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.

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.

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.

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.

This past winter I was invited to be part of the Editorial Committee. Without hesitation I was honored to be a part of the team.

Thirty years ago, Truckee local Richard Anderson launched the first issue of CAFF. After decades of amassing a strong following of loyal CA fly anglers, he finally decided to hang up the cleats last year.

With new ownership taking the reign this winter, we’ll be launching our first issue next month! We can’t wait for you all to check out our new vision for the magazine, while still holding true to the roots and traditions that Richard has instilled the last three decades.

The magazine will be available in print as well as online.

Keep an eye out for upcoming issues with articles highlighting the Truckee River, tips and tricks and a few other secrets I can’t wait to share.

Thank you Richard!

-Matt

The post CA Fly Fisher Magazine Relaunch! 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.

Well, in short, it’s a tough answer. And if any guide tells you they have the full answer, I’d take it with a grain of salt.

That said, part of the secret IS throwing streamers, on the NV side, in June and July. That we do know. Especially when we have the water that we have this season. That said fall isn’t bad either, but that’s for another post.

Our guides have put me on multiple, big browns over the years on guided raft trips, not to mention endless happy clients. This is the time to try your luck and give it a go!

But remember, chucking big bugs all day isn’t for the faint of heart, or even the “never ever” beginner angler. It takes some skill, patience, a bit of luck, even with “prime” conditions. But like my dad used to always say, “You can’t catch them on the couch!”

Drop Lu and I a note, we’d love to set you up with one of our amazing streamer guides this summer!

One of my best streamer fish a few summers back!

The post Truckee River browns in Nevada! 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.

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.