Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishing Report for Late Winter/Spring March 20th, 2026
- 4seaslusser
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
What a crazy weather year we have been having. Conditions for fly fishing are as good as they could be for this time of year on the Truckee River. The runoff is happening, and the water is up and on the colder side. I mean, it was just snowing 12 hours ago, and it's not wet wading season yet. There are Skwalas, March Browns, Blue Winged Olives, and Midges out and about. Top water action has been hit or miss, with nymphing as the steady performer lately, with some nice fish being caught. Access is good, but watch out; it is quite muddy and soft in some areas.
This unseasonally warm weather makes for some nice days out wether on the snow or the water. Bust out the sunscreen and T-shirts cause it warm out there. You will need to layer appropriately under your waders like I mentioned above the water is cold. The skiing is taking a super big hit about five weeks earlier than normal. My tip of the report would be to hit the slopes early and fish in the afternoons cause the skiing has only a week or two left.
Truckee River Conditions
The Truckee is flowing at 311 cubic feet a second above town and down at Boca it is 696 cubic feet a second. The water is very clear and mid-afternoon temps are 44-46 degrees and rising.
Truckee River Tactics
Truckee River Tactics are starting to change rapidly with the warm weather. Nymphing is going to be the most consistant method of hooking into some fish. However, as the water is warming the bugs are getting active. A second rod rigged with Dry/dropper set-up would be great in the shallows along the edges. May get lucky and see some topwater action too. Take your time and look around. Streamers are worth a shot early and late.
Truckee River Suggested Flies
Truckee River suggested flies: Dry flies: Chubby Chernoble 6-12, Double Dutch 8-10, Royal Wulff 10-12, Parachute Adams 14-16, Purple Haze 14-16, Thorax Dun 14-16, Sparkle Flag 14-18, Griffiths Gnat 16-20, and Quigley Cripples 12-14. For nymphs: Haresear 12-16, Zebra Midge 16-18, Micro May 16-18, Rainbow Warrior 14-16, Pheasant Tail 12-16, Flashback PT 12-16, Perdigons 14-18, SJW, Copper Johns 12-18, Frenchie 12 -16, Rubber legs 6-14, Twenty Incher 8-14, and Princes 8-18. For streamers try Woolley Bugger 6, Sculpzilla 8, and Sparkle Minnow 6.
Truckee River Summary
The Truckee River is fishing pretty good for this early in the season. Air and water temps are warming fast each day. Layer up under the waders and layer down on top. Nymphing and Dry/Dropper techniques are getting it done. Enjoy it while you can.
What to improve your skills? I have set my clinic schedule for 2026 and now is a great time sign up for a class or take a guided trip. Click here for more information and class sign up or give me a call 530-386-0525.
Nymphing Clinic One Day May 30th, 2026
Women's Only Intro Clinic One Day June 27th, 2026
Trout Spey One July 19th, 2026
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