Not much has changed since last weeks Truckee River Report, but it’s still worth a look.

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report: February 18, 2025 (video) appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

In the case of 2024, it seems Trout Spey is next on the list. Now of course the idea, or even interest of swinging flies for trout is nothing new. Spey junkies alike, including myself, have been keen on purposely swinging flies for decades, if not more. Not that there’s anything wrong with the accidental grab at the end of a nymphing drift!

Like the current Euro craze though, there seems to be a bit of a momentum shift in the sport, and industry. Yearly, we’re seeing more and more rods, lines, flies, content and all around information about trout spey than ever before.

Although the reasons why this “craze” is growing now can be debated, there’s no arguing the fact that it’s happening, and fast.

As someone who transitioned to swinging flies for steelhead when I moved to the west coast twenty years ago, the idea of swinging for Truckee River trout only made sense too. And was a simple one too.

Over the years, Lu has had dozens, if not more requests for trout spey trips with me and our guides. We’ve given endless lessons on casting, presentation and even had our fair share of success on the notoriously challenging Truckee River.

Lu and I are excited to finally add Trout Spey to our Truckee Trout School lineup! Here’s the details.

What: One day, beginners crash course on all things Trout Spey.

When: July 21st OR 22nd. Max 4 students per class.

Price: $350/pp

Time: 8am-4pm. Time is subject to change.

Where: Truckee River. Location TBD

Program Overview: This school is ideal for anyone new to trout spey, or a beginner/low intermediate spey angler looking to improve the skills they already have. Like all our trout schools, the focus will be teaching and learning, more so than catching fish. This is not a guide trip. However, we highly recommend booking a guide day as a follow up if it fits your schedule.

The day will be a mix of “classroom” style lessons on land focusing on the rods, running line, shooting heads, tips and leader construction. We’ll also cover fly selection pertaining to soft hackles and streamers.

The “on the water” portion of the day will include the basic roll cast, anchor placement, forming a D-loop and the forward cast. Specialty casts will include the Double Spey and Snap-T.

We’ll also discuss reading the water and swung fly presentations for trout.

Gear: Matt will provide all gear needed for the day. Feel free to bring your own gear though if you’d like!

Bonuses: We’ll also put together a nice little swag bag for each student to go home with!

This will be a fun one and we fully expect to sell out all 4 spots each day. Follow up asap with any questions or to book!

-Matt and Lu

The post Truckee Trout School: Trout Spey July 21st & 22nd appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

It was hard to imagine that winter fishing on the Truckee could get any better after an amazing January. But it did. The first week of February brought us low pressure, rain, snow, sleet and anything else you can imagine. And boy did it pay off.

Although the mountains above 7500ft. got a lot of much needed snow, Truckee stayed relatively wet with lots of rain and very little snow as far as accumulation goes. Not ideal, but after two months of the region being dry, anything helps.

The Truckee River even got a huge push of water, a much needed “flush” if you will. The river peaked between 1,000 and 1,700 cfs last week and got pretty muddy for a day or two. As it should, it dropped and cleared to “fishable” visibility pretty quickly. Just the way we like it.

A few rainy-day rainbows for a couple of our regulars!

Here are a few more details on conditions…

Flows: Water levels have stayed up from downtown Truckee to Boca and have hovered around 600-500 most of the week. We’re at 482 as we speak. Normal winter flows, pre storm were 100-250 most of the winter. So bring your high water rigs the rest of this week.

Flows in the canyon are slightly higher at 624. They have been a bit higher than that most of the week leading up today. Flows prior to this week were around 400 or so. So, in reality, the canyon has only come up a bit and is in great shape.

Flies: We’ve gotten fish on just about everything this week, not unusual for water that has been slightly off color. Baetis 18-20s, rubberlegs 10-12s, leeches (any size), midges 18-20s, eggs and worms.

TECHNIQUES:

Nymphing: Not secrets here, bobber and Euro techniques are putting the most fish in the net this time of year. If the water has any color, you don’t need to fish anything lighter than 4X. Go heavy or go home.

Gordy with a great, sunny morning bow!

Dry Fly: There was some scattered dry fly fishing before the storm, but that mostly went away. That said the midge hatches were really good and should come back into shape. Keep an eye on BWOs and maybe an early skwala or two.

Trout Spey: Swinging was a bit slow this week, the water was cold, and the fish didn’t want to move much to eat. That said I recently left town for a bit, and I can guarantee it turned on a bit with the water color. I’d be tossing small streamers and hold on!

Streamers: Again, cold water had the streamer bite on the slow side, but don’t overlook big meals in the winter months. Use 10 or 12 pound and fish the edges, drop offs, or even dead drift one. Trust me.

