Truckee River Fishing Regulations: California & Nevada
Fishing regulations on the Truckee River change when you cross the California–Nevada state line and, in some areas, change again by river section and season.
This page provides a practical overview of the Truckee River rules anglers are most likely to encounter. Always verify the current regulation before fishing because state agencies can revise regulations during the year.
Official Regulations Come First
The summaries below are provided as a planning reference. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Nevada Department of Wildlife regulations are the controlling sources.
Truckee River Fishing Rules by State
The Truckee is not governed by one set of rules from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Pay attention to exactly where you are fishing.
Truckee River, California
- 1,000 feet below the Lake Tahoe outlet dam Closed to fishing all year.
- Trout Creek confluence to the mouth of Prosser Creek Open all year. Artificial flies with barbless hooks only. Zero trout may be kept.
- Prosser Creek to the Nevada state line: last Saturday in April through November 15 Artificial lures only. Daily limit: 2 trout.
- Prosser Creek to the Nevada state line: November 16 through the Friday before the last Saturday in April Artificial lures with barbless hooks only. Zero trout may be kept.
Truckee River, Nevada
- General season The Truckee River in Washoe and Storey counties is open year-round, any hour of the day or night, except for the Derby Dam closure noted below.
- Derby Dam closure The river from Derby Dam downstream 1,000 feet is closed to fishing.
- General Truckee River limit The listed daily limit is 3 game fish, subject to the special lower-river rule below.
- E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) to Derby Dam, and from 1,000 feet below Derby Dam to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary Limit: 3 game fish, of which only 1 may be trout. Artificial lures with single barbless hooks only.
Regulation Terms to Pay Attention To
Small wording differences matter. “Artificial flies,” “artificial lures,” “barbless hooks,” and “single barbless hooks” do not all mean the same thing.
-
Artificial flies
When a section is restricted to artificial flies, conventional bait and non-fly lures are not permitted under that restriction. -
Artificial lures
This is broader than “artificial flies” and can include qualifying non-bait lures. Read the applicable state definitions and any hook restrictions that apply to the exact section. -
Barbless hooks
A hook must not have a functional barb when the regulation requires barbless hooks. -
Single barbless hooks
Nevada’s special lower-Truckee regulation specifically requires artificial lures with single barbless hooks in the designated reach. -
Zero-trout limit
A zero-trout limit means trout must be released. It does not mean the water is closed unless the regulation separately says it is closed.
California and Nevada Fishing Licenses
Your fishing license needs to match the state where you are fishing. A California license does not replace a Nevada license once you cross the state line, and vice versa.
Truckee River Fishing Regulation FAQ
Is the Truckee River open to fishing year-round?
It depends on the section. Parts of the California Truckee are open year-round under special tackle and harvest rules, while the first 1,000 feet below the Lake Tahoe outlet dam is closed all year. Nevada lists the Truckee as open year-round except for the 1,000-foot closure immediately below Derby Dam.
Do I have to use barbless hooks on the Truckee River?
Not everywhere, but several important sections require them. California requires barbless artificial flies between Trout Creek and Prosser Creek all year and barbless artificial lures below Prosser Creek during the winter regulation period. Nevada requires single barbless hooks in its designated special-regulation reach of the lower Truckee.
Are the California and Nevada Truckee River regulations the same?
No. The rules change at the state line, and additional section-specific regulations apply within each state. Check the official rules for the exact water you plan to fish.
Where should I check for regulation changes?
Use the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations page for California and Nevada’s current Western Region fishing regulations for Nevada. Those official sources take precedence over summaries on this website.
More Truckee River Resources
Fish the Truckee River With Current Fly Fishing
Guided days are planned around current river conditions, legal access, seasonal regulations, and the section that makes the most sense for the day.
