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Truckee River Fishing Report | October 22, 2025

Report by Matt Heron
Matt Heron runs Matt Heron Fly Fishing in Truckee, California.
What is working right now

The Truckee and Little Truckee are running low, slow, and gin-clear in late October 2025, on winter flows around 400 to 450 cfs. Fish size 16 to 18 Baetis, Mahogany Duns, and Caddis on 4X to 5X tippet, especially a size 18 mayfly. Browns are pre-spawn, so watch for redds. The egg bite has started, and worms and crayfish are producing too.

How is the Truckee River fishing right now?

Low, slow, and gin-clear on winter flows, but fishable. Matt Heron reports the Truckee above Boca through downtown to the lake dropped to winter flows a couple weeks ago. A size 18 mayfly gives you a really good chance at fish. Temperatures are in the 50s all day, which is close to prime.

What flies are working on the Truckee?

Fish size 16 to 18 Baetis, Mahogany Duns, and Caddis, with a size 18 mayfly a strong bet on the Truckee. Use 4X to 5X tippet in the gin-clear, low water. The egg bite has started, and worms and crayfish are also producing. These are general fly patterns, not Catch America products.

How is the Little Truckee fishing?

Flows are still hanging strong in the 50s, which is good for fall. Baetis, caddisflies, and midges are around, though hatches have been so-so. Get over there for the dry-fly bite when the weather sours, on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days, which tends to bring fish up.

What about the brown trout spawn on the Truckee?

It is fall, so browns are pre-spawn. Matt has not heard of many fish on redds yet, but if you see them, especially on the Little Truckee, let them do their thing and do not harass them. The pre-spawn timing is also why the egg bite is turning on.

Where else can beginners fish near Truckee?

Matt is still running classes on the ponds at Everline Resort, where the bite has been good on dry flies and nymphs. It is a great end-of-year option for beginner or intermediate anglers, especially when the rivers are quiet. Exact pond stocking details were not specified in this report.

Watch the full report

From the report (Matt Heron): The Truckee, they did turn the flows off on us a couple weeks ago, so it's pretty low. It's basically winter flows. It's low, slow, and gin clear. We are seeing some Baetis, some Mahogany Duns, caddis, anything from 16s and 18s. If you're throwing a size 18 mayfly up there right now, you have a really good chance of running into some fish.

Truckee River October 22, 2025 FAQ

What flies work on the Truckee River in October?

Size 16 to 18 Baetis, Mahogany Duns, and Caddis, with a size 18 mayfly a strong choice.

What are the Truckee River flows right now?

Winter flows, roughly 400 to 450 cfs, low, slow, and gin-clear.

What tippet should I use on the Truckee?

4X to 5X, because the water is low and gin-clear.

Are the brown trout spawning on the Truckee?

They are pre-spawn. Watch for fish on redds and do not harass them.

Is the egg bite on in the Truckee?

Yes, the egg bite has started, and worms and crayfish are also producing.

How is the Little Truckee fishing?

Flows are in the 50s with Baetis, caddis, and midges around, though hatches are so-so.

Tags: brown-trout matt-heron truckee-river
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