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.