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Last Updated July 24th, 2025

Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

The Truckee River is fishing strong this week, especially during the cooler morning hours. With summer temperatures pushing afternoon water temps higher, early outings are your best bet. Flows are stable and healthy—around 299 CFS at Tahoe City, 356 CFS through Truckee, and 651 CFS near Farad. Don’t forget your thermometer: once the water hits 68°F, it’s best to call it a day.                          

Water Temperatures

Morning temperatures are in the lower 50s°F, climbing into the high 60s°F by the afternoon. Trout are most active in the cooler early hours. By 2pm, the water is getting too hot for fishing.

Hatches

Look for PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and Caddis flies at various times throughout the day. The caddis flies hatch is most active around 6pm and PMD hatch is most active at 10am. Fish are rising well around first light and dusk.

Effective Tactics

Tightline and indicator nymphing are working great in seams, riffles, and tailouts. Early in the day, dry fly action has been consistent with PMDs and caddis. Green Drakes and Sculpzillas are triggering strikes from larger browns in deeper channels during low-light windows. A 5x leader and dry-dropper combo continues to be a solid all-day choice. Fishing slows noticeably by mid-afternoon because of the high water temperatures.

Catch Report

Rainbow and brown trout in the 14–20" range are active throughout Glenshire, Hirschdale, and the canyon. A few larger browns up to 24" have been landed on streamers. Mornings offer the best window, while evenings bring fun dry fly action to close out the day. Most of the bigger fish are being caught in the canyon area.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Little Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

On the Little Truckee River, flows remain consistent at about 158 CFS between Stampede and Boca. The river is clear, cold, and ideal for sight-fishing. As the sun rises higher, trout become more selective, so stealth is key.

Water Temperatures

Thanks to consistent tailwater release from Stampede, water stays in the mid 50s°F throughout the day, keeping fish and bug activity steady. Water temperatures on the Little Truckee River usually only reach a 56°F.

Hatches

PMDs remain the star hatch, with BWOs, and midges still appearing sporadically. Grasshoppers are also abundant this time of the year. The PMD hatch is happening around 10am and 7pm.

Effective Tactics

Tightline nymphing and using hopper dropper rigs are the most productive approach to fishing the Little Truckee River right now. For dry fly setups, use long leaders (13’) and light tippet (5x–6x) for delicate casts.

Catch Report

Expect steady action with browns and rainbows in the 14–18” range. With some patience and the right presentation, dry fly anglers are landing browns over 20” in the evenings.

Fly Box Must-Haves