Truckee Tahoe Spring Fly Fishing Report for April 28th, 2026

It is offically Trout Season. I would like to give a big shout out to all the people that came to the 21st Fishmas Eve fundraiser last Friday night at the Blue Coyote. Thanks for supporting our local Trout Unlimited Chapter 103 Tahoe Trout Bums. It was a great night and we managed to raise a few bucks while giving away some cool prizes, pizza, and beer. Hope to see you next year. On to the Fly Fishing Report.

We are anticipating improved weather conditions in the Truckee Area. Recently, it has been somewhat gloomy and cold, aligning more closely with seasonal norms compared to March which was not normal. Such is the nature of spring in the Sierra. This month has been favorable in terms of snowfall and water accumulation, which will benefit us later this summer. The recent weather has caused water temperatures across the area to decrease slightly. With the nicer weather on the way, I expect water temps to gradually rise, which should stimulate fish activity. Although the catch rate is slow, the fish have been quite impressive and very feisty.

For the Truckee River and Little Truckee River, indicator nymphing has been the most effective method due to the current water temperatures and flows. It's important to present your fly right in front of the fish. Adding a bit more weight will be beneficial. The specific type of fly may not be too critical, as there hasn't been much consistency in their diet. The fish have many choices; most of the local insects are available. It's like a buffet down there. Choose your setup and work the water; you'll eventually find an active fish.

Truckee River Conditions

The Truckee River is getting a bump in flows from Lake Tahoe of 349cubic feet a minute, 419 cubic feet a second above town, and down at Boca it is 863 cubic feet a second. The water is clear and the mid-afternoon temps are 46-48 degrees. We could also see a bump in flows as it warms up and the recent snow starts to melt.

Truckee River Tactics

Truckee River Tactics for the conditions requires some patience and nymphing. Covering the water is key and getting the correct weight. It is a smoregashboard of food for the trout. Stones of various sizes, mayfly nymphs, worms, and caddis are all present and available. You may have to change a few times to find the fly du jour but presentation at this time is more important. I have a nymphing clinic coming up on May 30th to help improve your skills.

Truckee River Suggested Flies

Truckee River suggested flies: Dry flies: Chubby Chernoble 6-12, Double Dutch 8-10, Royal Wulff 10-12, 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: Haresear 12-16, Zebra Midge 16-18, 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 kicking out some solid fish. They are feisty. Fish low and slow under and indicator for the best results. As the weather warms this week so should the fishing.

Little Truckee River Conditions

The Little Truckee is flowing at 197 cubic feet a second and down from the last report. The water is clear and mid-day temps are 44-46 degress.

Little Truckee River Tactics

Little Truckee River Tactics again are similar to the Truckee River at the moment given the flows. Nymphing is going to get the best results. The fish still seem to like the smaller bugs. There are some sparse hatches but haven't seen the fish going after dries on top..

Little Truckee River Suggested Flies

Little Truckee River Suggested Flies;  Royal Wulff 12-14, Parachute Adams 14-16, Purple Haze 14-16, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, E/C Caddis 14-16, Thorax Dun 14-16, Sparkle Flag 14-18, Griffiths Gnat 16-20, and Quigley Cripples 12-14. For nymphs: Haresear 12-16, Zebra Midge 16-18, Micro May 16-18, Rainbow Warrior 14-16, Pheasant Tail 12-16, Flashback PT 12-16, Perdigons 14-18, SJW, Cooper Johns 12-18, Frenchie 12 -16, Rubber legs 6-14, Twenty Incher 8-10, and Princes 10-18. For streamers try Woolley Bugger 6, Sculpzilla 8, and Sparkle Minnow 6.

Little Truckee River Summary

The Little Truckee is fishing better than the Truckee. The flows are down to a very manageable level. Tactics are similar to the Truckee, just smaller bugs. Worth shot if you have the time and want to wrangle a nice trout.

Struggling? Want to improve your skills? I have set my clinic schedule for 2026 and now is a great time to sign up for a class or take a guided trip.  Click here for more information and to sign up for a class, or give me a call 530-386-0525.

Nymphing Clinic:  One Day May 30th, 2026

Women's Only Intro Clinic:  One Day June 27th, 2026 Two spots left.

Trout Spey:  One July 19th, 2026

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