Truckee River
California Trout, Whitefish, Bass, Carp
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Truckee River Bite Meter

3 days ago
Trout
Good

Truckee River Fishing Overview

Water Description

The Truckee River flows about 110 miles from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake and was once a prime spawning ground for massive Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Today, it offers a healthy fishery for rainbow and brown trout, with recent stocking efforts aimed at reestablishing cutthroat trout populations. The upper section of the river is paralleled by Highway 89, providing road access to anglers. It is heavily stocked and trout pushing 20 inches can be caught, although most average 9-12 inches. The section from the confluence of Trout Creek to Boca...

The Truckee River flows about 110 miles from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake and was once a prime spawning ground for massive Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Today, it offers a healthy fishery for rainbow and brown trout, with recent stocking efforts aimed at reestablishing cutthroat trout populations.

The upper section of the river is paralleled by Highway 89, providing road access to anglers. It is heavily stocked and trout pushing 20 inches can be caught, although most average 9-12 inches.

The section from the confluence of Trout Creek to Boca Reservoir is a designated wild trout area. Strict and specific regulations are in effect here though solid populations of wild rainbows and browns do exist. This section is paralleled by I-80, giving plenty of access, although there is a private section owned by the San Francisco Fly Casting Club.

Below Boca Reservoir, approaching the Nevada border, the river enters a large canyon making access difficult. This lower section of river, running to the town of Reno, holds the largest fish. Browns and rainbows 6 pounds or greater inhabit this section.

Lahontan Cutthroat are being reintroduced to the Truckee in California and Nevada. Other species that inhabit the river include mountain whitefish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, carp, and cutbows.

Runoff occurring from March through June can make fishing difficult. Early summer provides prolific insect hatches, putting the trout on the bite. Caddis, stoneflies, and mayflies are all on the menu. Fall offers the largest fish, packing on their weight before winter. The river is open to fishing in the winter although the fish are more lethargic in the cold water.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Mountain Whitefish, Common Carp
Stocked Species:
Trout
USGS Conditions:
10338000
Forage / Baitfish:
Lahontan Redside, Speckled Dace, Sucker, Tui Chub
Geography:
Source: Lake Tahoe
Mouth: Pyramid Lake, Nevada
Length: 121 mi
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good Trout bite
Trout
Clear

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...

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.

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The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) reports that river flows are excellent, and fishing conditions are currently great. The river is flowing steadily at around 300 cfs and has been stable for some time. Stocked Lahontan Cutthroat Trout have been reported around parks in town and to the west. Water temperatures are ideal, with fish scattered...

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) reports that river flows are excellent, and fishing conditions are currently great. The river is flowing steadily at around 300 cfs and has been stable for some time. Stocked Lahontan Cutthroat Trout have been reported around parks in town and to the west. Water temperatures are ideal, with fish scattered throughout. Small spinners and spoons are performing well, especially in deeper areas. There have been some late afternoon mayfly hatches, which are expected to increase as winter approaches. Fishing should remain good until extreme cold weather sets in.

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