Truckee Tahoe Summer Fly Fishing Report July 20th, 2026

The conditions are starting to change up here in Truckee and this report is going to be a long one that you can reference until we recieve a significant weather change. While most of us like this summer time weather it is a bit hard on our trout in the rivers. Time to follow that thermometer as we move into Hoot Owl conditions. The evening now may be too warm to fish without endangering the trout we all like to fool. That is if you practice catch and release. For those new to the sport here is a link that explains "hoot owl" conditions https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Hoot-Owl and we are going into those conditions now. Here are some tips for where to go when.

For those that don't know, the flows that we are seeing on the Truckee River are coming off the top of Lake Tahoe and are very warm. While it is nice to have this current level of flow, the Lake Tahoe surface temp was 70 degrees today! From what I have seen when the overnight low air temps are above 50 degrees, the river does not cool down much over night. If the air temps are over 55 degrees overnight the river doesn't cool down at all overnight. So with that in mind you may have to adjust your fishing timing, hit up a true tailwater fishery like Little Truckee above and below boca, or hit up the reservoirs for the excellent smallmouth fishing that they offer.

The Truckee River on the California side can be divided into three main sections Tahoe City to Donner Creek, Donner Creek to Boca inflow, and Boca inflow down to stateline. The upper river is a morning fishery only. Down below Boca inflow is a different story with the colder water coming out of Boca but it's only cooling off the river for a couple of miles downstream.

Tahoe City to Donner Creek is a short morning window if at all. Once below the River Ranch the river starts into some pocket water sections that will help to aerate it and cool it overnight, as well as some ground water springs providing cooler water.

Donner Creek inflow to Boca inflow has alot more of the same type of pocket water and more groundwater springs coming in to help cool it overnight. You'll have to watch the thermometer here but the river is hitting 68 degrees around 11:30am. So you have a decent morning window here.

Boca inflow to Statline is good for most of the day, especially up closer to Boca. At the Floriston Gage the river hit 68 dergrees at 3:30pm today.

Of course colder weather and some snow would change this but this is the reality of summer right now, and most seasons actually. The morning has been excellent fly fishing. However, the fish are getting wise and refusing sloppy presentations.

Andrew found this guy in some pretty fast water. Had a great battle.

Truckee River Conditions

Truckee River is flowing at 282 cubic feet a second above Truckee and 489 cubic feet a second at Boca Bridge. The water temps during the last few days have been 67-68 degrees in the late afternoon above Boca inflow. Below Boca inflow it is a bit cooler with 64-66 degrees in the late afternoon. The morning temps are good and vary by section. River water clairtiy is good.

Truckee River Tactics

Truckee River tactics for these conditions, like I mentioned in the last report, is to follow the thermometer and fish the cooler water. The fish like the pocket water this time of year. Fish earlier in the day. The dry fly fishing continues to be great with the fish looking up even with nothing going on. Dry/dropper rigs are also a solid choice. Nymphing in all its forms is a good mid-day option throughout the system. For the streamer enthusiasts get out early.

Truckee River Suggested Flies

Truckee River suggested flies: Dry flies: Chubby Chernoble 6-12, Double Dutch 8-10, Royal Wulff 10-12, Ants 14-16, Parachute Adams 14-16, Purple Haze 14-16, Thorax Dun 14-16, Sparkle Flag 14-18, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, Spent Caddis 14-16, E/C Caddis14-16, Little Yellow Stone 14-16, Missing Link 14-16, Rusty Spinners 14-16, and Quigley Cripples 12-14. For nymphs: 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, My Gal Sal 14-16, 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 is fishing great for all styles of flyfishing. The key is to follow your thermometer. Mornings are the best now and until the next weather change. If the Truckee is too warm in the afternoon then give the smallmouth bass a go on one of the reservoirs.

Leo got a nice Brown Trout on his first trip to the LT

Little Truckee River Conditions

The Little Truckee flows are currently 130cfs and have been steady for several days. Although there was a disruption in the flows one day last week. It is best to check the flows before heading out there. Water temps were 53-55 degrees mid-day. Clarity is good.

Little Truckee River Techniques

Little Truckee River technique is dry flies. Green Drakes, PMD's, BWO's, and some Caddis are out and about. The fish are looking up at times. It has been good. In between hatches try dry/droppers or nymphing in the deeper holes. Expect to see other anglers out here as well.

Little Truckee River Suggested Flies

Suggested Flies for the LT are GreenDrakes, PMD's, BWO's, and Caddis. For Dries: Parachute Adams 14-22, Green Drake 10, Green Drake emerger 10, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, E/C Caddis 14/16, Quigley Cripple 14-16, Thorax Dun 14-16, Hackle

Stacker 14-16, Melon Quill 14-16, Flim Critic 14-16, Emergers 16-20, RS218- 20, Griffiths Gnat 18-20, Soft Hackles 14-16, and Compara Dun 10-16. For nymphs: Haresear 14-18, Burks Bottom Roller 14-16, HBI 16-18, Brassie 16-20, AP nymph 14-16, Micro May 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-20, Barrs emerger 14-18, Pheasant Tail 14-20, Flashback PT 14-20, Juju Beatis 16-18, Perdigons 16-18, SJW, Copper Johns 12-16, Zebra Midge 16-20, and Princes 16-18.

Little Truckee River Summary

The Little Truckee River has been at a steady flow for several days. The fish are looking up to well presented flies such as Green Drakes and PMD's Nymphing between hatches is good as well. Check the flows as they could be lowered again at anytime.

Join Me for an Unforgettable Fly Fishing Experience!

Four Seasons Fly Fishing is the leading #Orvis endorsed guide service in the Truckee and Tahoe region. We specialize in #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 experience:

• Call or Text: 530-386-0525

Email: brian@flyfishingtruckee-tahoe.com