Matt Heron Reports 6/22/24: Truckee River Area

What a difference a few weeks makes!

Things are rolling on the Truckee River right now and conditions are almost as good as they can get.

Flows are a big higher than usual for the third week of June, but water temperatures (most of the day) and clarity could not be any better.

Depending on where you are the time of day, temperatures are anywhere from low 50s to low 60s most of the day. The wind from last week definitely did its job and stirred up Lake Tahoe a bit. That brought river temperatures down, in a good way.

That said, late afternoon and evening temps did hit 68 degrees this week according to our guide Jay Clark on Glenshire Dr. This means pack a thermometer and call it quits around 67-68 degrees. Hoot Owl river closers have started. Spread the word!!

Temps in the canyon, below Boca are better late becuase of the releases on the Lower Little Truckee. If you’re going to fish late, head down low.

Flows from town to Boca are still on a dropping trend (462 cfs), as they have been for weeks. The flows from Boca through the canyon (1,120 cfs) pumped a bit this week when they started dumping Boca Reservoir. The lake is pretty damn full. It’s been a while, definitely a sight for sore eyes.

See all flows HERE.

Bugs, bugs and more bugs. They are all popping on the Truckee River right now.

Where to even start…Green Drakes in Sz 10, PMDs in 16s, Caddis in 14-18s, BWO’s in 18s, Yellow Sallies in 16s, Golden Stones in 10’s, Midges in 20s, Crayfish in 6-10s, something similar to March Browns in a 16…did I forget anything?!!

Oh yeah, hopper-droppers. Don’t leave home without them! Or even Green Drake-droppers.

It’s all happening right now. Have your nymphs, larvae, pupas, emergers, adults and spinners ready to go when you get here. Who the hell knows what you’re going to run into.

We had a one trip this week where my guest landed fish on bobbers, Euro, dries, Hopper-Dropper and Trout Spey. Whey I say it’s all happening right now; I mean it’s all happening!

Quick Reports:

NV Side Truckee River- Not much has changed down there. Our daily float trips are going well and nymphing has been the name of the game. Our crew is running into some fish on streamers and dries. As you can imagine, it’s the same fly list as above on the CA side.

Daily Classes- Our beginner’s classes are still going well and pond temperatures are holding strong to start the season, even with the warm weather. Some really nice rainbows are being landed each day by our students. Drop us a note if you’re looking to tune up that casting stroke!

Sawmill Lake- Sawmill continues to kick out some big rainbows for our guests this season. It’s been a mix of walk and wade from shore (sight fishing or w bobbers) and boat fishing. Most fish are being caught subsurface, but the dry fly thing is very possible if you hit it right.

Middle Fork, Feather River- This little gem continues to throw down good numbers of fish each day for our guests. It’s been some of the more consistent dry fly fishing in the area recently and PMDs, Caddis and hopper-droppers are by far been the go-to on our trips.

If you’re interested in getting out with one of amazing guides, drop Lu a note. She’d love to make your vacation one to remember!