Carpenter Ants have arrived!!

Drop Lu and a note here to get in on the action!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- Short Vid appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

The good news is, it’s been in the 40’s almost every day, the river is in perfect shape, and we’re getting more access back by the day, if not hour!

Why is this one of my favorite times of year on the Truckee? One answer, Skwala stoneflies. This has to be my favorite stonefly hatch of the season. Although it’s hard to hit it just right, when you do, you could run into your best dry fly fish of the season. I know, because I’ve seen it happen with me personally, and clients.

You all know me, I’m pretty damn honest when it comes to the Truckee and these reports. We won’t be throwing dries at noses all day, but we can blind cast if we aren’t seeing anything. But these big bugs will bring fish off the bottom, even when they aren’t looking up.

That said, if you’re looking for numbers, here’s some information for you.

Most of our fish this week were on Skwala nymphs, rubberlegs, eggs and worms as our attractor fly. The fish were eating baetis, midges and some winter stones as the dropper. No real seasonal surprises there. You could even try some March Browns in 14s and 16s.

If I had to pick one all around size and fly to fish, it’d be by far a sz. 18 Baetis. Have a good selection of nymphs, emergers and even dries. Tis the season for Baetis on top too!

Also, it’s almost prime streamer time too. Eventually the water is going to come up a bit, and then a whole lot. Be ready with 0x and a selection of 3-4″ bugs with natural colors. Speaking of big fish!

Drop Lu and I a note HERE if you’re looking to get in on the action. We’ll have a lot of water this spring again, and you won’t want to miss out!

-Matt and Lu

Matt W’s PB dry fly fish, Sz. 20 Baetis emerger. Congrats!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- March 13, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

We’re still waiting on winter to show up in Truckee this season. There’s very little snow in town and the the river conditions are as consistent as they’ve ever been in December and January as I’ve ever seen.

Although it’s been in the 50s the last few days, water temps have stayed in the high 30s to low 40s, pretty typical for this time of year.

We’re getting most of our fish on the classic winter bugs…baetis and midges. Like the last report, there’s a few winter stones around, a small rubberlegs in black is a great option, eggs and even some small streamers dead drifted under an indicator are doing the trick.

There are some dry fly opportunities around if you hit it right, but nothing you can put you watch to. Again, midges and baetis.

Flows are pretty much perfect from town through the canyon but there’s a chance that may change next week.

It will be interesting to see what California’s next Atmospheric River brings to the area, snow or rain. Only time will tell, but next week we’ll definitely be a little wet!

Drop Lu and I a note on our Contact page if you’re looking to get out. As you can see there’s some really nice fish around right now!

Our boy Pat G. with a stunner!

The post Truckee River Fishing Report, January 29th, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

It’s been an odd start to winter with very little snow to this point and the occasional sloppy rain, snow-mix system passing through town. Although it hasn’t done anything for snowpack yet, it has helped the bite if you’re timing is good.

Not surprisingly, those days have produced some of the better dry fly fishing so far this winter with baetis and midges being the main two bugs on top.

That said, in typical Truckee fashion, nymphing has been the go-to technique with some streamer fish in the mix.

The flows from town to Boca are average for this time of year, pretty low and pretty clear for the most part. As of today we’re looking at 124 cfs. We’re getting most fish on 4-6x tippet and small flies on average. 16s-20s are pretty good sizes to start with. There are even a few winter stones around, but not many…yet.

Below Boca the river is running at 348 cfs., the canyon is about the same, and has a perfect “steelhead green” color to it. Although the fish are eating the small stuff too, several fish are being caught on 12-16s as well. Don’t be afraid to use small leeches, rubberlegs, eggs and worms as an attractor. A baetis or midge dropper is a good idea too.

We’re getting most fish to eat 4x from Boca down through the canyon.

I had the privilege of joining one of our guests for his float trip on the NV side with our guide Mike Curtis. We had a great day catching smaller cutties, a bunch of adult bows and one really nice brown on a streamer.

