Truckee Tahoe Fly Fishing Report for Mid-Fall Oct 16th, 2026
Welcome to fall. It is pretty darn nice here lately with the mild weather we are experiencing. The rivers, creeks, and lakes are all pretty low. We haven't had a good rain for a while now. While the water levels are low there is some fishing to be had. The section of the Truckee river from Boca to Stateline is low and that should reduce the hiding places for the bigger trout lurking down there. Wielding a big ol streamer should get some love. Above Boca on the Truckee the water is much lower and very clear. Tactics in this upper section are going to be much different then down stream. A stealthy approach, smaller tippet, and smaller flies should do the trick. Around the area the Kokanee are spawning in various creeks now and both Rainbows and Browns like to follow them around. Again, the water is low and fish are easy to spook which you should keep in mind when working out an approach. It is a great time to get out and take advantage of the super weather.
Truckee River Conditions
Truckee River is flowing at 72 cubic feet a second above Truckee and 386cubic feet a second at Boca Bridge. Water temps are at 53-55 at noon. River water clairty is very clear.
Truckee River Tactics
Truckee River tactics you have some choices depending wether your fishing above Boce inflow or below. Above Boca inflow the dryfly and dry/dropper are going to be a good call in the lower flows. Smaller flies and tippet will help along with a stealthy approach to the water. Maybe try to spot a fish first and target it. Below Boca inflow Streamers and Nymphing techniques are good options too. I still might try a Dry. The water is as low as it has been all season and there could be some big boys hanging out down there. Big fish like big meals.
Truckee River Suggested Flies
Truckee River suggested flies: Dry flies: Chubby Chernoble 10-12, Royal Wulff 10-12, Ants 16-18, Parachute Adams 16-20, Purple Haze 14-18, Thorax Dun 16-20, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Spent Caddis 16-18, E/C Caddis16-18, Missing Link 14-16, and Quigley Cripples 16-18. For nymphs: Haresear 14-18, Burks bottom roller 14-16, Deep Sparkle Pupa 14-16, Z-Wing Caddis 14-16, Micro May 16-18, Midges 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-18, Pheasant Tail 12-18, Flashback PT 14-18, 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 Muddler Minnow 6, Woolley Bugger 6, Sculpzilla 8, and Sparkle Minnow 6.
Truckee River Summary
The Truckee River flow is low and this will effect how to approach the sections from Tahoe City to the Boca inflow and from Boca inflow on down stream. Dries and Dry/dropper techniques are the goto in the upper sections. Streamers from Boca on down. Get out and enjoy these super weather conditions.
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