So what makes a great guide you ask? Expertise, personality and flexibility.
You Need To Ask Yourself…
YEAR ROUND
Full & Half Day Guide Trips
Imagine spending months planning the perfect Tahoe vacation, just to gamble it away with a random guide you found on Google.
- “I’ve never fly fished before, are they patient with beginners?”
- “Are they good with kids, I just want my daughter to have a good time?”
- “I’m a veteran angler, can they teach me something new?”
- “If conditions are poor, do they have a Plan B, C & D?”
This is where Lulana comes in. She makes it simple.
- Fill out our contact form to chat with Lu
- She’ll hand pick a guide based on your goals and expectations
- Brag about your fish story with friends!
Truckee’s Trophy Trout
Without question, large, wild Rainbows and Browns have helped put the Truckee River on the map.
The internet may make these giants seem easy to come by, but rest assured, true giants are the exception, not the rule.
We’re extremely lucky to have these special fish in our backyard, and every once in a while our guests are lucky enough to put a”fish of a lifetime” in the net!
Truckee River
This is one of California’s classic freestones. With exceptions, most guides fish from the town of Truckee, downstream to the Nevada state line. This stretch is filed with every type of water imaginable, runs, riffles, plunge pools, boulders and everything else you can imagine in a bigger river.
Time of year generally dictates the type of fishing we do on the Truckee, but we almost always use 4 & 5 wts. and the occasional 6 & 7 wts. when throwing big streamers. Matt recommends 10′ rods when nymphing.
The most efficient way to fish the Truckee is nymphing, with a mix of indicator and Euro/Tight line techniques. During certain times of the year the hatches can be amazing, and dry fly fishing is off the carts.
Most of the time the river is known for quality over quantity. In the summer however, that may flip where we see better numbers but less fish that the Truckee is known for.
Pricing for 1 or 2 anglers. 3rd angler charge, $175.
Half day: 4 hrs, $425. | Full day: 6-8 hrs, $575.
Little Truckee River (The “LT”)
This is our local tailwater, a true gem of the Sierra. The “LT” at times fishes more like a spring creek than a tailwater.
Most often, small flies and light tippet are a must. The Little Truckee flows can range anywhere from 40-250cfs. on average wish spring flows being higher.
If you’re a fan of sight fishing, the LT could be your dream come true. More days that not we can usually find multiple fish feeding before making a cast. With more consistent hatches that the Big T, dry fly fishing can be really good too, from small midges to big Green Drakes, the LT has them all.
Most of the time we’re using 4 & 5 wt. rods and the occasional 6 wt. This is a river where bringing your A-Game is must. A stealthy approach, fighting big fish on small flies, and light tippet is the norm.
Half day: 4 hrs, $425. | Full day: 6-8 hrs, $575.
Pricing for 1 or 2 anglers. 3rd angler charge, $175.
Truckee River – Nevada Side
As you might imagine, several of our guides also concentrate their guiding on the Nevada side of the Truckee. It’s typically a mix of walk and wade and raft trips, conditions pending.
Back in “the day” the NV stretch seemed to be a bit of a secret to the national angling community. Although that’s not the case any more, the fishing continues to be fantastic through most of the year.
Not surprisingly, nymphing is the name of the game, and the chance of throwing dries is always in play . However, due to the water being a bit more “stained” than the CA side, many times streamer fishing can be the way to go. They certainly don’t come easy, but on any cast you could land the fish of your life!
Half day: 4 hrs, $425. | Full day: 6-8 hrs, $575.
Pricing for 1 or 2 anglers. 3rd angler charge, $175
Float Trip: Add $75 half day, $35 full day.
Middle Fork, Feather River
If solitude and “under the radar” locations are your thing, the MF Feather may be just for you.
Located just north of Truckee, this designated, Wild and Scenic river is disconnected from the hustle and bustle of Tahoe and Truckee, filled with eager wild browns and rainbows ready to take a well presented fly.
Like most rivers, dries and nymphing are the norm, but don’t be afraid to ask you guide about Trout Spey options too!
We’re honored to have the only three, permitted, Middle Fork guides on our team.
Half Day: 4 hrs, $425. | Full days: 6-8 hrs, $575.
Pricing for 1 or 2 anglers. 3rd angler charge, $175/day.
