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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wow, what a difference a few weeks makes. We’re already well below the spring Water Masters projections from months ago and not surprisingly, the trout are loving life right now.

A few quick tips of note…

Color- Perfect

Temp- Good and getting better. Mid to high 40s, occasionally pushing 50.

Flows- A bit higher than normal (no surprise there). It’s about 500cfs through town, picking up to around 950 or so in the canyon to NV.

On to the fishing. Our guides are reporting daily catching of mostly rainbows, some browns and even some Lahotan Cutthroat. If you’re willing to get a bit adventurous with our crew, maybe even some brookies.

We’re starting to see more and more 1 to 3 year old fish by the day…summer conditions are right around the corner.

With current water temps nymphing is the name of the game right now. To be honest, if your fly presentation is good right now, the fish are eating a mix of everything under the sun.

Flies- Caddis larvae/pupe, tan, green, sz 18 and 16. Stones- goldens and yellow sallies 10’s and 16’s, baetis in 20s and 18s, PMD in a 16, March browns in a 14, midges 22-18s, streamers (dealers choice), worms, eggs and craws…is that enough for you?! haha.

During our Truckee Trout School a few days ago, we saw caddis, midges, PMDs, Baetis and March browns hatching but not a single fish was on the surface. I’m pretty sure it’s a mix of water temps and the small number of bugs so far. That could change soon though!

All that said, never overlook a deep hopper dropper set up around the edges. You never know what might slam that early season hopper on top.

If you’re looking to unlock the secrets of the Truckee, drop us a note. Our amazing team of guides will be more than happy to show you around our backyard.

-Matt and Lu

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