Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishing Report, Winter, January 16th, 2026
- 4seaslusser
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
Happy New Year! This report will focus on the Truckee River and current conditions of the area. The snow finally came and in a pretty big way. Its Winter now. For those who know me, I ski patrol during the winter months and, well, I have been doing plenty of ski patrolling lately. While we have had plenty of water this year it is the snow we need for the summer months and early fall. That slow steady melt of the snowpack in the spring and summer is what our fish need to stay healthy and happy. Currently the snowpack needs work. The flows have stabilized and cleared up nicely since our last storms. The storms left quite a bit of snow in the upper river from Tahoe City to Truckee. This has made for some access issues as some of the parking areas are bermed in from snow removal activities. You may have to walk a bit further to get to your favorite spot. East of town on down to the stateline the access is pretty good with probably 4-8 inches of snow on the ground and much smaller berms than in Truckee. On the weather front, we are in a high pressure regime for the foreseeable future. Meaning it is cold in the morning and sunny in the afternoons. Highs have been in the upper 40's and low's in the upper teens. Perfect time to get out and get some fishing in. Just add warm socks and an extra layer for the legs. No need to start early. You could even burn a few laps at one of the local ski resorts before heading out to fish in the afternoon. Midges, Blue Winged Olives, and Winter Stones are out and about but don't expect to see too many rising fish. It is nymphing season now.
Truckee River Conditions
Truckee River flows are currently 150 cubic feet per second above town, and below Boca inflow the flows are 473 cubic feet per second. Water temps are 35-38 degrees mid-day and it is clear.
Truckee River Techniques
Truckee River techniques moving into winter: Nymphing is going to be the most productive throughout the system. From TC through Truckee the water is up a bit so an indicator rig would be a good choice in that section and down around Boca where flows are up a bit. Streamers are worth a shot as well.
Truckee River Suggested Flies
Truckee River suggested flies: Dry flies: Parachute Adams 16-22, Purple Haze 14-20, Thorax Dun 16-20, Sparkle Flag 16-18, Griffiths Gnat 18-22, Chubby Chernoble 6-12, Double Dutch 8-10, Quigley Cripples 16-22, and RS-2 16-20. For nymphs: Haresear 12-16, Zebra Midge 18-22, Micro May 16-22, Rainbow Warrior 16-22, Pheasant Tail 16-22, Flashback PT 16-22, Perdigons 14-18, SJW, Copper Johns 16-20, Frenchie 12 -16, Rubber legs 6-14, Twenty Incher 8-14, Tim's Dead Drift Cray, and Princes 8-18. For streamers try Woolley Bugger 6, Sculpzilla 8, and Sparkle Minnow 6.
Truckee River Summary
Winter fishing conditions have shown up on the Truckee River. Access for parking could be an issue upstream of Truckee but much better down around Boca to Stateline. Cold in the morning and slightly warmer in the afternoon. It is nymphing season up here so fish the heat of the day with whatever your favorite small bugs might be and enjoy .
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