Current Water Conditions

The Truckee River continues to fish well, but with warmer weather raising the afternoon water temperatures, aim for early mornings right now for best results. Flows are holding steady and healthy across the system—approximately 299 CFS at Tahoe City, 356 CFS through Truckee, and 651 CFS near Farad. Anglers should bring a thermometer with them to test the water temperature. Once the water hits 68 degrees, it is advised to stop fishing.                           

Water Temperatures

Water temps are ranging from the upper 50s°F in the morning to mid-60s°F by mid-afternoon. Trout are feeding most actively in the morning when water temps are still cool.

Hatches

Look for PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and Caddis during the morning and early afternoon hours. Hatches are concentrated between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a solid caddis emergence again near dusk. Fish are rising consistently at dawn and in the evening.

Effective Tactics

Tightline and indicator nymphing are producing well in seams, riffles, and tailouts. The early dry fly bite is strong, especially on caddis and PMDs. During low-light periods, Green Drakes and Sculpzillas are turning over larger browns in deeper channels. A 5x leader with a dry-dropper setup remains a solid all-day option on the Truckee River. The bite does slow down significantly by mid-afternoon.

Catch Report

Solid numbers of rainbows and browns are being reported throughout Glenshire, Hirschdale, and the canyon stretch. Most catches range from 14–20", with a few bruisers pushing 24" on streamers. Mornings are by far the most productive, but the evening dry fly bite is offering some exciting topwater action to close out the day.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Caddis Emergers (#16), Green Rockworms, Squirmy Worms, Elk Hair Caddis (#16), E/C Caddis (#12-14), Caddis Pupae in Brown/White, Pheasant Tails (#14-16), Beadless Pheasant Tails (#16), Split Case PMDs (#16), Streamers-Sculpzillas and Conhead Mullers, Crayfish Patterns in Green or Brown or Purple