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Truckee-Tahoe Fly Fishing Report August 19, 2024

This report will cover the Truckee River, Little Truckee River, and Milton reservoir. We are in the last half of summer here and the fishing has been excellent. We are in good shape for water on the Truckee River and the Little Truckee River. Water temps have slowly started to come down the Truckee and go up the LT in the lower half do to the reduction in flows there. The upcoming weather system should help to cool the water even more. Maybe this will move us out of the "hoot owl" restrictions that are in place. Use your thermometer and fish accordingly. The hatches have started to wane a bit and the Caddis and Mayflies that are coming off have gotten smaller. The Grasshopper crop is pretty big this year and in some sections of the Truckee fish are keying on them for sure.


angler holding a rainbow trout
First Trout on a Fly Rod!

For those looking to get started in Fly Fishing or book a Guided Trip it I have openings.

Call 530-386-0525 or email brian@flyfishingtruckee-tahoe.com to set up you adventure.


Truckee River Conditions

Truckee River Flows are 258 cubic feet a minute above Truckee and 483 cubic feet a minute below the Boca inflow. Water temps have cooled a few degrees and 61-62 at noon the last couple of days. According to the state we are still in "hoot owl" restrictions. Clarity is great.


Truckee River Tactics

Truckee River Tactics are to fish early and quit when the water gets too warm. The bugs have gotten smaller and the hatches have slowed in there duration. The fish are looking up throughout the day. In the morning and fish are actively feeding in the foam lines and eddies. Towards mid-day they move into the heavier riffles and pocket water. Dries and Dry/dropper Techniques have been working really well. I haven't bothered to indicator nymph or run a streamer in quite a while.


Truckee River Suggested Flies

Truckee River suggested flies: For Dries Hoppers 10-12, Stimulator 14-16, Chubbies 10-12, Parachute Adams 10-16, Ants 10-16, Little Yellow Stones 12-16, Royal Wluff 10-16, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, E/C Caddis 16-18, Quigley Cripples 16-18, Compara Duns 16-168, Rusty Spinners 14-16, and Tricos 18-20. For nymphs: Haresear 14-18, Burks Bottom Roller 14-16, Micro May 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-20, Zebra Midge 18-22, Pheasant Tail 12-16, Flashback PT 12-16, Perdigons 14-16, SJW, Copper Johns 10-16, Frenchie 14 -16, Rubber legs 8-12, Kauffman Stone 8-12, Twenty Incher 8-10, and Princes 10-16. For Streamers try Woolley Bugger 6-8, Sclupzilla 4, Baby Gonga 4, and Game Changer 4-6.


Truckee River Summary

Truckee River Summary is that the fishing is really good. The topwater action early has been great. Fish the slower stuff early and move to the faster water mid-morning. Yes, the fish are noticing all those hoppers. Lastly, we are still in "hoot owl" restrictions so follow your thermometer and fish accordingly.



Little Truckee River Conditions

The Little Truckee River Flows are 57 cubic feet a minute out of Stampede reservoir. The afternoon water temps below Boyington Mill are 59-60 degrees. The water is clear.


Little Truckee River Tactics

The Little Truckee River can be pretty tough at these flows. Bring your best presentation and use some stealth when approaching the water you want to fish. These fish are picky. The bugs have gotten a size or two smaller and all of the bugs are in play. You may have to drop tippet size as well. Dryfly or Dry/dropper techniques will work best and the drop will need to be short as the bottom is pretty mossy at the moment.


Little Truckee River Suggested Flies

For Dries: Parachute Adams 16-22, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, E/C Caddis 16-18, Quigley Cripple 18-20, Thorax Dun 16-22, Hackle Stacker 16, Flim Critic 16, Emergers 18-20, RS2 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-20, Ants 16, and Compara Dun 16-18. For nymphs: Haresear 16-18, HBI 16-18, Brassie 16-20, AP nymph 16-20, Micro May 18-20, Rainbow Warrior 18-20, Barrs emerger 16-18, Pheasant Tail 16-20, Flashback PT 14-20, Juju Beatis 18-20, Perdigons 18-20, SJW, Copper Johns 16-20, Zebra Midge 16-20, and Princes 16-18.


Little Truckee River Summary

The Little Truckee River is were to go if you want to challege yourself. It is fishing good for those with patience and skills to make the far and fine cast with little bugs.


Milton Reservoir

For those that are wondering about Milton the flows have be turned back up. The level is back up to normal and the water temps are 45-48 mid-day. With these water temps the fishing has been very slow in the morning and then picking up in the afternoon. A varity of techniques will work here but nymphing under an indicator seems to be the best. Mayfly nymphs and Midges have been on the menu for these fish.


Four Seasons Fly Fishing is the leading #Orvis endorsed guide service in the Truckee and Tahoe region. We specialize in offering #flyfishing walk/wade trips on local rivers and reservoirs, along with comprehensive fly fishing clinics catering to all skill levels. Contact us today to schedule your fly fishing expedition by calling or texting 530-386-0525, or emailing brian@flyfishingtruckee-tahoe.com.


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