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
Fishing shop interior with gear, lures, and tackle on display.

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.

Fishing shop interior with gear, lures, and tackle on display.

Start at Trout Creek Outfitters

Duration

1 Hour

Kick off your Truckee fishing adventure at the local hub for all things fly fishing. The friendly team at Trout Creek Outfitters will help you choose gear, share insider tips on where to cast, and make sure you’re set for a successful day on the water. Even if you’re brand new to the sport, their knowledge makes it easy to get started.

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Duration

1 Hour

Three people in waders stand in a river, one pointing ahead, surrounded by rocks and bushes.

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.

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

Dinner at Cottonwood

Duration

2 Hours

Perched on the hill above Truckee, Cottonwood is a local favorite for its sweeping views of downtown and the surrounding mountains. The historic building and lively atmosphere make it a perfect spot to enjoy California-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music on select nights. 

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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.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Start early at Dark Horse Coffee

Duration

1 Hour

A cornerstone of Truckee’s coffee culture, Dark Horse is known for small-batch roasting, single-origin beans, and baristas who take their craft seriously. The vibe is equal parts cozy and bustling—perfect for grabbing a handcrafted latte or cold brew before your day outdoors. Locals swear by the seasonal specials and scratch-made pastries, so plan a little extra time to savor your pick.

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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.

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

Late Lunch at Eastside Deli & Market

Duration

1 Hour

Eastside Deli is the kind of place locals count on for big, satisfying sandwiches and quick grab-and-go eats. Tucked beside the gas station on the way out of town, this classic roadside deli is where fishermen swap river stories and locals grab the kind of overstuffed sandwich that never leaves you hungry. It’s casual, a little quirky, and full of Truckee character—fuel for both the road and the adventure.

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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.

Drink Coffee Do Stuff

Get Your Day Started at Drink Coffee Do Stuff

Duration

1 Hour

Founded by pro snowboarders turned coffee roasters, Drink Coffee Do Stuff fuels Truckee with high-elevation brews roasted for bold flavor and big days in the mountains. From breakfast sandwiches to creative avocado toast, it’s the kind of spot that wakes up your taste buds and your sense of adventure.

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Duration

1 Hour

Two people fishing by a calm lake, surrounded by mountains and trees.

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.

Two people fishing by a calm lake, surrounded by mountains and trees.

Take a Cast & Catch Fly Fishing Class

Duration

3 Hours

Learn the art of fly fishing with Matt Heron, one of Truckee’s most trusted guides. His classes go beyond casting basics—he’ll get you wading in the Truckee River, spotting trout, and practicing techniques tailored to your skill level. Families and beginners especially love his approachable style, while seasoned anglers pick up insider tips you won’t find in a book. It’s an authentic way to experience the river, rod in hand.

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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.

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

It’s Tacos Jalisco time!

Duration

1.5 Hours

A longtime local favorite, Taco’s Jalisco is known for big flavor and no-frills authenticity. The menu is packed with classics—think flavorful tacos, burritos, and sizzling plates that hit the spot every time. It’s the kind of place where the portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the food speaks for itself.

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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.

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

Explore the Little Truckee River

Duration

2-3 Hours

Flowing between Boca and Stampede Reservoirs, the Little Truckee is a legendary stretch of water known for its crystal clarity, selective trout, and technical fishing. Anglers come here for the challenge as much as the reward—it’s the place to slow down, study the current, and appreciate one of Truckee’s most iconic fisheries.

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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.

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

Lunch on the deck at 1882 Bar & Grill

Duration

1-2 Hours

Set in one of Truckee’s historic downtown landmarks, 1882 Bar & Grill blends old-school charm with riverside views that steal the show. Grab a table on the deck and watch the Truckee River roll past while enjoying hearty pub fare, fresh salads, and craft cocktails. It’s lively, welcoming, and one of the best perches in town for soaking up Truckee’s mountain vibe.

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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.

Word After Word Books

Browse Word After Word Books

Duration

1 hour

Downtown Truckee’s indie bookstore is as inviting as it is inspiring. Word After Word stocks local trail guides, Sierra history, and plenty of great reads for cozy nights by the fire. It’s a place where locals linger, visitors discover something new, and stories connect us all.

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Duration

1 hour

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Stay Close to the Adventure

Truckee offers the perfect stay — from welcoming lodges to mountain homes and family-friendly rentals — all minutes from trails, lakes, and downtown charm.

Hotels, Lodges & Inns

Experience classic alpine hospitality in Truckee’s welcoming hotels, boutique lodges, and historic inns. With walkable downtown locations and full-service amenities, it’s easy to explore, relax, and recharge.

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Mountain Homes

Professionally managed mountain homes offer space, comfort, and luxury with the highest standards. Find your perfect vacation home and explore Truckee-Tahoe’s 18 property management companies.

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Lodging Deals

Stretch your vacation budget with special lodging offers from Truckee-Tahoe hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals. Book direct and enjoy discounts you won’t find on third-party sites.

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