Truckee River Fly Fishing Report

Matt Heron Reports on 12/29/2016

A Christmas miracle on the Truckee - This has to be without a doubt one of the best weeks of fishing on the Truckee in years. We all knew that the back to back floods in the last month were what the Truckee needed, but had no idea it would recharge the the river as well as it has.

Flows are absolutely perfect and the river is running between 250 and 420cfs between town and the canyon. In the mornings we’re seeing water that is clear to “steelhead green”. With daytime temps in the 40s, the river has been getting little darker in the afternoons. It’s as good as it gets.

Fish have been eating a little bit of everything but baetis have been the main stay. Most of our fish have been on 18s in black, olive or brown. Other flies working are zebra midges, PTs, winter stones and worms.

Although they haven’t been as consistent, also try slow stripping streamers. Start with natural colors about 2.5" long.  

Water temps are cold and make sure you’re concentrating on winter holding water. Go with “slow and low”. Find slow water, and fish it near the bottom.

After this week we’ll be back to having the river to ourselves untill the next winter break. If you’re looking for solitude and big fish the next two months will be hard to beat.

Contact us at 518-225-6587 or at mattheronflyfishing.com. You can also follow our daily catches on Instagram.