Truckee River Fly Fishing Report
Location & Conditions
Body of Water: Truckee River
City / Region: Truckee, California
Date of Report: May 26th
Weather Conditions: Warming trend; consistent early summer conditions
Water Temperature: Low 50s°F
Water Clarity: Clear
Water Level / Flow: Strong, fast flows throughout the river system
Fishing Overview
Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Target Species: Wild trout
Most Active Depth Range: Fast-water runs and riffles; nymphs fished 1–3 ft deep
Most Effective Presentation: Euro nymphing and indicator nymph rigs with split shot
Best Time of Day: Late morning through afternoon
Successful Lures or Baits Used:
- Tan caddis nymphs
- Size 18 baetis
- Worm patterns
- Rubber legs (stonefly imitations)
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Carpenter ant dries (sizes 16 and up)
Other Techniques That Worked:
- Hopper-dropper rigs (most fish on the dropper)
-
Dry fly action still limited but improving with ant hatches
Notable Catches: Strong numbers reported from fast water across the river; no single standout catch mentioned, but consistent action noted
Guide’s Tips & Notes
Advice for This Week:
Bring both your Euro and bobber rigs—nymphing is the most productive technique right now. Fish are locked into fast water and feeding aggressively on subsurface insects. Be ready with a variety of bug patterns and sizes, and don’t overlook ants as a surface option.
Changes You’re Seeing:
After a long, cold spring with fish stacked in winter holding spots, trout are now spreading out. This opens up new runs, reduces angler pressure in key zones, and provides more opportunities across the entire river.
Predictions for Next Week:
Expect the river to continue fishing strong as fast water becomes the dominant zone through September. Surface activity should improve as the carpenter ant hatch picks up, with dry fly fishing gradually becoming more viable.
