Little Truckee River fly fishing guides - Truckee/Tahoe California
The area around Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border offers some truly remarkable opportunities fly fishing for trophy trout. Off the Hook is your source for information and fly fishing guides on the Little Truckee and Truckee River and other Tahoe area fisheries.
Fly fishing the Little Truckee
The Little Truckee, our small gem just north east of the town of Truckee is known for big fish, and tiny flies. This four mile tailwater fishery is very much the opposite of its big brother the main Truckee. On the “LT” as we affectionately call it, perfect presentations and light tippets are the norm. Although it is a tailwater, many relate this river to some of the famous spring creeks throughout the west. Consistent, clear flows give anglers the opportunity to sight fish nearly ever day of the year. Generally we are fishing nymphs and dries in the 16-22 size range.
The Little Truckee provides fun yet challenging fly fishing for wild rainbows and Browns!
LITTLE TRUCKEE OVERVIEW
The Little Truckee River is a fantastic four and half mile tailwater that flows out of Stampede Reservoir into Boca Reservoir in Northern California. Located a mere 20 minutes from down town Truckee and and under an hour from downtown Reno, making it a great day trip or a quick after work escape. The LT flows through a scenic and lush meadow juxtaposed against high desert conditions and conifer forests, before dumping into Boca Reservoir. While the LT is loaded from top to bottom with wild rainbow and brown trout, they are notorious for being picky eaters. To fish here you will need to bring your “A Game” as these trout will test your ability to present a fly effectively and correctly match the hatch. Speaking of hatches the Green Drake hatch is mythical if you catch it but there are others like Pale Morning Dunn's and Blue Wing Olives, so be prepared to throw dries. Sight fishing and patience can provide an angler with an experience to remember. Given its challenging nature, the LT is a great spot to fish with a professional guide and thus improve your chances of success and learn to be a better angler!
SEASONS ON THE LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER
Spring (March-May)
During Spring, the flows rise on the Little Truckee and may reach over 1,000 cfs. Despite this, it still often fishes well at this time. Since Stampede Reservoir is a bottom release dam, a constant flow of cold and clear water rushes down. This eliminates the problem with most rivers during the spring: water clarity. The fish key in on tailwater worms, blue winged olives, and midges.
Little Truckee rainbows are aping spawners. Please be aware of trout redd locations and stay clear of them. If you have any questions on how to identify a trout redd please call us and we can help out.
Summer (June-August)
The summer is one of the most exciting times on the Little Truckee River. Pale Morning Dun (PMD) mayflies fill the riffles and shallow pools all summer long. Besides this prolific hatch, carpenter ants become an easy meal for the many fish. Green Drakes make an appearance around Father’s Day. Beginning the day nymphing in the morning and fishing a dry in the evening is a great plan of attack.
Fall (September-November)
The fall is also a special time on this tantastic tailwater. The river’s Bown prepare to spawn and will aggressively take streamers making for some fun fishing. Kokanee Salmon enter the river from Boca Reservoir and make their annual run to spawn in the rich waters. Fall is a great opportunity for inexperienced anglers to fine tune their skills. Browns, Rainbows, and Kokanee respond well to egg patterns and big articulated streamers this time of year.
Winter (January-February)
With snow descending on the Sierras, fishing the LT in the winter can be a real challenge. Unless you have access to a snowmobile or are willing to hike in via snowshoes or skis, it is inaccessible (road is not plowed) For those with the right gear and pe distance, midges and blue winged olives are the main food source throughout the winter and persistent anglers can have the river to themselves and enjoy success.
The Little Truckee Can be a fantastic winter fishery, more consistent at times than fishing the main Truckee in the canyon. However, you will want to dress like the abominable snowman and bring along lots of layers. That being said this is arguably your best chance for fishing winter dries in California.
Conditions change daily so call now (707) 287-2939 for the current Truckee River fishing report.
LITTLE TRUCKEE SUGGESTED TECHNIQUES
Nymphing in the morning and fishing a dry in the afternoon will give the angler the best chance of hooking fish. European Style Nymphing is a favorite of locals. A dry-dropper setup will also fool a few fish and gives the angler some variability.
Did we mention that the LT has been said to be one of the best rivers in the west to catch a 20+ fish on a dry?!
What this area lacks in pure numbers, it more than makes up for in the size of these beautiful wild fish. This little gem is known to be a challenge. Heading out on the water with one of our local guides will put you in the best position to have an unforgettable day on the water.
Little Truckee River Guided Fly Fishing
Full day - Eight hours of guided fly fishing and instruction with bottled water provided - $625(1 or 2 anglers)
Half day - Four to 5 hours of guided fishing(available on select rivers) - $485
Note: California Fishing License, transportation and gratuities not included.
Trips with Off the Hook endorsed guides include rods, reels, bottled water, terminal tackle and flies! We also offer a limited supply of boots and waders available on a first come first serve basis at no additional cost! Call Now (707) 287-2939 for up to date fishing reports, current river conditions and information on experiencing enjoyable and memorable fly fishing for yourself. Dates fill up quickly for many of highly sought after guides so don't delay. You may also fill out our Online Trip Request Form. We offer group trips, corporate fly fishing outings and classes and our gift certificates are very popular.
Note: California fishing licenses, transportation and Gratuity not included.
Thank you to Matt Heron and Stefan McLeod Bluewater Photography for their photo contributions.
