Truckee River Fishing Report | July 7, 2025
The report at a glance
Presentation
Fish hopper-dropper rigs with deep droppers near 30 inches, using size 16 caddis or PMDs. Euro nymph the bubble lines as temps rise. Do not be afraid to throw a Pat's Rubber Legs as an attractor.
Lures and baits
Size 16 caddis and PMDs, the main producers
Big grasshopper patterns on top with nymph droppers below
Pat's Rubber Legs, doubles as a golden stonefly
Non-Catch America fly patterns
Best time
Mornings best, evenings solid
Water temperature
Climbing into the high 60s
Water clarity
Great color from the lake down through the canyon
Water level
Near perfect flows, running 250 to 600 CFS.
Advice for this week
Do not fish without a thermometer. Take temps throughout the day, at least two feet down in quicker water, and give the fish a break once temps hit the high 60s. Fish mornings and evenings, and lean on cooler tributaries when you can.
What is changing
Grasshoppers finally showing along the river corridor and fish keying on hopper patterns. Water temps climbing into the high 60s. The Little Truckee is coming into shape, while the Middle Fork Feather is done for the season.
Next week
Hoot owl thinking is in play through early September until nights cool and water temps drop. Hatches should hold steady for the next couple of weeks. Nocturnal stoneflies may show into August.
Truckee River flows are near perfect in early July 2025 at 250 to 600 CFS with great color. Water temps are climbing into the high 60s, so fish mornings and evenings and carry a thermometer. Hopper-dropper rigs are the main producer as grasshoppers show up. Size 16 caddis and size 16 PMDs are the top flies. Euro nymphing is kicking out fish in the bubbles.
What is the Truckee River fishing like right now?
Good, with the big caveat of rising water temps. Matt Heron reports flows are near perfect at 250 to 600 CFS with great color. Mornings have fished best and evenings have been good. It is mid-July, so the biggest factor is heat and protecting the fish.
What flies are working on the Truckee River in July?
Size 16 caddis and size 16 PMDs are the top producers, plus crayfish patterns and Pat's Rubber Legs. Hopper-dropper rigs are the main way anglers are getting fish now that grasshoppers have shown up. These are fly patterns rather than products we carry, so match them locally.
How should I rig for the Truckee River now?
Fish a hopper-dropper with a deep dropper, around 30 inches or less to your nymph, using a size 16 caddis or PMD. Euro nymphing is also kicking out plenty of fish as the trout transition into the faster bubble lines with the warmer water. Focus your effort mornings and evenings.
What are the water temperatures on the Truckee River?
Temps are hitting the high 60s, so hoot owl closures near 68 degrees are a real concern. Take temperatures throughout the day, in quicker water at least two feet down, and give the fish a break once it warms. Colder tributaries and the main river fish best early.
What is the outlook for the Truckee River?
Fishing stays good into September, but heat is the story until nights start cooling. The hopper-dropper game should hold. Nocturnal stoneflies may start popping in the next few weeks into August. Watch temps and fish mornings. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.
Watch the full report
Truckee River July 7, 2025 FAQ
Flows are near perfect at 250 to 600 CFS with great color throughout the entire river.
Size 16 caddis and size 16 PMDs, plus crayfish and Pat's Rubber Legs, fished on hopper-dropper rigs.
Yes. Grasshoppers have shown up and fish are keying on hopper-dropper rigs, especially on windy days.
Mornings have been best and evenings good. Avoid the hottest part of the day and watch water temps.
Water temps are hitting the high 60s, close to the 68 degree hoot owl threshold. Carry a thermometer.
Yes. Euro nymphing is kicking out plenty of fish as trout move into the faster bubble lines.
