It’s hard to recall ever seeing temperatures in the mid-60’s heading into July, but after a pretty strange year of weather thus far, I guess it’s not too surprising. While the winter may have been lack luster in terms of snowpack, the combination of late season storm systems and cooler than average temps through most of the spring and summer have made for some stellar conditions as we enter July. Just as we began to see water temps rise near hoot owl conditions in some sections of the river, we get yet another shift in the weather with a week of awesome air temps. This should knock water temps back down a few degrees for at least a few days. As we head into 4th of July weekend, it is worth noting that the Tahoe region will be at its busiest point of the year. Crowded waterways are just a part of this time of year, but they can be avoided. With so much good fishing to be had right now, look to seek out some of the tucked away little corners and you will be sure to still find some solitude.
June 26th Fly Fishing Report for the Truckee River, Little Truckee River
Summer Half-Day Guided Floats
Trade the long wade for a summer float on the Truckee. This is one of the best windows of the year, with PMDs and caddis bringing consistent dry fly action and steady flows setting up the kind of deep-water streamer bites this river is known for. Summer brings some of the most explosive fishing of the year, and our guides know exactly where the fish are holding as the season warms up. Book a half-day float now to beat the heat and make the most of it.
Truckee River Fishing Report
Overall, conditions on the river are great. The flows are right at average for this time of year, and so are water temps. As expected for this time of year, we have begun to see some sections of the river near hoot owl levels and with these rising water temps, we encourage anglers to really focus on the morning hours at this point. If fishing in the afternoon, the canyon would be the place to be thanks to cold releases out of Boca Reservoir. At this point in the season, we recommend carrying a thermometer with you when fishing for the day and taking periodic temperature readings, calling it a day when the river gets up to 68 degrees. As for the fishing, put your focus on the fast water right now. Pocket water and riffles are where the fish will be. We have reports of the crawdads beginning their molt, which is like a dinner bell for the Truckee Trout. Lighter colored crawdad patterns will be key to imitate these softer shelled crustations. Tans, grays, or lighter shades of olive or orange. We are big fans of dead drifting these patterns, and even bigger fans of doing so on the euro rod. With these larger offerings, being sure to use a lot of weight and tick the bottom. It’s also important to do so on the first couple of drifts as the fish will be quick to decide if they want your lobster dinner or not. The hatches around right now are PMDs, caddis, yellow sallies, golden stoneflies and green drakes, and all of them are on the trout’s menu.
Recommended Flies for the Truckee River
Little Truckee Fishing Report
The flows on the Little Truckee have dropped 50 CFS late this week and we are seeing releases out of Stampede at +/- 250 CFS right now. We expect to continue to see the water stepped down out here in the coming weeks. At 250, these are excellent flows for just about any approach, be it dries, indicator, euro, or maybe even for the occasional streamer or soft hackle swing. With the 4th of July on the horizon, expect to be fishing around others around here. If crowds aren’t your thing, you may want to fish elsewhere in the coming weeks. The PMD hatch has remained consistent, happening around mid-day and lasting a few hours most days. There are still some Green Drakes around as well, and yes, the fish will take a well presented size 12! Other fall backs when the fish get tight lipped on this river would be going small in terms of your flies and using light tippet. Think BWOs and midges, minimal flash, and unweighted. The mosquitos have been pretty nasty out here lately, so don’t forget to bring the bug spray when fishing this tailwater right now.
