The Truckee River in Nevada and California is a major system with a fascinating ecosystem. The main river begins at the natural outflow below Lake Tahoe and it terminates at Pyramid Lake near Reno, NV. The river has great access, with a good portion running right along the interstate.
The Truckee river flows are fairly consistent throughout the summer and fall months. Spring runoff can deliver some big water for rafting as well. It has plenty of opportunities for fishing, rafting and general exploring in the clean waters that originate in the Sierra Nevada mountains before filtering through Lake Tahoe.
Truckee River Flows And Weather
Access and Float Notes
Tahoe City – A good portion of the rafting takes place around Tahoe City. The first section of river is a nice section with moderate rapids and great scenery. Several rafting companies are operating right around Tahoe City for paddle boat trips.
Town of Truckee – The town of Truckee has river access for fishing. Right below town, you can follow Glenshire drive and walk to catch and release fishing sections on the river. Some floating takes place here as well but the river is full of rocks and difficult at low flows.
Stateline – After Truckee, the river dumps into steep canyons that follow along the interstate. You can pull off at one of the many exits to access the river here. It has some good hike in fishing as well. Before the Nevada border, you can also turn off towards Boca and stampede reservoirs to fish the Little Truckee River. This tailwater stretch of river flows between the reservoirs and has some great fishing for wild trout. They are notoriously selective and the river is a perfect place for technical trout fishing.
Verdi and Mogul – After crossing the Nevada border, Verdi and Mogul both have river access. Several bridges, parks and trails follow along the river here. Mayberry Park is just downstream from Mogul and the area offers a nice river trail that connects to Reno. You can walk or bike up and down the banks. Floating from Mayberry to Reno is also possible.
Through Reno – You can jump on the river right in downtown Reno. The kayak park offers several nice drops at a nice park. The area has river paths, great access and plenty of entertainment and food off the river. The dynamic turns to a slightly more industrial zone as the Truckee River flows past the second kayak park at Rock Park but pathways and parks still provide access.
East of Reno – Around Vista Boulevard, the eastern section begins. The river broadens and flows along the Interstate before cutting over to Pyramid Lake where it ends. Each exit off the interstate has access. The water is warmer and slower moving on the eastern side but there are still trout along with some carp as it nears Pyramid Lake.
Shuttle Services
Best bet is the rafting companies as they are running shuttles already. A company called the Truckee River taxi also runs shuttles for people. It works well for tubers especially. As you head into Nevada, a dedicated river shuttle service does not exist.
