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Truckee River Fishing Report | May 2026

Report by Matt Heron
Matt Heron of Matt Heron Fly Fishing runs a fly fishing school and outfitter in Truckee, California, and reports for Catch America.
What is working right now

The Truckee River is coming into prime shape at the end of May 2026. Flows are dropping and water temps sit in the mid-50s, the feeding sweet spot. Fish are keyed on size 16 to 18 Baetis and March Browns, transitioning to PMDs and early Green Drakes in June. The Little Truckee is in flood stage at 600 cfs, best on an 18 Baetis. The Nevada side is fishing well on nymphs.

How is the Truckee River fishing right now?

Really coming into shape. Flows are dropping in the Glenshire stretch and the canyon, and water temps run 50 to 57 degrees, right in the mid-50s Goldilocks zone where fish want to feed. Matt Heron got into a nice canyon rainbow on a streamer on a cloudy day.

What flies are working on the Truckee River in late May?

Keep size 16 and 18 Mayflies on hand. Fish are keyed on spring Baetis, seen almost daily, plus larger March Browns in a 14 or 16. Caddis are around too, tan or olive, size 16 to 18, with color not mattering much right now.

What is the fly outlook heading into June on the Truckee?

The March Browns will dissipate over the next couple of weeks and give way to summer PMDs and maybe early Green Drakes in a 10 or 12. For the end of May it is still Baetis and March Browns, but June brings the PMD hatch.

How is the Little Truckee River fishing?

The opposite of the Truckee. It dropped then went back to full flood stage at 600 cfs. Dry fly fishing is limited with few fish feeding on top. An 18 Baetis has been the fly of choice. As the water drops it should trigger the springtime and early summer hatches.

How is the Nevada side of the Truckee fishing?

Very well. Matt is running float trips east and west of Reno with flows and temperatures in great shape. Expect mostly nymphing with a little dry fly fishing if you get lucky. Conditions are similar to the California stretch.

Watch the full report

From the report (Matt Heron): Water temps are anywhere from 50 to 57, so we are right in that mid-50 zone, especially by the afternoon, which is absolute for feeding fish. I would keep a selection of size 16 and 18 Mayflies on you. Fish are still keying in on our spring Baetis, which we are seeing almost daily. As far as the Little Truckee goes, it went back up into full-blown flood stage. It is at 600 cfs.

Truckee River May 2026 FAQ

What flies work on the Truckee River in late May 2026?

Size 16 to 18 Baetis and March Browns, plus tan or olive Caddis in a 16 to 18.

What is the water temperature on the Truckee River?

About 50 to 57 degrees, right in the mid-50s feeding zone.

What is the flow on the Little Truckee River?

It is at 600 cfs, in full flood stage.

What fly works on the Little Truckee right now?

An 18 Baetis has been the fly of choice.

What hatches are coming in June on the Truckee?

Summer PMDs and possibly early Green Drakes in a 10 or 12.

How is the Nevada side of the Truckee fishing?

Very well, mostly nymphing on float trips east and west of Reno.

Should I wade the Truckee canyon right now?

Be careful. It is still somewhat high around 800 to 900 cfs, but dropping and clearing.

Tags: matt-heron rainbow-trout truckee-river
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Sacramento River Fishing Report | August 1, 2026

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