Current Water Conditions

Truckee River flows remain strong for this time of year, measuring around 276 CFS out of Tahoe City, 282 CFS through the town of Truckee, 304 CFS near Glenshire, and 497 CFS at Farad. These healthy flows should set the river up well as we transition into fall fishing conditions. Water temperatures are beginning to trend downward, with the Farad gauge currently reaching around 65 degrees during the warmest part of the day. Through the town of Truckee, however, midday temperatures are still hovering closer to 70 degrees. With a cooler weather pattern expected over the next couple of weeks, water temperatures should continue to improve and create better fishing conditions throughout the river. For now, mornings remain the best time to get on the water, when temperatures are at their coolest and fish are generally more active. Anglers should focus their efforts between approximately 5:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for the best conditions.                              

Water Temperatures

Expect water temps to be in the low 60s°F at first light and ending up in the high 60s°F during the afternoon. Most of the colder water is below Boca reservoir. Always test water temperatures before fishing or check the gauges online. Fishing in the afternoon and evening is not recommended with the current water temperatures.

Hatches

Caddis, blue winged olives, and midges are the primary hatches in the morning. Expect Caddis to be more prominent at first light and blue winged olives and midges to appear mid morning. Be on the lookout for grasshoppers this time of year too.

Effective Tactics

Nymphing during the morning hours continues to be the most productive tactic this time of year. Focus on faster pocket water and riffles, where fish are holding in the cooler, more oxygenated water. Using enough weight to get your flies down into the deeper parts of these runs will be key to finding fish. As the morning progresses, keep an eye out for rising fish and be ready to switch over to dry flies if surface activity picks up. Grasshoppers are also becoming more noticeable along the river, making dry-dropper setups another good option. Try a Chubby Chernobyl on top paired with a small black nymph, such as a Zebra Midge, underneath. This setup allows anglers to cover both the surface and subsurface while taking advantage of the increased terrestrial activity along the river.

Catch Report

The bite is best from the Glenshire area through the canyon. Most of the colder water is below Boca. Almost all of the fish are done feeding by mid-morning with the high water temperatures. Small rainbows are the most common catch.

Fly Box Must-Haves

• Hares Ear Soft Hackle
• Haddon’s Dead Drift Crayfish Brown (#8)
• T.J. Hooker
• Streamers in various patterns like sculpins
• Chubby Chernobyl
• OCD Caddis
• Pale Morning Duns (#16-18)
• Zebra Midge
• Biot Epoxy Stone Golden (#10-14)
• Stone Daddy Light Golden (#10-12)
• Iron Sally
• Z-Wing Caddis
• Hogan’s Short Shank Caddis
• Missing Link Caddis
• E/C Caddis Tan (#14-16)
• Cutter’s E/C Caddis Tan (#16)
• Net Builder Caddis Green (#14)