Truckee Tahoe Late Spring Fly Fishing Report May 29th, 2026
- 4seaslusser
- May 28
- 3 min read
Well, after several days of awesome spring weather leading up to Memorial Day weekend, we are back in the soggy days of spring. Love the extra water. We are in for another warm-up during the next week. Conditions are changing on the waters as the watermaster has reduced the flows from Lake Tahoe and some of the other inflows to the main Truckee River. All of the bugs are preparing to complete their life cycles, and more are hatching each week. The overcast day has had several Mayfly species and Caddis hatching. And, along with the Ants, has the fish looking up. This may shift to a morning and evening thing as the sun starts to shine in the days ahead. The conditions are excellent, and I see the fishing getting even better over the next few weeks. Exciting times on the river.
Want to improve your skills, deal with higher water? I have a Nymphing Clinic coming up this Saturday May 30th, 2026. Two spot are left. It is the perfect time to sign up for a clinic or take a guided trip. Click here for more information and to sign up for a clinic, or give me a call 530-386-0525.
Truckee River Conditions
Truckee River is flowing at 340 cubic feet a minute above town and 689 cubic feet a minute at Boca. The water temps during the last few days has been 50-54 degrees. I had a 60 degree temp before this last cool down. Prime temps.
Truckee River Tactics
Truckee River Tactics for these conditions are going to be dictated by the water temp and sun. Nymphing is going to be good throughout the day as well as Dry/dropper. The Dry Fly fishing is picking up and good for a few hours in the afternoon and may shift a bit as the sun comes out. The evening hatches are coming. Streamers are worth a try early and late in the day. There are conditions for all tactics throughout the day. It just depends how much gear you want to pack around?
Truckee River Suggested Flies
Truckee River suggested flies: Dry flies: Chubby Chernoble 6-12, Double Dutch 8-10, Royal Wulff 10-12, Ants 10-14, 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: Drowned Ant 10, Haresear 12-16, Burks bottom roller 12-16, Deep Sparkle Pupa 14, Z-wing caddis 14, 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 shaping up nicely. The flows are starting to come down and the water temps are moving into the prime zone and the fish are eager. Pick you technique weather Dries, Nymphing, or Streamers and get out on the water.
Other options
The Little Truckee River currently maintains a substantial flow, though it appears that adjustments may soon reduce flows to a more manageable levels. If the flow remains too strong, consider fishing at the inlet of Boca Reservoir. Additionally, the smaller creeks are beginning to recede, offering opportunities as the weather improves. However, be cautious of the mosquitoes, as they are quite prevalent this spring. For those willing to travel, Milton Reservoir is another excellent option, but be mindful of the mosquitoes there as well.
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