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Last Updated May 13th, 2025

Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

Flows are fluctuating with mild to medium runoff from high-elevation snowpack. The river remains mostly clear and wadable in most areas but with some rain and a possible weather front moving through next weekend. Timing will be key the week of 5/12/25.   Current flows are 77 CFS at Tahoe City, 398 CFS through Truckee, and 1000 CFS near Farad. Trout are in deeper pools, and seams. Afternoons bring a slight increase in runoff, though morning clarity (around 9am) remains best with peak runoff at 2pm. Not many evening hatches to speak of yet. The river is turning off color in the afternoons. Act accordingly and fish big flies and streamers on a sink tip on the swing.

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures are holding steady in the mid to upper 50s in the warmer afternoons.

Hatches

Bug life is becoming more active with consistent Blue Winged Olive hatches. Midges and Skwalas remain present. March Browns and PMDs should begin showing more as daytime temps rise. Once the river turns color the hatches stop. Fish a baitfish or craydad pattern at the dirt water times.

Effective Tactics

Tightline and indicator nymphing continue to produce the most fish. Use long leaders (12–15 ft) and heavy anchor flies to reach the strike zone in faster runs. Heavy double indicator nymph set ups are working on 5x tippet. Olive and black streamers on sink tips are gaining traction. Spin anglers should cast small jigs or spoons near deep structure, rocks , logs and seams. Sink tips and streamers are working as well in the dirty water times.

Catch Report

Anglers are reporting strong hookups with both rainbows and browns, especially on deep nymph rigs. Streamer action is heating up in the right section of the river. Spin fishing remains effective in deeper water ,and heavy pools. Check the current regulations for tackle and bait restrictions.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Little Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

Flows on the Little Truckee River between Stampede and Boca Reservoirs are running at a steady 356 CFS. This level remains technical but very fishable, rewarding precision over power. The water is fast and clear—ideal for experienced anglers who don’t mind a stealthy approach. Recent flow increases mean fish are holding tight to structure and deep seams, so wade cautiously and fish deliberately. Flows remain up until July 1 we are told.

Water Temperatures

Should remain around 55 degrees for the remainder of the summer season.

Hatches

Afternoon hatches are showing more consistency. Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) are the main event right now, with midges present and Skwala activity tapering off. Look for surface feeding between 12–3 PM in tailors, pools and softer seams.

Effective Tactics

Approach with caution and precision. Dry fly anglers should rig with 10–12 ft 5X leaders and delicate presentations of BWOs or Skwalas to feeding fish. For subsurface success, tightline or Euro-style nymphing with Juju Baetis, Zebra Midges, and Two Bit Hookers is productive—especially in early morning or deeper pocket water. Use just enough weight to stay in the zone without hanging up. Keep movements minimal and casts deliberate.

Catch Report

Solid reports of wild browns and rainbows, mostly caught in deeper seams and along shaded structure. Dry fly activity is improving daily, with success peaking mid-afternoon. Flows may increase slightly this week with extra snow runoff, shifting fish into new holding areas—adapt accordingly.

Fly Box Must-Haves