What’s Next?: March and skwalas will be here before we know it. One of my favorite times of year to get a big fish on a dry. Don’t miss out!

Looking for a Truckee River guide this winter or spring? Drop Lu and I a message. We’d love to set you up for an unforgettable day on the river.

-Matt

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report: February 9th, 2025 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

Below you’ll find the school, the dates, pricing and a brief overview of each school. Please drop us a note for the full itinerary or to book.

As many of you know, these dates will not last long, please don’t wait!

Two Day Truckee Trout School 101: June 23 & 24, $999/pp

Overview: This school is perfect for anglers looking to pick up a rod for the first time, or beginners looking to take a leap forward with the following skills…

Location: Day will be at the resort on our private stocked pond, day two, Truckee River.

Casting: Pick up and lay down cast, false casting, changing distance and direction, fishing, playing and landing fish.

Gear Introduction: Rods, reels, lines, terminal tackle, knots and rigging, fly selection & more.

River Focus: Dry fly fishing, Indicator fishing, reading the water, aquatic entomology.

Two Truckee Trout School 201: June 9 & 10, $999/pp

Overview: This school is perfect for anglers that consider their skill level to be high beginner to high intermediate. We’ll be focusing on the following skills…

Location: Truckee River, both days based on local conditions.

Euro Nymphing: Day one will primarily focus on and introduction to Euro and Tight Line style techniques. This includes, rods, leader construction, casting techniques, reading the water, setting the hook and more.

Streamer Fishing: Day two will primarily focus on an introduction to streamer fishing. This includes rods, lines, leaders, rigging, casting techniques, retrieval techniques and fly selection.

Other Areas of Focus: Introduction to aquatic macro invertebrates, knots and more.

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

FLOWS: Flows throughout the entire system are perfect for this time of year. From Truckee to Boca, we saw a nice little push of water this week giving the Truckee River a much needed flush. It’s holding steady around 137cfs as of today.

The same in the canyon section of the Truckee River, below Boca to the NV border. Down in Farad, flows are 444cfs, again, perfect in my opinion. Fishing in the canyon this time of year can be a great excuse to get away from people too. Generally, most winter tourists stay up near town. Don’t be afraid to hike a bit to get away from the crowds.

FLIES: Although I was up north for most of the weather, our guides reported good baetis hatches on both rivers once the clouds rolled in earlier this week. This isn’t surprising if you’ve ever read any of my winter reports.

Always have a good selection of sz 18-22 baetis patterns in nymphs, emergers, cripples and duns. You simply can’t go wrong even if there’s no hatch.

Midges are always a good bet too. No secrets here, have a bunch of 18-24s (smaller flies for up higher on the river where it’s low and clear), larve, pupe and adults. Any variations of zebra midges and adults will be fine.

Slightly bigger bugs may include winter stones, worms, eggs and rubberlegs. Have a good mix with these options will put you in a position to catch any fish on the river right now.

And don’t overlook the streamer thing too. I’m a big fan of dead drifting them anytime during the winter, or even slow stripping them on cloudy, or “crappy” days. The fish will chase occasionally even with cold water.

TECHNIQUES: It’s a bit of everything right now, but we’re getting a lot of fish on indicator or Euro rigs. No surprise there. Really fucus your attention on deeper, slower runs. Fish the bottom and add weight and adjust that indicator as needed.

As you’d assume, if any winter noses show themselves with baeits or midges, it’s game on! There are very few anglers tossing dries right now and it’s always good to be prepared for the winter hatch.

If you really want to “swing for the fences” don’t be afraid to strip or swing streamers. I typically downsize them to three inches or less when the water is clear and cold. This can be an underutilized technique in the winter to try and get a big fish.

Other Local Options-

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER: I’ll keep this short and sweet. Flows are up for this time of year and the fish don’t mind at all. There’s no question that the Little Truckee has seen the best dry fly fishing in the area. To those in the know, that’s not a surprise. Baetis, midges, worms and eggs are the ticket. Sound familiar?

The only negative is the number of people. It’s great fishing, but you’ll more than likely be dealing with some crowds. Remember, the road back there doesn’t get plowed. Be prepared if you get stuck, or don’t risk it at all.

TRUCKEE RIVER NV SIDE: We’re still cranking out floats consistently on the NV side and man has the fishing been good! If you hit it right, it can be a mix of size and numbers with the conditions we’re looking at right now. Walk and wade trips are going well too, but don’t overlook a float this time of year.

Lastly, it’s not to late to get that last minute gift certificate for the angler in your life that has everything!

Drop us a note HERE and we’ll get you set up for the holidays.

