FISHABLE
Low winter flows, technical presentations requiredTruckee River
Current Hatch Activity
Winter midge activity on sunny afternoons. BWOs sporadically on warmer days. Small flies (#20-24) and light tippet essential.
FISHABLE
Euro nymph rig (Perdigon + Midge #20-22) or small streamers in deeper runs
Quick Reference
75-300 CFS typical in upper sections. 200-600 CFS in Reno area. Low flows require technical presentations.
45-60°F optimal. Lake Tahoe releases keep upper sections cool. Lower sections can warm in summer.
Sole outlet of Lake Tahoe, flowing to Pyramid Lake. Spring runoff (March-June) creates high, difficult conditions. Summer through winter offers technical but rewarding fishing.
Crystal clear in low-flow periods. Runoff brings turbidity. The river clears from Lake Tahoe downstream.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Fishable when flows stabilize below 400 CFS with good visibility. The Truckee rewards technical anglers with quality wild trout. Urban proximity means fishing pressure—early mornings and weekdays are best.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
March through June sees high runoff making fishing difficult. Late spring can offer windows of opportunity as flows drop. Watch snowpack forecasts for timing.
summer
July through September offers good dry fly fishing. Caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials produce. Fish early morning to avoid crowds and heat. The Little Truckee provides an excellent alternative.
fall
October through November is prime time. Flows are low, fish are aggressive, and crowds thin significantly. BWOs and streamers produce well. Many consider this the best season.
winter
Technical fishing at its finest. Low flows (75-150 CFS) demand light tippet and precise presentations. Midges and small nymphs. Fewer anglers, quality fish for those willing to work.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Little Truckee River
Nearby tributary with less pressure and similar characterEast Walker River
Quality alternative when Truckee is crowded or blown outResources
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Weekly flow updates and fishing intel.
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