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.

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.

We had a bit of a scare with water temperatures and Hoot Owl closures, but after four or five days of clouds, rainstorms and cooler evening temperatures, it appears the Truckee River is back on track after two great snow years.

Don’t get me wrong, keep fishing with that thermometer and call it quits at 68 degrees. Depending on where you are on the river, it’s not a bad idea to start checking from lunch time on.

Flows for mid-July are just about perfect throughout the entire system right now. From downtown Truckee to Boca is about 325 cfs, below Boca in the Canyon is running at 618. Can’t beat it.

Read all flows HERE.

Now on to Truckee River fishing report.

Things are looking pretty good out there from a bug, and catching standpoint. No surprises most fish our guides are landing on the Truckee are in the 8-16” range. Typical for summer conditions. When the water is clear, daily bright sun, and the lack of clouds, the big fish can be hard to find. But they are there, you just need to put your time in.

All our summer bugs are popping right now. Most fish are being caught subsurface on a mix of sz 14-18 caddis larve and pupe, sz 16 PMDs, sz 18 baetis, sz 12 golden stones, sz 16 yellow sallies and crayfish, crayfish and crayfish. Hint, hint.

There are even a few green drakes around still if you get lucky. Sz 10s and 12s.

In a nutshell, the actual fly pattern may not matter as much as the location and the drift. Look for fish spots and fish them hard. Fish are in the shallow riffles, deep riffles, pocket water and some traditional looking “honey holes”. Fish it all!

Since my last report, Truckee has also had an unusual number of grasshoppers around. And when I say unusual amount, I mean the most anyone has ever seen! They are freaking everywhere. In town, the river, the woods, it’s crazy. So, have your hopper dropper rigs ready!

Other Local Opportunities:

Middle Fork Feather River– The MF is pretty much shut down for the summer season. The lower elevation and summer temps have put that little gem on hold until we get closer for fall and cooler temps.

Nevada Side, Truckee River- It’s gotten a little skinny for float trips this time of year, but our walk and wade options are still going strong. Morning half day trips have been the way to go, with some really nice adults being caught!

Daily Classes: Well, like each July the weeds have bloomed in the pond, but the fishing is still really good! Our morning and evening beginners’ classes are still kicking out fish consistently with a mix of dry fly and hopper-droppers being the go-to.

Fall Fishing: My favorite time of year is just around the corner. Don’t overlook getting on the books now. Lower air and water temps, less people and big fish are all in play. October and November will be here before we know it!!

Looking to get on the water? Drop Lu and a note. We’d love to get you set up with one of our fantastic guides and show you around our amazing back yard!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report: July 18th, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

Not surprisingly, last week’s drop in flows stopped once it warmed up again. Through town and above Boca we’re seeing swings from 650-750cfs. Below Boca, Canyon flows are from 1200-1400 on average. These are very fishable flows for down there, but make sure you’re fishing the slow water along the edges and banks. Water temps are still around the mid-40s and fish have yet to consistently move into faster water.

Depending on what report you read last from me, it may or may not have included Carpenter Ants. Last week they totally disappeared, this week they’re back again. So, make sure you have a half dozen with you to fish as single dry, or even a dry dropper.

We are continuing to see afternoon Baetis and March Brown hatches. That said, Blue Wings are popping 50:1 to the March Browns. If you get lucky, you’ll find the occasional fish on top, but there’s not many. Another reason to have some big Carpenter Ants around to blind cast. Rubberlegs with a baetis dropper are the ticket.

We’ve continued to get a few fish on swung soft hackles and small leech patterns. It’s been super fun for our clients that have committed to it!

Those 50-degree water temps are right around the corner, it’s time to start stocking that box up with PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones and Crayfish. Prime summer conditions will be here before we know it!

Quick Reports…

NV Side, Truckee River

The NV side continues to fish very well though runoff. The water could be dropping more by the week and our regular guests are gearing up for streamer time down there. Same bugs as the C.A. but start looking for PMD adults too. June and early July can kick out some of the best browns of the year if your streamer game is on point. Read a bit more HERE.

