The Truckee River is flowing at 620 CFS through the downtown gauge and the river is ending the day slightly above 60 degrees already. We’re experiencing some runoff as the river has become cloudy and slightly dirty every now and then, depending on the snowpack melting in the higher altitudes and causing our smaller tributaries to flood. The river has not been un-fish- able yet during these times of diminished visibility, but it is something that you want to keep an eye on. 

Otherwise the fishing has been good to very good. The higher flows do allow the trout to hide in more areas, but the fish are willing to eat when you find them. Cutthroat have been stocked in the river and are a fun opportunity to catch a lot of fish (focus on public parks throughout the Truckee Meadows). We’re finding the majority of wild trout in faster water types. Using ESN tactics have been very effective as indicator rigs can struggle to get deep enough in the fast water. There is still a lot of bug diversity in the Truckee River, so most nymphs from a size 18-12 have been working. I’ve been focusing on the smaller nymphs (18-16) when I can. Otherwise, I’ve been fishing 12s in order to get deep quickly. 

The steamer bite has been good too! With the influx of cutthroat in the river a lot of our larger predatory trout have been foraging on the smaller stocked fish. 

Truckee River Flies We Suggest: Carot, Perdigon, Snowshoe Yellow Stonefly, Bead Head Krystal Caddis, Hot Spot Nymph, Masked Marauder, Truckee River Dozen , San Juan Worm, Squirmy Worm, Sculpzilla, Redemption PMD