If you haven’t taken advantage of the floating the NV side yet, you should! The river has a much different personality down there and you can have more shots at big browns. Although the water is cold for streamers right now, we did get three eats and several follows. You never know unless you try!

Drop Lu and I a tone if you’re looking to hop on a raft and fish down in NV. You won’t regret it.

See you on the water.

Matt

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- January 1st, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

Here’s a small excerpt from our friends at Fly Water Travel…

Whether you are a seasoned fly angler or new to the sport, this trip to Montana with Simon Gawesworth is sure to be an exciting and educational adventure. Simon will be traveling with the latest Sage fly rods and RIO fly lines perfectly matched for the Missouri River. Students will learn in the classroom on select mornings and evenings and spend the first day learning to cast with Simon and Matt. The second day of the course is designed to teach anglers how to fish with dry flies, nymphs and indicators, streamers and soft hackles, all while wade fishing on the Missouri River. The remaining two days concentrate on putting into practice the skills learned with two days of guided fishing with top Montana guides.

Far Bank Fly Fishing Schools are designed so that students leave the course with all the knowledge and skills needed for a lifetime of enjoyment in fly fishing. We do this by keeping the instructor to student ratio to an absolute minimum. On group lesson days there will be a maximum of 4 students per instructor, and on the putting-into-practice fishing days, only two guests per professional guide.

Group Size: 8 students  (a minimum of 6 students is needed to run the school.

Itinerary: 

• April 30: Arrive Wolf Creek Lodge, Montana
• May 1: Classroom and casting sessions with Simon and Matt 
• May 2: Morning classroom session, full day of wade fishing with Simon and Matt…

Continue reading here with Fly Water Travel.

The post Montana Trout School w/ a Legend! appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

It’s a bittersweet time for me, fall is one of my favorite times of the year to hit the Truckee, but winter has
some advantages that can’t be overlooked.

Here’s a few pros and cons to consider if you’re looking to book a winter trip with myself, or one of our
awesome guides this season.

CONS:

-It can be cold. However, on a normal day, you can expect to see highs in the 40s though. Totally doable with the right clothing and layers.

-Although there are exceptions, it’s typically not a numbers game. The smaller fish disappear for the most part which keeps catch rates lower than usual.

PROS:

-Between the skiing community hitting the slopes, and fair-weather fishermen, it’s usually not crowded on the Truckee from mid-December on. Life is good.

-The average fish can be much bigger than in the summer, and it’s not even close!

-The colors of the post spawn brown, and pre spawn rainbows can be off the charts. We’ll find some of the best-looking fish of the year.

-Because we can run into low, clear conditions, sight fishing can be really, really, good. And if you know me well, this is my game!

In the end, it’s hard to beat big fish and less people. Grab your warm socks and give us a call!

Enjoy a few images from winters past. 

The post Pros and Cons: Winter Fly Fishing appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

Water temps are dropping (mid to low 40s), and fish are slowly starting to transition from medium speed water to winter holding runs. Pretty soon, most fish will be in slow, deep water as winter temps are just around the corner.

All the classic fall/winter bugs are working out there. Our guides are getting fish on a mix of eggs, worms, baetis nymphs and dries (sz 18-22), midge larvae and pupa (sz 18-22). We’re also seeing some early winter stones (sz 16), some small caddis (sz 16) and few leftover October caddis (sz 12).

It’s also a great time of year to dead drift streamers under an indicator or strip them on cloudy/rainy/snowy days!

If you’re lucky enough to hit the right spot at the right time, there’s even some dry fly fishing to be had on the Truckee. The Little Truckee has been cranking out some amazing dry fly days, but the fish are picky as I’ve ever seen and will humble you in a hurry. But it’s still fun!

Our slowest month of the year is almost here, Thanksgiving-Christmas. The crowds are gone, the fish are eating, and I even have a few days open. Drop me a note and let’s get after it!

