Winter Fly Fishing on the Truckee River — Trips & Rates
Winter is a beautiful season on the Truckee River—fewer anglers, quiet water, and trout that can be willing to rise when you fish smart and slow. We generally focus on the Lower Truckee River in winter, where access is often more consistent and the river sets up perfectly for dry flys and nymphing with midges and BWO's during the warmest parts of the day.
What’s Included
- Clean, well-fitted waders & boots
- Premium flies, leaders, tippet & terminal tackle (winter-ready rigs)
- Rods & reels (or bring your favorite setup)
- Full-day and Float trips include lunch — made fresh riverside (Let us know about any dietary needs)
- Bottled spring water and Gatorade
- Photos
What to Bring
- Warm layers (base layer + insulation + shell)
- Warm hat + gloves (bring a backup pair)
- Sunglasses (winter glare is real)
- Snacks (we carry extras)
- Fishing license — NV or CA (we’ll confirm locations the day before)
Need help preparing? See our Pre-Trip Checklist for license links and a full winter-friendly packing list.
Trip Options & Rates
Winter Half-Day · Walk & Wade
~5 hours · 1–2 anglers
$425 Most Popular
- Perfect for winter bite windows (late morning → afternoon)
- Lower Truckee focus when conditions fit
- All gear included; waders & boots provided
Winter Full-Day · Walk & Wade
6–8 hours · 1–2 anglers
$550
- Lunch included
- Dial in winter depth + drift (midge/BWO-focused rigs)
- Fish more than one location to match conditions
- All gear included; waders & boots provided
Winter Full-Day · Float Trip
7–8 hours · 1–2 anglers
$600
- Great option if mobility is a concern
- Lunch included
- All gear included; waders & boots provided
- Float availability is subject to water levels and conditions
Rates shown are for 1–2 anglers, add $150 for each additional angler up to 3 people. Groups larger than 3 require additional guides. Float trips with more than 2 anglers require additional guides. We can accommodate large groups with advanced notice. We also offer lessons, See other offerings.
Winter Conditions on the Truckee
Winter success on the Truckee is about efficiency: pick the right water, fish it thoroughly, and time your day around the most productive window. Trout often slide into slower pools and softer seams to conserve energy, feeding most actively during the warmest parts of the day.
- Where trout hold: deep pools, tailouts, soft seams, and walking-pace water.
- What they eat: midges are the staple; BWOs can show on when conditions are right.
- How we fish: “low and slow” nymphing with clean drifts and subtle strike detection.
- Best timing: late morning through afternoon is often prime in winter.
- Dry fly fishing!: BWOs + Overcast Skys = Rising Trout! Belive it or not, winter is the most productive dry fly fishing of the year.
Meeting Areas
Winter trips commonly focus on the Nevada side of the Truckee River. Exact locations are confirmed the day prior and decided based on flows, clarity, and weather. If you need a pickup option, let us know.
- Easy highway access
- Parking at or near the water
- Options for mobility and comfort
- Float Trips: We meet at the put-in and together we shuttle a vehicle to the take-out
Why Current Fly Fishing?
We match your day to flows, clarity, and bite windows.
Waders, boots, rods, reels, and winter-ready rigs—plus lunch on full-day and float trips.
Winter is a the time to dial in your drift and hone your skills. We keep it fun, safe, and educational.
FAQs
Do I need a Nevada or California license?
The Truckee crosses both states. We’ll confirm the day before so you can purchase the correct license.
Are waders and boots included?
Yes — clean, properly sized waders & boots are included on all winter guide trips.
What’s the best time of day in winter?
Late morning through afternoon is often best. Winter bite windows usally happen in the warmest part of the day, so timing matters.
Where do we meet for winter trips?
Typically near Reno/Verdi and other lower river access points. We’ll text you the exact gps pin the day before based on flows, clarity, and weather.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Life happens — see our cancellations below for details and weather considerations.
Other Offerings
Looking for dedicated instruction on casting, rigging, or reading holding water? Explore our Fly Casting & Intro Lessons
We also offer Gift Certificates — call or email and we’ll help make that next special event even better.
Deposits & Cancellations
- Deposit: 25% charged upon booking to hold your date; applied to balance at trip end.
- Balance: Remaining balance collected at the end of the trip; all payment types accepted.
- Cancellation: Deposits become non-refundable 14 days prior to the trip date.
- Weather/Flows: Winter safety is priority. Trips go out when conditions are safe; final calls based on environmental factors are at Current Fly Fishing’s discretion.
Ready to Book?
Choose your winter date and we’ll handle the rest. Waders, boots, rods, reels, and premium flies included.