Boca Reservoir - Truckee, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Mackinaw Trout, Kokanee Salmon
Boca Reservoir, situated just outside Truckee, CA, is a high-country tailwater fishery that offers productive fly fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, along with seasonal kokanee salmon. Its proximity to the Little Truckee River provides an influx of cold water and nutrients, making the inlet zone particularly effective for targeting trout during spring and fall migrations.

Anglers will find the best fly fishing near the inlet and drop-off zones. Nymphs such as midges, chironomids, and balanced leeches under indicators are highly effective. Streamers—especially olive and black buggers—work well when retrieved along submerged structure. During optimal conditions, dry-dropper rigs and attractor dries can also entice surface strikes.

Due to fluctuating reservoir levels and seasonal drawdowns, fishing success often depends on water temperature and clarity. Early mornings and evenings tend to be the most productive during summer months. For those equipped with float tubes or small boats, trolling streamers or deep nymph rigs can result in consistent action.

Boca offers a quieter alternative to nearby Truckee-area waters, with reliable access and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. It is an ideal destination for anglers looking to combine stillwater and moving water techniques in one location, especially during spring runoff or shoulder seasons when nearby rivers become less predictable.



Latest Photos

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tight Lines Guide Service
8-18-2021
8-15-2021
7-25-2021
7-23-2021

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
8-25-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
9-18-2023Rainbow TroutCDFW 
6-07-2020Rainbow TroutCDFW 
8-11-2019Rainbow TroutCDFW 
6-23-2019Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
6-10-2025 Boca Reservoir is full and fishing well
Boca Reservoir is full and fishing well for... more »
Mountain Hardware & Sports
6-3-2025 Trout fishing has been solid
Water levels at Boca Reservoir are at a... more »
Mountain Hardware & Sports
5-27-2025 Trolling for kokanee and rainbows has improved
At Boca Reservoir, water level continues rising, bringing... more »
Mountain Hardware & Sports
5-13-2025 At Boca Reservoir, water levels continue to rise with the winter water shuffle
At Boca Reservoir, water levels continue to rise... more »
Mountain Hardware & Sports
4-21-2025 Boca’s fishing and boating season is picking up with good flows from the Little Truckee
Boca’s fishing and boating season is picking up... more »
Mountain Hardware & Sports

Detailed Map