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Last Updated September 3rd, 2026

Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

Truckee River flows remain strong for this time of year, measuring around 276 CFS out of Tahoe City, 282 CFS through the town of Truckee, 304 CFS near Glenshire, and 497 CFS at Farad. These healthy flows should set the river up well as we transition into fall fishing conditions. Water temperatures are beginning to trend downward, with the Farad gauge currently reaching around 65 degrees during the warmest part of the day. Through the town of Truckee, however, midday temperatures are still hovering closer to 70 degrees. With a cooler weather pattern expected over the next couple of weeks, water temperatures should continue to improve and create better fishing conditions throughout the river. For now, mornings remain the best time to get on the water, when temperatures are at their coolest and fish are generally more active. Anglers should focus their efforts between approximately 5:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for the best conditions.                              

Water Temperatures

Expect water temps to be in the low 60s°F at first light and ending up in the high 60s°F during the afternoon. Most of the colder water is below Boca reservoir. Always test water temperatures before fishing or check the gauges online. Fishing in the afternoon and evening is not recommended with the current water temperatures.

Hatches

Caddis, blue winged olives, and midges are the primary hatches in the morning. Expect Caddis to be more prominent at first light and blue winged olives and midges to appear mid morning. Be on the lookout for grasshoppers this time of year too.

Effective Tactics

Nymphing during the morning hours continues to be the most productive tactic this time of year. Focus on faster pocket water and riffles, where fish are holding in the cooler, more oxygenated water. Using enough weight to get your flies down into the deeper parts of these runs will be key to finding fish. As the morning progresses, keep an eye out for rising fish and be ready to switch over to dry flies if surface activity picks up. Grasshoppers are also becoming more noticeable along the river, making dry-dropper setups another good option. Try a Chubby Chernobyl on top paired with a small black nymph, such as a Zebra Midge, underneath. This setup allows anglers to cover both the surface and subsurface while taking advantage of the increased terrestrial activity along the river.

Catch Report

The bite is best from the Glenshire area through the canyon. Most of the colder water is below Boca. Almost all of the fish are done feeding by mid-morning with the high water temperatures. Small rainbows are the most common catch.

Fly Box Must-Haves

• Hares Ear Soft Hackle
• Haddon’s Dead Drift Crayfish Brown (#8)
• T.J. Hooker
• Streamers in various patterns like sculpins
• Chubby Chernobyl
• OCD Caddis
• Pale Morning Duns (#16-18)
• Zebra Midge
• Biot Epoxy Stone Golden (#10-14)
• Stone Daddy Light Golden (#10-12)
• Iron Sally
• Z-Wing Caddis
• Hogan’s Short Shank Caddis
• Missing Link Caddis
• E/C Caddis Tan (#14-16)
• Cutter’s E/C Caddis Tan (#16)
• Net Builder Caddis Green (#14)

Little Truckee River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

Flows on the Little Truckee River are low between Stampede and Boca and are currently running around 39 CFS. With flows this low, fishing can be inconsistent throughout the day, making early mornings and evenings the best windows to get on the water. Anglers should also be aware of reports of algae beginning to show up in certain sections of the river. This can make fishing a little more challenging and may require regularly checking and cleaning flies to keep them fishing effectively. The lower flows also mean fish can be more concentrated and potentially more wary, so a careful approach and lighter presentations may help improve success. As the area’s only tailwater fishery, the Little Truckee continues to see plenty of fishing pressure and foot traffic. Be mindful of other anglers, give everyone plenty of space, and spread out along the river whenever possible.

Water Temperatures

With the tailwater release, the water temps don’t change much and are averaging in the mid 50s°F. Because the water is low though, water temperatures in certain sections that are shallow or slow could reach 58 to 60 degrees.

Hatches

Anglers will see a mix of pale morning duns and midges hatching in the mornings, along with some Caddis late in the evenings. Midges are the primary hatch in the early morning and should be the go-to bug for anglers fishing at that time. Pale Morning Duns start hatching around mid-morning and in the evening. Anglers should try to imitate all stages of life for Pale Morning Duns - nymphs, emergers, and duns.

Effective Tactics

Anglers can find success with both indicator nymphing and dry fly fishing on the Little Truckee River right now. Nymphing through the deeper pools continues to be a productive approach, while rising fish in the early morning and periodically throughout the day are creating opportunities for dry fly fishing as well. A dry-dropper setup can be a good way to cover both options when fish are actively feeding near the surface. Pale Morning Dun patterns in various life stages, along with midges and caddis, are all working well, with smaller flies in the size 18–20 range producing the best results. With the river running low and clear, presentation is especially important. Long leaders paired with 6X tippet will help create a more natural drift and reduce the chances of spooking wary fish, increasing your odds of getting a bite.

Catch Report

With the lower water levels, a lot of the fish are hanging around the inlet to Boca Reservoir. This is so they can hide in the deeper water away from predators.

Fly Box Must-Haves

• Midges (#18-22)
• Pale Morning Duns in Pink and Yellow (#14-20)
• RS2 in Olive
• RS2 PMD Emerger
• Hare's Ear
• Para Pink
• Cutter’s E/C Caddis
• Net Builder Caddis
• Small San Juan Worms in Purple or Pink
• Flossy Worms
• T.J. Soft Spot in Pink
• Bird’s Nest (#16)
• Zebra Midges Black (#20)