If you’re looking to get our with one of our amazing guides, let us know, we’d love to show you around!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- December 16, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

In the case of 2024, it seems Trout Spey is next on the list. Now of course the idea, or even interest of swinging flies for trout is nothing new. Spey junkies alike, including myself, have been keen on purposely swinging flies for decades, if not more. Not that there’s anything wrong with the accidental grab at the end of a nymphing drift!

Like the current Euro craze though, there seems to be a bit of a momentum shift in the sport, and industry. Yearly, we’re seeing more and more rods, lines, flies, content and all around information about trout spey than ever before.

Although the reasons why this “craze” is growing now can be debated, there’s no arguing the fact that it’s happening, and fast.

As someone who transitioned to swinging flies for steelhead when I moved to the west coast twenty years ago, the idea of swinging for Truckee River trout only made sense too. And was a simple one too.

Over the years, Lu has had dozens, if not more requests for trout spey trips with me and our guides. We’ve given endless lessons on casting, presentation and even had our fair share of success on the notoriously challenging Truckee River.

But have we ever really promoted as a thing we do, or as a technique that can be as effective as it is rewarding on the Truckee River? Truthfully, not really.

I have a feeling that’s about to change thank to our friends at Sage and RIO.

So, let me ask you, would you be interested in taking the next step as an angler and digging more into the world of trout spey?

Let us know your thoughts below. We’d love to hear your feedback. And keep an eye out for some new programs coming down the pipe.

-Matt and Lu

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

Well so far this year, October was really good and November is shaping up to be even better. Flows and temps on both rivers are absolutely perfect. After hosting a week in BC (report coming), flows increased on the Truckee and Little Truckee River while I was gone.

Temps are anywhere from mid to high 40s, through mid 50s. Absolutely perfect for the fall.

Flows from the Lake Tahoe to Boca are ranging from 100cfs to 160cfs, while the canyon from Boca to NV is perfect at 450cfs.

Our guides are reporting really good numbers of fish on both rivers, some big fish in the mix, and more browns than usual. A classic Truckee River report for this time of year.

The bugs right now are everything you’d expect. We’re getting fish on a mix of 18-20 BWOs/Baetis (by far the go-to), sz 18 caddis, sz 16 Mahogany Duns, crayfish, eggs, sz 18-22 midges and San Juan worms. No real secrets right now!

Dry fly fishing has been hit or miss on the Truckee, more miss if you made me pick. The Little Truckee has been kicking out way more dry fly eats, but you have to deal with quite a few other anglers. Pros and cons, you know the drill.

And lets not forget it’s fall. If you’re up here with any kind of weather rolling through, get the streamer rods out and hold on!

Other Local Waters

NV Side, Truckee River: Our NV guides are reporting some of the best numbers of the entire season as we speak. Although walk and wade trips have been good, covering a lot of water in our float trips has produced the most fish by far.

Sz 18-22 midges and sz 20-22 baetis have been the ticket down there. It’s always good to have an egg or rubberleg attractor as your point fly too. Streamers are a good bet too if there’s weather.

There’s even been some afternoon dry fly action if you get lucky.

Middle Fork, Feather River: Like the NV side of the Truckee, numbers have been really good up there the last few weeks. If you’re looking for less pressured fish and are OK with not running into a two-footer, this may be the option for you.

Fish are eating a little bit of everything up there right now, including small buggers and streamers, Pheasant Tails and BWOs/Baetis. Hatches have been sparse but there’s always a chance to find a few fish on top, especially mid day. The 10-3pm bite window has been the ticket.

Daily Classes: Once November hits, we never know when when the pond will be drained for the season. That said, we’re still cranking out classes until they do. And fishing is still really good! Shoot us a note if you want one more casting lesson before the snow flies.

To put it lightly, it’s going off on the Truckee right now! Drop Lu and I a note to get out with one of our fantastic guides. We’d love to show you around during one of our favorite times of year.

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report: November 8th, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

As all anglers do, we quickly contacted out host, Josh Schwartz with Travel Creel to hear his thoughts and tentatively make a Plan B. After 24 hours, endless calls, we were on!

As expected, our four days of fishing, was knocked down to three. It’s not unusual for a salt trip to loose a day. But frankly, when a hurricane just misses you to the east, three days sounded great!

We were met at the airport but Mikey and Samantha while Josh prepped the food as my crew arrived on day one. If you’re not familiar with Travel Creel, this trip was as much about the food as it was chasing 20-lb redfish.

With day one a scratch from fishing, we made plans with one of the guides to do a walking tour of the city. It was a great Plan B, hearing about the city from a true local.

Many of us ended the day with a few hours at the famous WWII Museum. A must see for anyone in New Orleans!

Days 1-3 were rinse and repeat. Wake up to a homemade breakfast, getting your grab-and-go lunch for you and your guide, spending the day chasing huge redfish, black drum and the occasional sheepshead.

