FLY FISHING ESCAPE

Person fly fishing in a river at sunrise, surrounded by trees.

Spending time fly fishing on the river, wading on the sides or floating on a raft, has become one of Truckee’s most beloved outside activities.

With local shops, friendly guides, and riverside bites, this itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and a taste of true mountain culture.

Length

3 Days

Locations

Truckee

When to visit

May – October
Trout Creek Outfitters Cozy wooden interior of a store with racks of clothing and outdoor gear.

Start at Trout Creek Outfitters

Known as the fly fishing hub of the community, the friendly staff is eager to share their knowledge about where to fish and what you’ll need to make the most of your time on the water.

Duration

1 Hour

Hands holding a fish above a net in the water.

Fish with a Local Guide

If you haven’t fished in Truckee before, a half day trip with a local Guide is extremely helpful. If you’re completely new to the sport, they’re ready to teach. If you’re an experienced angler, they’ll show you some new tactics and new places.

Duration

4 Hours

Cottonwood Restaurant Truckee / Dimly lit restaurant interior with hanging lights and people dining.

Dinner at Cottonwood

After an exciting day on the river, head on over to Cottonwood for happy hour treats or get a prime seat overlooking the Truckee River and historic downtown.

Duration

2 Hours

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Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Start early at Dark Horse Coffee

Located just steps from the river in downtown Truckee, Dark Horse roasts their own coffee on site, and serves up fresh drinks to your liking. Grab a breakfast burrito to go and walk down Bridge Street to see the Truckee River from above.

Duration

1 Hour

Person fly fishing in a calm river surrounded by trees and rocky banks.

Fly Fishing DIY Day

Take what you learned from the guide and get back out there. Stop back in at Trout Creek and ask for recommendations, grab one of their fly fishing maps, and head down to the river.

Duration

4 Hours

Outdoor cafe with red umbrellas, wooden tables, and chairs on a sunny day.

Late Lunch at Eastside Deli & Market

Located just below town on the Truckee River, the Eastside Deli is a hidden gem but go-to stop for the fishing community. Amazing sandwiches, drinks and snacks too. Enjoy your lunch on the deck or take it to go.

Duration

1 Hour

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Drink Coffee Do Stuff

Get Your Day Started at Drink Coffee Do Stuff

Just two doors down from the fly shop in downtown Truckee, DCDS is an authentic Truckee Brand that serves up killer breakfast sandos and avocado toast too.

Duration

1 Hour

A person holding a brown trout in shallow water.

Take a Cast & Catch Fly Fishing Class

Hone your skills with mix of casting lessons and then some real time on the water. Local guide Matt Heron has several options for beginners that have become very popular for families.

Duration

3 Hours

Tacos with diced onions, cilantro, rice, beans, and salad on a white plate.

It’s Tacos Jalisco time!

If your craving Mexican food, head on over to Taco’s Jalisco for some fish tacos, or stop by Bouy & Trap to pick up some fresh seafood to grill up back at the house.

Duration

1.5 Hours

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River winding through a forest at sunset, with a vibrant orange and purple sky.

Explore the Little Truckee River

Just 20 minutes from downtown, this classic stretch between Boca and Stampede Reservoirs offers technical, rewarding fishing — a favorite for local anglers.

Duration

2-3 Hours

People on a deck by a river, toasting with drinks, under a red umbrella.

Lunch on the deck at 1882 Bar & Grill

Soak up sunshine and watch the Truckee River roll by from the patio at this historic downtown spot — a favorite riverside perch for anglers.

Duration

1-2 Hours

Word After Word Books

Browse Word After Word Books

Downtown’s indie bookstore stocked with fly fishing guides, Sierra history, and cozy reads for fireside nights.

Duration

1 hour

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