Middle Fork, Feather River

The MF continues to fish well this week and should for quite a while. Our guides are consistently getting out guests into fish from 10-17 inches. It’s been a good mix of indicator fishing and dry flies. You could even say it’s prime time!

BWOs, Yellow Sallies and caddis are all on the menu. Most dry fly action has been in the afternoon.

Sawmill Lake

Sawmill Lake has started out with a bang this year. Like years past, the early season bite is pumping out some really big fish, full of “piss and vinegar” as my dad says. Bobbers, stripping and some dry fly opportunities are all on the menu this time of year.

Daily Classes

Our summer classes are open for the year and fishing has been fantastic. Our private, stocked pond is stocked with beautiful rainbows and our students are catching fish every day. If you or anyone you know is looking to improve their cast, or practice their fish fighting skills, you can learn more HERE.

Lu and I are expecting this to be one of our best seasons yet! With two great winters with snow pack, this is the year for your Truckee fishing adventure. Drop us a note a let us help you plan the perfect Tahoe fish-cation!

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

We’re continuing to see the river “yo-yo” like it always does in May. As expected, the river is clearing from morning until noon or 1pm, then going slightly off color from 1pm till dark. This is normal for this time of year and the color hasn’t really affected fishing at all. We’ll see what todays drop does over the next few days.

Mayfly patterns in sizes 14-18 are still kicking out the most fish for our guides each day. I’d stick with basic baetis and march browns (although they are close to done) and PMDs. A few times a week we’ve been doing bug samples with clients and that is by far what we’re seeing the most of.

That said, eggs, worms, crayfish and Pats Rubberlegs are great attractors this time of year. And although we’re not seeing many of our Mother’s Day Caddis, they are around in the afternoons. They are mostly on the small side, 18s.

We’ve also had a fantastic week of Trout Spey fishing with small streamers and soft hackles, in fact some of the best we’ve seen in a long time. So don’t be afraid to swing flies through some of your favorite runs.

Size 16 beaded soft hackles in brown and olive, as well as small leaches and streamers have done really well, and remember, don’t set the hook until you feel full pressure!

For the angler that has “done it all”, a Swing trip should be on your list. Drop us a note to learn more about this fantastic technique.

Drop Lu and I note HERE to get out with one of our fantastic guides!

-Matt

A beautiful rainbow on a swung mini leech.

Tim with a nice little rainbow on a Tenkara/Euro rig!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report, May 21st, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

While I was gone, I chatted with our guides quite a bit, keeping up with conditions and our clients fish stories. But what I wasn’t prepared for was how clear the river was going to be when I got back. 

Although the Truckee is running high, it’s really clear, especially above the Boca confluence in the mornings. 

If it wasn’t so high, you could damn near sight fish!

With the clarity, the usual attractors of eggs and worms for mid May haven’t really produced this week, but mayflies have. 

Nymphs in 14, 16 & 18s will catch about any fish in the River right now…above Boca. There are Baetis and March Browns hatching, and tons of pre season PMD Nymphs around. And with the clean water, almost all our fish have been on 4x. 

Below Boca things are a little more “normal” for mid may. The Little Truckee is cranking in water, and a decent amount of color in the canyon. 

We were getting fish a bit more regularly on eggs and worms w 3x, and the same nymphs listed above. Rubberlegs aren’t a bad idea either.

Things are only going to get better from here out and Carpenter Ants should be just around the corner. 

And for what it’s worth, afternoon water temps are 46 just after lunch. 

If you’re looking to unlock a few secrets on the Truckee this year, drop us a note. Our guides would love to show you around our backyard. 

-Matt

PS- If you’re looking to get out, or have questions, drop Lu and I a note HERE.

A few gorgeous rainbows from this week!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report- May 8th, 2024 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.

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.