It’s pretty crazy what a few weeks can do. In the start of April we were looking at 60-70 degree days and basically no snowpack. Thanks to a couple of late season storms, as of today, we are looking in far better shape than expected after the weak winter and we’re pretty excited about it. While the fishing may have slowed down compared to last month, every day of cold weather we are seeing right now, we can expect one more day of excellent fishing this summer. With things warming up towards the end of the week, we could very well see the river firing again before we know it!
April 24th Fly Fishing Report for the Truckee River, Little Truckee River
Spring Half-Day Guided Floats
Trade the long wade for a spring float on the Truckee. This is one of the best windows of the year, Drakes and Baetis bringing consistent dry fly chances and higher flows setting up the kind of streamer water this river is known for. Spring can bring some of the most exciting fishing of the year, and our guides know how to stay ahead of shifting conditions. It’s a short season, book a half-day float and make the most of it.
Truckee River Fishing Report
Fishing may have slowed overall on the river, but we are still having some good days as of late. With the recent snow/rain the worm and baetis combo has been putting in work. There are also plenty of March Browns around as well, and nymphing some size 12-14 brown mayfly patterns such as pheasant tails, Picky eaters or Hogan’s clingers have been working well too. Keep in mind though, as we begin to see more of a variety of bugs coming off this is a good time to mix up your fly choice, with everything having its day. The cooler weather has dropped water temps on the river and has kept the majority of Truckee fish in the slower sections of a run. So focus on bubble lines, eddies, or tailouts. These areas are also great places to chuck streamers, with olive or black sculpins in the 2-4 inch range your best choice. At 300 CFS the upper section of the river along Highway 89 continues to be a good option this week, and for those seeking out bigger water (and maybe bigger fish), the canyon is also an excellent option. We are seeing the best fishing during the mid-day window when both the fish and the bugs are at their most active, but if your time is limited mornings and evenings still provide solid opportunities.
Recommended Flies for the Truckee River
Little Truckee Fishing Report
The flows have begun to taper off on the LT over the last few days, sitting at 200 CFS as of today. As expected, the big surge of water followed by the dropping flows have prompted the rainbows to begin their annual spawn. Please be sure to avoid fishing to or around any spawning fish if heading out to the Little Truckee right now. If you ever have any questions about what to watch for or the best policies when it comes to fishing during a trout spawn, please reach out. With all of that said, be sure to fish the buckets or deeper pools where the fish are feeding and not spawning and avoid walking on or fishing around shallow gravel bars where trout create their redds. We have seen good hatches of both BWOs as well as a few PMDs, with the main attention from the fish on the baetis. The shift of focus from baetis to PMDs by the fish will likely begin to happen in the coming weeks and before we know if those iconic pink mayflies will be all we fish throughout the summer! There has been some fair dry fly fishing and as the flows continue to drop and stabilize, and the temps get warmer, the dry fly fishing will certainly improve. We are excited to see the beginning of the PMD hatch out here which signifies the start of summer in the mind of local anglers.
Recommended Flies for the Little Truckee River
Check the Flows Before You Go...
Trout Creek Outfitters Clearance Rack!
Before you go, take a moment to explore our end of summer blowout sale featured on this Clearance Rack. It's a great opportunity to find quality gear at reduced prices, perfect for adding to your kit or trying something new. You might just hook a fantastic deal!
Don't hesitate to reach out and give the shop a call with questions: (530) 563-5119
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