Sawmill Lake (Private)
For good reason, Sawmill is one of our favorite stillwater fisheries in Truckee. It helps that this private, 10 acre, fly fishing only lake gives you total solitude, while chasing trophy sized rainbows.
There are several ways to fish this fun, little lake. More often than not, indicator fishing will produce the most action. However, stripping small streamers and nymphs can sometimes produce the biggest fish.
That said, Matt’s favorite way to fish the lake is by stalking and sight fishing fish cruising the shallows. Many times while false casting nymphs or even dry flies!
Sawmill can be fished from shore, or from a boat.
Pricing for 1 or 2 anglers. 3rd angler charge, $175.
Half day: 4 hrs, $425. | Full day: 6-8 hrs, $575.
Private Water Fee: $75/pp half day, $150/pp full day.
Off the Beaten Path
Although the Truckee and Little Truckee are the biggest draw, there are plenty of other lesser known bodies of water in the area.
Many of our guides specialize in anything from smaller creeks and streams, to local lake and reservoir’s. The adventurous angler may find themselves tossing a 3 wt. rod for 10″ bookies or a 6 wt. for trophy bass.
As you might imagine many of these places are pretty special and for now will remain nameless.
Half day: 4 hrs, $425. | Full day: 6-8 hrs, $575.
Pricing for 1 or 2 anglers.
Multi Day Guide Trip Packages
Is one day on the river not enough? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
We know the amazing fishing opportunities the Truckee area can provide, and many times a full day on the river just isn’t enough to cover it all. We understand that may times you want to fish multiple days during your Tahoe vacation. We can customize any variation of Full and Half day trips at your convenience.
2 Half Days: 4 hrs, $850. | 2 Full days: 6-8 hrs, $1,150.
Pricing for 1 or 2 anglers. 3rd angler charge, $175/day.
Priority Permit Holder
What if you want to fish somewhere your guide can’t go?
Matt is fortunate to own one of just four Tahoe National Forest, Priority Special Use Guide Permits. This sought after permit means Matt and his team are never restricted to where they can take their clients.
Not only can we guide the endless water ways around Truckee, but we’re permitted on ALL of the Truckee and Little Truckee. A huge feather in our cap that not all guide operations can say.
Guide Trip FAQs
Where do we meet?
With few exceptions, all trips meet at the Truckee River RV Park and East Side Deli, just 7 min east of Truckee. Directions & Map.
What should we bring and wear?
Dress for the weather, hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, water/snacks. A small backpack is a great idea for extra clothing and other items you may not want to carry. Socks for under your waders are recommended as well, even in the summer.
If possible, try to avoid wearing bright white hats and shirts. It can spook the fish. True story!
Winter specific trips- Dress in warm layers with a rain shell. Have warm socks but try to avoid multiple, tight fitting socks. It will cut off your circulation and make you colder. Gloves and a winter beanie are good things to store in your backpack if you have one.
Can we keep the fish?
No. All trips are catch and release using single barbless hooks.
Will there be confirmation info?
Once booked, Lulana will send our Welcome Packet with ALL of the logistics for your trip!
Are there lunch options?
For anglers booking a full day, you’re more than welcome to bring your lunch. Or if you’re looking to treat yourself to one of the famous hot or cold sandwiches at East Side Deli where we meet, we highly recommend it. You won’t regret it!
Who will we fish with?
Unlike our classes, Guide Trips are private to you and your group. We’ll never pair you with anglers you don’t know.
When’s the fishing season?
The Truckee and Little Truckee are year round. Other bodies of water are seasonal.
What is included?
All fishing gear, terminal tackle, boots & waders, and discount code to Matt’s online school, Find Your Cast.
What isn't included?
Guide gratuity, CA fishing license (approx. $19) & 3% service charge.
Do we need a fishing licese?
All anglers 16 years and older need a minimum of a one day CA license.
You can buy and print your CA license HERE ahead of time.
Please have a printed, hard copy the day you fish with the correct date if you get a one day option.
What's the cancelation policy?
For any cancelations outside of 30 days you will receive a full refund.
For any cancelations inside of 30 days will forfeit the deposit.
For any cancelations within 7 days your card will be charged in full.
Please note: We fish in all weather (rain, snow, sleet), except dangerous or hazardous conditions (ie: lightning/thunderstorms, State of Emergency snow storms, over 50 mph winds or Hazardous Air Quality conditions). In the event of one of those exceptions, we will either reschedule the class/trip if possible, or provide a refund.
