TRUCKEE RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT:
Not much has changed the last few weeks, the time is still…now!
The fish are everywhere, runs, riffles, pools, pocket water, don’t overlook anything.
But you should spend a lot of time in the fast stuff. With warming temperatures, the fish are in the bubbles and will be for a while now.
Dust of the Euro rods if you haven’t used them yet this season. The time is now!
-Long time regular guest, Lynn, with her personal best rainbow!
Dry fly fishing has been decent if you get lucky. Every type of bug is hatching (see below) right now. Don’t be afraid to blind cast a Green Drake too, even if you don’t see fish rising. You never know what giant might come up and eat it.
The evening hatches on the other hand have been really good. Grab a headlamp and get after it.
TRUCKEE RIVER WATER TEMPS:
Temps are in the 50s in the morning and getting up the low 60s by the afternoon and evenings. It’s not a bad idea to start keeping a thermometer on you.
Mornings and lunch time have been kicking out the most fish. Later in the afternoon the bite has slowed down some. Give evenings a try as well, good hatches but keep an eye on water temps.
TRUCKEE RIVER FLOWS & CLARITY:
Flows from Truckee to Boca are 291- 926 cfs. This stretch of river is really in prime summer shape. Boca to the Farad gauge is ranging from 926-900 cfs. Slightly higher than normal for mid June, but in excellent shape as well.
There was a small pump in flows coming out of Lake Tahoe last week, that’s why we had the increase from Boca upstream.
The river color is clear, to slightly off color throughout the entire system. It can’t really get much better.
-Here’s the Boca link- Track other locations on the MAP.
LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT:
Not much has changed on the Little Truckee River since our last report. It’s still running quite high for mid June. That said, conditions are good and getting better.
Fish are starting to spread out throughout the entire river now that flows dropped some (see below).
Thankfully the rumor mill “report” that was going around about the flows dropping to 15cfs for July and August was just that. A rumor. However there will be a significant damn project next season that will have a serious impact on flows.
We’ll keep you posted. For now, flows are starting to drop and should be in great shape soon. As a result, dry fly activity should pick up soon!
LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER WATER TEMPS:
Water temps are absolutely perfect right now, staying in the 50s all day.
LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER FLOWS AND CLARITY:
The flows have been consistently around 500 for weeks now. But, just a few days ago, they dropped to 350. This is great news and is a sign of things to come with flows finally falling.
Water clarity is perfect.
- I had a buddy in town this week and got to make a few casts!
Middle Fork, Feather River Fly Fishing Report:
Last weeks weather event with rain, snow and wind has cooled off the water temps on the middle feather. Mornings have been starting with temps around 58° in the morning and progressively rising throughout the day to mid to low 60s. make sure that you carry a thermometer!!!!
Most of the fish in the system have moved into faster, riffles, and pocket water. This is the time of year to work on your euro nymphing and or high sticking, take full advantage of the mornings as there’s been some great hatches coming off around 10am.
The water is low and clear, time to start thinking about downsizing your tippet. Take your time working the water, fish are very easily spooked in this water.
Unfortunately, our season on the middle feather will be coming to a close once water water temperature get to warm. My guess would be within the next two, possibly three weeks until we get cooler nights and colder days in the late summer.
The Middle Fork of the Feather River is a great option for people looking for smaller water, and less crowds!
TOP FLY SELECTIONS:
Luckily, we’re pretty much throwing the same flies on all the rivers right now and not much has changed since the last report.
Attractors- Worms, Pass rubberlegs, golden stones, leeches, crayfish (not on the LT).
Droppers/Nymphs- Baetis 16-18s, Golden Stones 8s, Green Drakes 10-12s, PMDs 16s, Tan caddis 16s and 18s and any assortment of olive and black Perdigons are working.
The fish are not picky in the fast stuff, just make sure you get it down!
There still aren’t many around, but the fish are finally keying in on grasshoppers too, now. Get the hopper dropper rods ready!
Streamers- Definity have the streamer rod ready with these flows, especially on the cloudy rainy days in the canyon, like we’ve been having. There’s a few fish are willing to chase, anything from a small leach or streamers 3-4 inches in length have been doing the trick. Pause your retrieve!
Trout Spey- We’ve had a blast throwing the trout spey around a few times in the last few weeks. Try size 14-16 soft hackles and olive or black streamers.
- A few nice fish from a busy week out there!
No surprises here, most fish are coming on bobber and Euro rigs, Hopper-droppers, dry flies, streamers and trout spey, to round out the techniques. It’s all working!
FLY FISHING CLASSES & SCHOOLS:
We’ve been cranking out classes and school all week around Truckee and Lake Tahoe. We’ve had a mix of Cast Hope students, Corporate Groups, our 101 Truckee Trout School and our daily classes. It must be summer!
If you’re looking to learn how to fly fish in a fun and simple environment, drop us a note, we’d love to show you the ropes.
-Lots of happy faces in this weeks classes!
SUMMER OUTLOOK:
In the near future, Truckee weather will be warm. Get that thermometer ready for the rest of summer season. We’re not near 68 degree water temps yet, but it’s coming.
It’s also a great time of year to explore some of our local lakes and creeks that don’t get talked about much. The summer crowds have arrived and it’s pretty busy out there. Give some new water a try, it might just surprise you.
Book a Guided Fly Fishing Trip in Truckee or a Fly Fishing Class:
Want to put this report to work? Fish with our professional guide team on the Truckee River, Little Truckee, or take one of our daily beginners calsses. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking to level up your skills, we’ve got you covered.
Book a Guided Fly Fishing Trip
Learn to Fly Fish with Our Classes
Happy 4th of July!
-Matt & Lu
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