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Last Updated 4/21/25

Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

Spring is alive on the Truckee River! Snowmelt runoff has increased flows, creating dynamic fishing conditions. The best sections right now are below Tahoe City and around Glenshire. Flows are currently 80 CFS out of Tahoe City, 320 CFS through Truckee, and 744 CFS near Farad. Perfect water from the Town of Truckee to Alpine Meadows where bear creek flows in. Lower in the Truckee the water is high but fishable. Wade carefully for safety and most of the fish hold near the banks in these flows.

Water Temperatures

The river is running cold due to ongoing runoff, typically in the low-to-mid 40s°F. Fish are holding in slower pockets, seams, and deep pools. Look for walking speed in greasy water.

Hatches

Bug life is relatively quiet right now. While some Skwalas and midges might be present, hatches are minimal. Subsurface fishing remains the primary method.   Temps need to warm up for the bugs to get rolling.   BWO, march brown, and PMD coming soon.

Effective Tactics

Indicator nymphing is great right now. Use long leaders (15 feet) with plenty of weight to get flies down deep in heavy flows. Tightline nymphing with anchor flies in the 3.2 mm or bigger range is also producing, here again, a more upstream cast is needed to sink your flies.   Heavy weight and lighter leaders will help sink the flies.

Catch Report

Anglers are hooking into healthy rainbows and browns, especially near structure and slower runs. Most success is coming from nymph rigs fished deep.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Little Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

The Little Truckee River between Stampede and Boca is fishing well, with flows hovering around 146 CFS coming out of Stampede. The water is cold, clear, and very wadable—ideal for both dry fly and technical nymph setups. Despite the solid flows, stealth remains key due to the notoriously spooky nature of these fish.

Water Temperatures

Cold and consistent—expect mid-40s°F during the early day with slight warming in the afternoon sun. These cool temps keep fish active and opportunistic.

Hatches

Dry fly activity is picking up mid-to-late afternoon, with Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) making a reliable appearance. Skwala adults are lingering, and midges are coming off intermittently.

Effective Tactics

Stealth is everything here. For dry fly fishing, go with 10-12 ft 5x tapered leaders. Tightline nymphing with small indicators and minimal weight helps avoid dragging through the river slime. Long leaders, small flies, and careful wading are critical. Target slower water edges and bubble lines for sipping fish.

Catch Report

Anglers are reporting quality rainbows with a few browns mixed in, especially around structure and tailouts. Most success has come on nymph rigs in the morning, transitioning to dries as hatches come off later in the day.

Fly Box Must-Haves