As we said in the last report, the Federal Water Master has begun throttled down flows on the Truckee River. To maintain as much water as possible in the river TMWA and the irrigation companies have been asked to shut off the power and irrigation ditches. This has left us with 65cfs through the downtown gauge. Temperatures on the river are staying cool even with the lower water. A significant cold front is forecasted for next week and should further improve things.

Interestingly, the flow in the river varies depending on where you are. It doesn’t follow typical convention where water flow increases moving downstream. Because the cities of Reno and Sparks receive about 85% of the municipal water supply from the river you will find some reaches with water and some with virtually none. This is unfortunate and admittedly, unnecessary. There are more creative diversion and management options do divert water. Especially, as TMWA states, water quality and biology is a management priority.

Fishing in sections that have water has been really good with a lot of fish eager to eat with the cooler temps. The steamer bite has picked up, and nymphing has remained productive as well as Hopper/dry dropper.

Our nymph choices have been about the same over the past several weeks. Smaller nymphs #16-#18 but the sweet spot is a size 16 Perdigon in olive or black. We have also have had good production on jigged steamers and mini leeches as well. My go to steamer size is just under 2 inches. This allows smaller fish to eat it, and is more attractive for the larger fish because a smaller steamer is less work to hunt and eat. 

Truckee River Flies We Suggest: Hot Spot, Perdigon Olive, Perdigon Black, Frenchie, Jig Assassin, Splitcase PMD, Parachute Madam X, Stimulator, Mini Leech Bellyache Minnow, Wooly Bugger, Truckee River Dozen