Fishing Season: Year Round

Truckee River - NV

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

37

Orvis Reno's Tip of the Week

Not too much has changed on the river over the last week. Flows have stayed consistent at around 440 CFS through the downtown gauge with water temperatures dipping into the high 30s. The California side of the Truckee is seeing similar conditions with 430 CFS through Farad and temperatures in the high 30s. As temperatures continue to drop as we get deeper into winter look to find fish stacked into deep and slow pools. Bug life will look the same through most of winter as midges and BWOs are going to be your main hatches. Small and dark nymphs will be your best bet but dries and emergers are productive as well when you see bugs rising and fish surfacing. Larger and meatier flies like crayfish and stoneflies also work this time of the year as they present a larger meal for the trout. The middle of the day has been the most productive time to fish as temperatures are at their highest and the fish are more willing to move.

Directions open in app

Map of Truckee River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Brian Slusser (California)

5-Day Outlook as of 2/1/24

Temperatures are going to drop into the low to high 30s for most of next week. Fish are going to start moving into some deeper and slower water as the water temperatures start to get cold. Being persistent is important this time of the year as fish are more lethargic and less likely to move for food.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/1/24

Indicators, streamers, and swinging will be the best methods to reach fish in slower water as they allow you to cover some distance. Dry fly fishing can be productive as well when there is action on surface. ESN is also productive but it isn't the main method we use in winter.

Local Species Available Year Round

  • Fish Icon

    Browns

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbows

  • Fish Icon

    Cutthroat

  • Fish Icon

    Cutbows

  • Fish Icon

    Mountain Whitefish

  • Fish Icon

    Carp

Orvis Reno's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Tungsten Nemec Stone Nymph natural 8-12
RS2 natural 14-16
Micro Egg Natural 16-20
Tunghead Pheasant Tail olive, brown, black 14-16
Sculpzilla white,olive,black 4
Spanish Bullet olive 14-18
Bead Head Brassie™ UV Brown 14-16
Tunghead Quill Jig Natural 12-16
Mountain Lobster olive, orange 12
Balanced Sculpin olive, white 6

Tungsten Nemec Stone Nymph

Reach the deepest lies with this tungsten stonefly nymph.

2.99

Item #9R8R

Buy Now

Orvis Reno's Recommended Gear

Description: About Truckee River

The Truckee River originates in the pristine turquoise waters of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Flowing north to north-east it flows 115 miles through the town of Truckee and right through downtown Reno dropping around 2,430 feet before it dumps into Pyramid Lake. The Nevada side of the Truckee starts out similar to the California side with pocket water and lots of riffles. As it works it's way east of Reno the water slows dramatically and the pockets become long deep runs with scattered rifles. Many of the bigger fish come from the Nevada side of the Truckee with good numbers of Browns pushing six plus pounds. The river is also home to Rainbows, Cutbows, Cutthroat, Mountain Whitefish, and Carp.

Nearest Airport:

Reno, NV

Hatches:

BWO Midges Crayfish Sculpin Other baitfish patterns

Best Time to Fish:

Noon-early afternoon

Best Stretch:

From Downtown to Stateline on the Nevada side, and stateline to Truckee.

Best Access:

Best access points on the river are areas west and east of Reno including Mayberry Park, Crystal Peak Park, Mogul, Verdi, and Lockwood.