This fall report will focus on the Truckee River and Little Truckee Rivers. It sure has been nice up here for the last several weeks. However, it looks like we are switching to a cooler weather pattern. It's snowing today. This may slow the fishing somewhat as the water temps are starting to dip down into the cooler side. The bugs are also getting to be smaller and hatching during the warmer part of the day. The Truckee River flows are up a bit in town as they are dumping Donner Lake and this usually stirs the fish up a bit.
Like I mentioned above this has been a great fall for fishing in the Truckee Tahoe area. There have been some nice fish being hooked up and landed mostly with nymphing and streamer techniques. Also, had some nice surprises on the dries last week as well. Overall it has been an excellent fall for fishing. We may still have some good days left before the big weather hits. Keep those rods warmed up for a little while longer anyway.
While this report is focused on the rivers but the reservoirs are starting to get lower and cool down as well. This cool down may bring some of the big boys out of the depths looking for an easy meal to fatten up on for the winter. It is not a bad time to work the shoreline with a streamer. Just might get lucky!
Truckee River conditions
The flows above town are 63cfs and Donner Creeks is now at 75cfs. While Boca is at 404cfs. Clarity has been really good above the Boca inflow and a little off color below. Water temps are cooling and getting into the low 50's mid-day.
Truckee River Tactics
Truckee River Tactics for this time of year is to change it up. The water is getting colder and the bugs are getting even smaller. Fishing low and slow in the deeper holes and tailouts should get a few fish. No need to hit it early especially if it is freezing at night. Fish the heat of the day. Nymphing and streamers will be the best bet with some occasional dry fly action mixed in on the overcast days. The extra water from Donner Lake should fire up the fish a bit from Donner Creek to the Little Truckee inflow.
Truckee River Suggested flies
Truckee River suggested flies are getting smaller with smaller beatis and midges being the most prevalent. The October Caddis seemed to be almost finished but I have seen a few around. For dry flies try the Parachute Adams 14-20, Thorax Dun 16-20, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Royal Wulff 14-16, Chubby Chernoble 10, Double Dutch 8-10, Quigley Cripples 14-18, Missing link 16, and E/C Caddis 16-18. For nymphs: Haresear 14-18, Burks Bottom Roller 14-16, Micro May 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-20, Zebra Midge 18-22, Pheasant Tail 12-16, Flashback PT 12-16, Perdigons 16-18, SJW, Copper Johns 14-18, Prospector 14-16, Frenchie 14 -16, Rubber legs 6-10, Kauffman Stone 8-10, Twenty Incher 8-10, and Princes 10-16. For streamers: Sculpzilla 8, Wooley Bugger 6-8, and Baby Fat Minnow 8.
Truckee River Summary
The Truckee River has been fishing pretty good. Colder temps are coming but also more water is being released from Donner Lake and can improve the fishing downstream. Fishing during the heat of the day will be the most productive for what ever technique you are using.
Little Truckee River conditions
The Little Truckee River flows are 129cfs and clarity is good. Water temps are in the upper 40's.
Little Truckee River Tactics
The Tactics for the Little Truckee are fine tippets and smaller flies. Dries, Dry/dropper, and nymphing techniques will get it done out here. Should be some good Dryfly action on the overcast days. Take your time and make good presentations.
Little Truckee River Suggested flies
For Dries: Parachute Adams 14-22, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, E/C Caddis 16/18, Quigley Cripple 16-20, Thorax Dun 16-22, Hackle Stacker 18, Emergers 16-20, RS2 20, Griffiths Gnat 18-20, and Compara Dun 16-20. For nymphs: Haresear 14-18, Brassie 16-20, AP nymph 16-20, Micro May 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-20, Barrs emerger 14-18, Pheasant Tail 14-20, Flashback PT 14-20, Juju Beatis 16-18, Perdigons 16-18, SJW, Copper Johns 12-16, Zebra Midge 16-20, and Princes 16-18.
Little Truckee River Summary
The Little Truckee River has excellent flows right now. Look for some good Dryfly action on overcast days otherwise nymphing will pick up the fish. Good luck out there.
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