Each day ended with an over-the-top meal by Josh. Dinner was his time to shine, and my God did he outdo himself each night. The dinners kept getting better, ending with a full blown southern oyster spread with all the delicious southern fixin’s.

One simple blog post and an IG video do the meals no justice. It was better than advertised and the whole group was lucky to experience that kind of mastery of the kitchen.

Each day we paired up with our guides and fished the famous, muddy flats of the Louisiana Marsh, home of the largest redfish on the planet.

Although we avoided a direct hit of the hurricane, the winds made for tougher than usual conditions with off color, high water on the flats. But our amazing guide crew made the most of it each day.

Each day was different, targeting fish on the 3-10lb range, and often looking for the famous 15-35lb fish we were after. Several fish over 20 pounds were landed by the group throughout the week even with the conditions!

The group landed about a half dozen or so black drum, a dozen or so “sheepies’ and a handful of the notoriously hard fighting jacks.

The group collectively decided that this is one we’re keeping on the list down the road. Josh, Mikey and Samantha, we’ll be back!

If you’d like to be added to our Travel List, or want more information on our next Redfish Trip, drop me a note here!

The post New Orleans Hosted Trip Report appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

And as good as this report is, the outlook for fall is looking even better. We should get a bump in flows, just as the weather starts to turn. Fingers crossed, it could go off!!

FLOWS AND CONDITIONS:

From Lake Tahoe, downstream to Boca, it’s low and clear. To be honest it’s like winter conditions, except with perfect water temps.

The watermaster shut the flows off a few weeks ago more than we expected. Thankfully, conditions are still good, just a bit lower than what we’re used to seeing in September.

Our guides have been downsizing everything since the drop. 5x and 4x are the norm up there and fluorocarbon if you have it!

Fish are still in everything from the deep runs, to fast pocket water. There’s even some sight fishing to be had if you want to try.

Below Boca, through the canyon, to Nevada, flows are absolutely perfect. Even a little higher than what we’re used to because of releases out of Boca. Although they did drop a sliver this week as you can see.

This stretch is where we’re seeing bigger fish on average being caught…and missed. Damn we missed some giants the last few weeks!

Higher up stream, the fish are in all kinds of water; fast, slow, deep, shallow. But, the big ones are still parked in the fastest water you can image, or on the seams next to it.

TECHNIQUES & FLIES:

We’re fishing similar techniques on the Truckee River, top to bottom. It’s been a mix of bobbers, Euro and hopper dropper.

If you made me pick one technique to produce the most fish, it would be Euro; the hopper dropper, 2nd.

Point and anchor flies have been a mix of crayfish, stoneflies and small streamers. Fish are trying to pack the pounds on as the temps drop. Both are big caloric sources this time of year.

Tag end and dropper flies have been a mix of sz 14-18 tan and olive caddis, sz 16 mahogany duns, 18-20 baetis, sz 18 midges and some sz 12 October caddis.

I’d fully expect the baetis to starting going off on both Truckee and Little Truckee Rivers as soon as we starting getting fall rain and snow storms. Hopefully by mid October.

OTHER LOCAL OPTIONS:

NV Side Truckee- The NV side has been fishing really well the last few weeks, especially with the pre spawn browns. The flies will be about the same as the CA side, only difference being you can fish heavier tippet. 3x and 4x is the go-to for most of our guides right now.

MF Feather River- Our guides are reporting great fishing conditions up north if you want to get away from the crowds. It’s hard to beat the small stream atmosphere that the Middle Fork gives off.

Hopper droppers are working but slowing down some. The guys are reporting most fish being caught on Euro gear in the fast water, and bobbers in the slow. Don’t be afraid to try some leeches too.

DAILY CLASSES- Fishing is about as good as it gets right now on the pond. Don’t hesitate jumping in a class before the weather changes for good!

Shoot us a call anytime to get you set up this fall, or just to ask questions about our programs. We’ll make sure you have an unforgettable day on the water!

-Matt and Lu

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report: October 2nd, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

I’ll be showing my popular Truckee River: A Guides Perspective, presentation.

Also known as the “Trickie”, this talk will focus on one of the best freestone rivers in the west, known for it’s challenging, yet potentially huge, wild rainbows and browns.

The main topics will include locations, seasons, flies, techniques and, of course, the fish!

Here’s a list of each fly club and their date. Please check out your local fly clubs website for exact time. Each one is open to the public. I hope to see you there!

February 4th- Santa Barbara

February 5th- Orange County

February 6th- Pasadena

February 10th- Golden State SD

February 11th- Wilderness Santa Monica

February 12th- Sespe-Ventura

February 13th- Sierra Pacific- Encino

The post SoCal Truckee River Speaking Tour appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.