Brad with a stunner last week!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- November 21st appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

It’s hard to beat the first cool, consistently lower air and water temps since May. These two things typically lead to a few things every trout angler loves…

• We can typically see the first consistent hatches in months. Can you say baetis?! Give me clouds, rain, snow a little crappy weather and things can go off!
• Pre and post spawn browns can be a little easier to run into this time of year. With exceptions, we don’t get many big browns in the summer and fall can be the time that changes.

So what’s the deal with this fall? Well, it’s easy…

We haven’t had this much water in the fall since 2017!! We should have better water temps are more water than in recent memory. Both can lead to ridiculously better fishing than we have on an average year!

It’s no surprise that me and our guides are already seeing an uptick in fall booking with our repeats and regulars. The secret is out, and serious anglers are already planning what could be the best fall conditions I’ve seen in my 17 years in Truckee!

Now’s the time, don’t wait. If you’re looking to get a little help on the river this fall, our team of experienced guide are ready to show you and unforgettable time on the water. You never know, you may just run into one of the browns that had made the Truckee famous!

-Matt

Our boy Rob Wolford with last years fish of the season…in the FALL!

The post Two reasons why you can NOT miss this fall on the Truckee River! appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

The river between Truckee and Lake Tahoe along Rt. 89 is still very low as they are continuing to hold water back in the lake. This isn’t surprising at all, but at some point, sooner than later releases will happen. The good news is that will give the river a much-needed flush of fresh water. It also helps that evening temps are getting cooler and that surface water coming out of the lake won’t be nearly as warm as it was a few weeks ago.

Through DT Truckee to Boca is a little low, but nothing crazy, and definitely worth fishing. Water temps are really good most of the day, but it wouldn’t hurt to keep a thermometer with you after around 3pm. Once the water temps hit 68 degrees (they may not), give the fish rest and come back for that last hour before dark.

From Boca to NV conditions are nearly perfect. That’s all you really need to know. If you can, fish it!

Evening hatches are decent to good with caddis and yellow sallies being the main go-to for most anglers. That said, almost all fish on top in the evenings are 1-2 years old. Small but fun. You’ll have to walk some to find the few adults on top before dark.

Mornings and afternoons are when most anglers are fishing, no surprise there. Our guides have been getting most fish on bobber and tight-line rigs, with hopper-droppers right behind that. There really aren’t many hatches early or around lunch worth talking about. You may see some bugs, but the dry fly fishing has been slow.

A lot of you have fished with me in the summers and you know I’m a sucker for a good hopper-dropper rig. Occasionally, you’ll run into a big summer fish on top too! That said, it is the Truckee, and most fish are taking the dropper.

Don’t overlook fast rifles and pocket water this time of year. Fish are relying on the bubbles and the oxygen in those areas with water temps in the high 50s/low 60s most of the day.

The main bugs have been caddis larva and pupa- 16 to 18s, PMD nymphs- sz 16s, rubberlegs and other assorted stoneflies- 10s to 14s, crayfish and worms. Some yellow sally nymphs have been catching fish too.

If you have questions or are looking to get a guide, let us know. Lu and I are ready to get you on the water, and make sure you have a great day on vacation!

-Matt and Lu

Shari with an amazing buck earlier this week!

The post Truckee Fly Fishing Report- August 19th, 2023 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

Having booked dates and hotel rooms 3-6 months out, we were committed, and I’m glad we where.

Our first round of students set the standard with excitement, passion, and an incredible few days being introduced to fly fishing.

Goals for the week…cast better, tie knots faster, bugs and fly selection, and reading the water.

We had an absolute blast with the first crew of the year, and I want to thank you all for joining us this week. Not to mention a big thanks to guides John and Mike for helping along the way!

Enjoy a few highlights from the week and see our summer Trout School openings below.

Email us anytime for a full itinerary, details and pricing at mattheronflyfishinginfo@gmail.com

-Matt and Lu

The post Truckee Trout School 101 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.