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.

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.

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.

Like most of our Cast Hope Tournaments, each one includes 3 nights lodging, 2 full days guided fishing, all catered meals, and drinks. Did we mention they are tax deductible? They do not include, local fishing licenses and guide gratuity.

Both options are amazing ways to help expose at-risk youth to the outdoors through fly fishing. Both are huge events for us at Cast Hope and the impact we can give to kids is immeasurable with the funds raised.

As the host of the Pyramid Tournament, you can find more info on the link below.

You can find more info and registration for the Steelhead Tournament at the Cast Hope events page below.

The post Cast Hope Tournaments: Steelhead and Cutties 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.

I’ll start with a Truckee fishing report and end with Hoot Owl closure updates.

Wow, what a difference a few weeks makes. We thought last week was warm, but were we wrong. It got even hotter! The high for today as I write this it supposed to be 97. That’s pretty ridiculous for Truckee the first week of July.

The good news is morning water temps on the Truckee are holding in there and the fish are still eating!

Most fish this week are being landed on mix of Hopper-Droppers, Euro nymphing the pocket water and the occasional dry fly fish on a caddis or mayfly.

The hatches we saw a few weeks ago have slowed down quite a bit, maybe even a lot depending on where you are on the river.

The bugs we are seeing are a mix of sz 14-18 caddis, some PMds in 16s, some golden stones in 12s, and Yellow Sallies in 16s. If you want to blind cast a sz. 10 Green Drake, there are still a few fish looking up for them!

That said, Hoppers with deep droppers have been really good to our guides this week and should get even better as more hoppers show up for the summer. I would suspend one or two flies at least 30” down and hold on. The dropper bite has been good with a few fish eating the hopper.

Euro has also been excellent too. Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. Get down fast and fish them. Trust me.

Fish this week have varied in size, but like most summers there’s a lot of fish in the 8-14” range. With a few fish 16-20” being landed. As some of you know, it can be numbers, not size this time of year.

Flows: 

Flows above and below Boca are starting to stable and looking more like summer conditions by the day. From town to Boca is at 381 cfs., Farad in the canyon is dropping by the day, 744 cfs.

See all flies HERE.

Hoot Owl Closures:

Unfortunately, it’s that time of year already where we need to take a serious look at water temps and protecting our fish. Ridiculous to think about since we still have snow left!

Please fish with a thermometer and consider getting off the water once the water temps hit 65-68 degrees. This is nothing new, Hoot Owls have been happening for as long as I can remember and it’s the best way to protect fish once dissolved oxygen levels dip.

Above Boca we’re seeing it hit that temperature anywhere from 11-3pm. This basically means that late afternoon and evening fishing is off limits from Boca upstream to Lake Tahoe.

With releases coming out of Boca, the water temps are a bit better but still fish with a thermometer through the canyon. I’d check every 30-60 minutes or so to be safe.

Daily Classes:

Classes are still going strong on our pond at Everline Resort. Definitely drop us a note if you’re looking to get in on the action. Class fish are being caught with a mix of dries and hopper droppers depending on the time of day.

Justin and his son with a few nice class fish! Thanks Ethan W.

Even with the heat, we’re still cranking this time of year and getting into fish daily. Drop Lu a note if you want to fish this summer. We’d love to get you out there!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report: July 6th, 2024 appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.

I know you all like quick vids too, so here’s today’s.

Overall it was mostly small to medium sized fish, but we did land one we won’t soon forget.

Hope you enjoy it. It was pretty damn good out there!

The post Truckee River Fly Fishing Report: Quick Vid. June 7th appeared first on Truckee River Fly Fishing Guide | Matt Heron Fly Fishing.