Truckee River

About Truckee River

The Truckee River in Nevada offers a distinct experience compared to its California stretches, characterized by lower elevations and more deciduous streamside vegetation. The streambed is primarily granite boulders, with some gravel mixed in, providing varied holding water for trout. The Verdi section, influenced by multiple dams and water diversions, typically sees lower flows, but water is reintroduced at Mogul, bringing the river up to a more consistent rate. The Reno city section winds through urban parks and boardwalks, maintaining a granite boulder substrate with areas of gravel suitable for trout spawning. East of Reno and Sparks, the river slows considerably and is exposed to the desert, making mid to late summer water temperatures often too warm for fishing. Access to the Truckee River in Nevada varies by section. The Verdi section offers easy entry at Crystal Peak Park and Bridge Street. While the stretch from Mogul to Mayberry Park can be challenging to access, the Reno city section, from Mayberry Park to Arlington Avenue, provides very easy access through numerous parks like Mayberry Park and Idlewild Park. Rock Park in Sparks also offers easy accessibility and features the river's only established boat ramp. Further downstream, the Lockwood to Mustang section can be tough to access in places, but Lockwood Park and several bridges provide convenient entry points. The upper parts of the Nevada side hold good populations of Brown and Rainbow Trout, along with some Mountain Whitefish. As you move downstream, the lower parts of the river continue to hold healthy numbers of Brown and Rainbow Trout, with Largemouth Bass and Common Carp appearing in certain areas. The Lockwood to Mustang section is known for its potential to hold large fish that see very few anglers, making it a prime target for those willing to put in the effort. Insect hatches here vary slightly from the California side due to the lower elevation. Floating is a popular and effective way to fish several sections of the Truckee. You can float the Mogul to Mayberry Park section, typically putting in at the elbow bend in East Verdi and taking out at Mayberry Park. The Reno city section is also floatable, with put-in at Mayberry Park and take-out at Wingfield Park, which features a whitewater park. The Sparks section can be floated from Mayberry Park or Wingfield Park, taking out at Rock Park. The Lockwood to Mustang section is typically floated, even at relatively low flows, by putting in at Lockwood and pulling out near Mustang. This downstream section is mainly recommended for early spring, winter, and fall fishing due to warm summer water temperatures. Always carry a thermometer and check water temperatures; if they climb above 68 degrees, give the fish a break.