Current Water Conditions

This week, conditions are shaping up nicely on the Truckee River. Flows vary by section—around 75 CFS out of Tahoe City, 275 CFS through Truckee, and peaking at 900 CFS near Farad. While these flows are higher than average for this time of year, they remain manageable for experienced anglers, though wading can be challenging in certain areas. Water clarity is good throughout the day, with the best visibility in the mornings.   

Water Temperatures

Temperatures are in the low to mid 50s°F throughout the day—ideal for active trout behavior.

Hatches

Bug activity is picking up. Anglers can expect hatches of Pale Morning Duns and Blue Winged Olives, especially during mid-morning and early afternoon around 1pm. Yellow sallies are also beginning to make their seasonal appearance, and caddis are gaining momentum in the evenings.

Effective Tactics

Indicator nymphing is a productive technique on the Truckee River, but tightline euro nymphing is gaining traction. Use large indicators and plenty of weight to get into the strike zone in faster currents. Tightlining is possible in select areas but can be limited by high flows in certain stretches. Streamers and crayfish patterns are also effective in deeper pockets during afternoons when trout are more aggressive.

Catch Report

Anglers are reporting consistent catches with indicator rigs in slower water margins and deeper seams. Both rainbows and browns are being caught, with some larger fish showing up in the mix. Streamer anglers are hooking into aggressive trout, particularly in the lower sections of the river where flows are strongest.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Yellow Sallies, Split Case PMDs, Tungsten Drowned Ants (#14), Snowshoe Caddis (#14), San Juan Worms, Foam Flying Ants, Micro Stones, Caddis Pupae and Adult Caddis, Pat's Rubber Legs, Small Streamers-Sculpzillas and Conehead Mullers, Crayfish Patterns, Pheasant Tails (#14)