Nevada County Fishing Reports

The Truckee is running high with spring runoff, but flows are fishable and clarity’s better than expected. Blue-winged olives, March browns, and small caddis are hatching mid-day, and fish are taking dries and nymphs. Indicator rigs are the main producer, but streamers are moving some good fish, and dry fly windows have opened up on cloudy afternoons. Check out Matt's video for more details.

Rising water has been reshaping the edges at Boca, pushing fresh mud onto the banks and creating some messy foot traffic for shore anglers. Still, the bite near the dam and southeast shoreline has been decent, especially early. Nightcrawlers and PowerBait fished off the bottom are working best.

Boaters working the open water are connecting with both trout and kokanee. Most fish are coming 45 to 60 feet down, hitting small Rapalas, dodgers, and spinner setups. The bite isn’t wide open, but if you cover water and stay on the move, you’ll find action. The middle of the lake has been more productive than the edges.

Up near the inlet, fly anglers are seeing occasional grabs swinging leeches and small streamers... more of a quality-over-quantity game right now, but worth a look.

Mackinaw are the main show right now at Donner, with trollers pulling big plugs… think Rapalas… down deep, around 100–110 feet. The east shore and the area near the main launch are producing best. Kokanee are just starting to wake up, holding at 35–40 feet. CDFW rainbow trout stocks are projected this week, which should boost action for shore casters. PowerBait and floating nightcrawlers remain top picks.

Surface temps start in the low 50s and climb a few degrees by afternoon. Water’s crystal clear, which is helping boat anglers spot depth transitions and structure. The best bite has been early, just before the sun pops.