TRUCKEE RIVER REPORT:
Overall, it’s been a cool spring this year in Truckee. We’ve had more snow than 70 degree days and flows on the Truckee River match that trend.
We’re in a bit of no-mans-land. What I mean is the water is up but not blown out. It’s up but isn’t off color. Make sense? I know, it’s a bit weird, but not a bad thing.
Flows from town to Boca are 553 cfs. compared to around 200 in the summer, or 150 in the winter. It’s 849 at Boca below the Little Truckee. The Truckee River canyon is running at 970 cfs, compared to around 500 in the summer.
-Here’s the Boca link- Track other locations on the MAP.
Keep in mind, these are big flows, and you should approach them as such. It’s just not in the 1,000s like you might expect with 100% snowpack this year.
Look for water that’s 2-5’ deep and on the slower side. Although we have been finding a few fish in faster water, it’s not quite the norm yet with these water temperatures.
Temps are ranging from 44-49 degrees throughout the system on any given day. Still on the cold side but getting better by the week.
LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER REPORT:
Unlike the Truckee, the Little Truckee River is running quite high as of this week. The flows have bumped three times in the last six days or so. It can be a bit intimidating if you’re used to fishing 70 cfs in the summer. Right now we’re at 362 cfs. That’s a lot, but still fishable. Use caution when crossing in some of your favorite spots.
Like the Truckee, look for soft edges, seams and slower water. That’s where you’ll find them.
Water temps are in the mid-40s to about 50 or so.
Also, there are a lot of rainbows in spawning gravel right now. If is you see fish in shallow riffles or on cleared out Redds, please enjoy the view, and keep walking.
FLY SELECTION:
Luckly, we’re pretty much throwing the same flies both rivers right now.
Attractors- Eggs, worms, rubberlegs
Droppers- Baetis 18s, March Browns 16s, Sqwalas 10s, PMDs 16s and any assortment of Perdigons are working. The Skwalas are very sparse now, but the fish are still eating them.
Streamers- Definity have the streamer rod ready with these flows, especially on the cloudy rainy days like we’ve been having. The 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!
The Little Truckee also has a micro black caddis hatch going on, sz 20-22.
Hatches have been hit or miss on the Little Truckee with the flows. If you see adutls, it could be anytime throughout the day.
The Baetis and March Browns on the Truckee have been around 1pm or so and are very localized to certain spots.
No surprises here, most fish are coming on bobber and Euro rigs, then streamers and trout spey, with dry flies rounding out the techniques. We’re even getting a few fish on dry droppers if you commit to it.
SUMMER OUTLOOK:
This is the first time in 25 years Tahoe and the Truckee River have had 100% snowpack or more. Needless to say this summer should be one for the books. If you’re looking to get out with a guide while you’re in town, book it as soon as you know your dates! Summer bookings are looking strong already, and you don’t what to miss out!
Click the image below to contact Lu, she’ll take care of the rest.
-Matt
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