. This is one of our favorite times of year on the water around the region!

Flies we suggest for the Truckee River: Galloup’s BWO, Split Case BWO, RS2, Baetis Cripple, Pullover BWO, Parachute Adams, Truckee River Selection (November)