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Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishing Report March 19, 2023

This Report will focus on the current conditions around the Truckee and Little Truckee Rivers. As well as give some pointers on when to start spring fishing around here. This is the first report of 2023. We are having a very big winter up here and therefore I have been working and skiing at Alpine more than normal and fishing way less. And, for good reason. We have had the best continuously cold skiing conditions that we have had for quite some time. The bonus to this is we are going to have plenty of water for fishing this season.


But wait, no need to rush up here. The season, while it is open, will be a slow start and the better fishing is going to be a bit later than normal. Mostly because of the amount of snow on the ground, which is going to make for some tough access issues, especially around the town of Truckee. Here are some of my tips to help decide if you should venture up here this spring.

  • It needs to stop snowing for a couple of weeks. Currently, it is snowing and forcast to snow some all this week (3/20).

  • It needs to warm up and melt some of this snow. A week or two of 50 degree days would help a bunch with the access and parking.

  • Watch the flows and air temps. If we do get a warm up and it doesn't freeze at night then flows are going to get really big.

  • Plan on fishing subsurface for quite some time this season and take my Nymphing Clinic.



Truckee River Conditions

The Truckee River flows are 201cfs in town and 796 cfs at Boca. Water temps are cold. Water clarity is good above Martis Creek and somewhat turbid downstream from there. Any rain or rapid warm up may change the turbidity for the worse.


Truckee River Tactics

Truckee River tactics for these conditions. Parking is limited with all of the snow and you may need snowshoes or skis to access some of the runs. As you drop in elevation there is less snow on the ground and easier access but more water flow. Somewhat warmer too. Did not see much in the way of hatches but there were some Little Winter Stones crawling around the edges. It is nymphing season. Keep your bugs low and slow and fish the heat of the day.


Truckee River Suggested Flies

Dries: Parachute Adams 12-22, Stimulator 12-16, 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, Soft Hackles, Rubber legs 6-10, and Princes 12-16.


Truckee River Summary

The Truckee River is fishable right now but there is limited parking and lots of snow to walk through to get to the river. Plan you trip and check the weather and flows before heading out. Plan on nymphing low and slow for the most success.


Boca Reservoir frozen over


Little Truckee River Conditions

The flows on the Little Truckee River are at 68cfs. However, access is an issue with about three feet of compacted snow on the road starting just past Boca Dam. Travel at your own risk. Snowmobile, UTV, or skis well get you in and out.


Little Truckee River Tactics

The Little Truckee River tactics will be very similar to the Truckee River. You may have more opportunities for top water action on the LT. There is better afternoon hatches of Midges and small Beatis out there. Nymphing will also be productive.


Little Truckee River Suggested Flies

For Dries: Parachute Adams 14-22, Quigley Cripple 16-20, Thorax Dun 16-22, Hackle Stacker 16, Emergers 16-20, RS2 20, Griffiths Gnat 18-20, and Compara Dun 16-20. For nymphs: Haresear 14-18, Burks Bottom Roller 14-16, HBI 16-18, Brassie 16-20, AP nymph 16-20, Micro May 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-20, Barrs emerger 14-18, Pheasant Tail 14-20, Flashback PT 14-20, Juju Beatis 16-18, Perdigons 16-18, SJW, Copper Johns 12-16, Zebra Midge 16-20, and Princes 16-18.


Little Truckee River Summary

The Little Truckee River has perfect winter flows and would probably be the best place to catch a fish on a little dry fly. However, getting there is going to be a problem without some sort of over-the-snow transportation.


Four Seasons Fly Fishing is the premier #Orvis endorsed #guideservice in the #Truckee #Tahoe area. We offer flyfishing walk/wade trips on our rivers and on the local reservoirs, as well as #flyfishingclinics for beginners to experts in all styles of Fly Fishing. Give us a call to book your #adventure today 530-386-0525 or, email brian@flyfishingtruckee-tahoe.com






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