The flows have dropped to summer levels and the fly fishing has been good to very good. We have been focussing on early morning time slots to beat the heat and the innertube hatch that usually starts around 11. We have found trout feeding on caddis and crayfish in the fast riffles or plunges into pools. By mid day fish have moved back to deeper water or to find cover from the high sun. We have been finding fish with Crayfish patterns like the Cray Z Emma and small nymphs, midge and small mayflies, BH Zebra Midge, Spanish Bullet and Pearl & Orange.

As you move upstream from Reno and into the Truckee River canyon you can find shaded cool water in the afternoon with consistent caddis hatches. Several evenings when the wind stays down the fish have been on the surface feeding until dark. A great way to beat the heat, is to get in some dry fly fishing while wet wading right before sunset.

Streamer fishing has been good in low light conditions in and around bank and channel structure. Structure can be overhanging vegetation along the banks and fallen trees that overhand the channel. 

RFS Staff Tip: An often overlooked element of structure are areas of river bottom that have large (3-6 foot diameter) boulders. Fish can utilize the spaces between these boulders for safety while swimming up vertically to eat bugs and other fish. These areas are often off of the bank a ways. So deliver your fly across and down stream over half way across the channel. This will allow your presentation to “swim” over these areas. When the strike happens there is not denying it and it can be super fun.

Flies we suggest: Cray Z Emma, Emma Stone, Carot, Hot Butt, BH Zebra Midge, Spanish Bullet, Pearl & Orange, Olive Hot Spot, July Truckee River Selection