This report will focus on the Truckee River as it is Spring runoff here and access is a bit of an issue still for most other venues. We have finally started to see some 50 degree days and sun. Hooray! This has led to a spike in flows from a large melting snowpack and I expect these conditions to remain for a couple of weeks depending on the weather, of course. Soft snow and mud are to be expected at some of the access sites. Not to worry, things will improve with time. More bugs are popping in the afternoon and the water is warming slightly. With that said, nymphing and streamers are going to be the ticket to success. With both techniques fish low and slow. Skwalas have been spotted so keep an eye out for rising fish in the afternoon and you might get lucky on top.
My pro tip: If you are a skier and a fisher person this is one of the seasons where you'll want to ski in the morning and then head to the river in the afternoon.
Truckee River Conditions
The Truckee River flows are 325cfs in town and 1,660cfs at Boca. Water temps are bumping 48 degrees in the afternoon and water clarity varies clear in town to off color from Martis Creek inflow downriver
Truckee River Tactics
Truckee River tactics are favoring deep nymphing techniques at this time. With streamers worth a shot as well. Be on the lookout for rising fish but at the flows in the lower river they may not move all that far. Fishing deep, slow, and with some weight will help your success. Some areas may have the fish hanging along the edges to avoid the heavy water so use some stealth on your approach to the river.
Truckee River Suggested Flies
Dries: Parachute Adams 12-22, Stimulator 10-16, Skwalas 8-10, Quigley Cripple 16-20, Thorax Dun 14-18, Hackle Stacker 14-18, BWO 18-22, Griffiths Gnat 16-22, Midges 18-22 and Compara Dun 16-20. For nymphs: Iron Salley 14-16, Haresear 12-14, Burks Bottom Roller 14-16, Micro May 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-20, Zebra Midge 18-22, Pheasant Tail 14-20, Flashback PT 14-20, Perdigons 16-18, SJW, Copper Johns 14-20, Crackback Beatis 16-20, Two Bit Hooker 16-20, Prospector 14-16, Frenchie14 -16, Walt's worm 14-16, Rubber legs 6-10, Kauffman Stone 8-10, and Princes 10-16.
Truckee River Summary
The Truckee River is in runoff mode at this time. Deep Nymphing is going to be the best technique for getting into a fish. Fish during the heat of the day. Conditions will improve but this will take some time this year.
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