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Sugar Creek Ranch
This renowned private stillwater in the shadow of the Trinity alps is both cool in the summer and low enough
to remain ice-free and fishable all winter
SUGAR CREEK RANCH offersoutstandingstillwa- ter trout fishing in an intimate mountain setting, nestled between Etna and Callahan along the banks of the Scott River. The 114-acre ranch is surrounded by the Trinity Alps to the south and Cascades to the east and offers great year ‘round trout fishing and an optional, comfort- able cabin for overnight accommodations.
Sugar Creek itself winds through the property and, like most of western Siskiyou County, was mined extensively in the mid-1800’s. After excavating eight huge quarries of gold-rich gravel, the ‘49ers dug too deep and broke through the water table. This exposed cold-water springs, flooded the now picturesque ponds with gin-clear water, and the cool, oxygen-rich water created ideal habitat for the large rainbow trout that moved in and call these lakes home.
All of the Sugar Creek lakes and ponds can be fished from shore, though the larger lakes are ideal for float tubes, pontoon boats, or small prams.
Anglers will find that each lake has an individual character. Fishing is very productive, though each lake is diverse and offers its own challenges. Some lakes provide excellent dry fly sight fishing for trophy rain- bows, while others might require a sinking line and large streamer presentation.
Sugar Creek trout are wide-bodied, full of fight, and very aggressive.They average from one to three pounds. Occasionally a real monster is hooked and once-in-a- while one is landed.All angling is fly fishing only and strictly catch-and-release. As is always the case, experienced fly fishermen can expect to catch more fish.
This is truly a year ‘round fishery. Set at 3,000 feet, the ranch remains relatively cool all summer, and is a pleas- ant change from the Sacramento Valley heat. The lakes remain ice-free and fishable all winter, and the climate and fishing is simply majestic during the spring and fall.
Sugar Creek Ranch is open to day fishing year round, and also features an optional, spacious, 3-bedroom, fully- furnished cabin. There is a fully-stocked kitchen, reading room and an expansive deck and barbecue.There’s plenty of space to relax and room to comfortably accommodate up to 6 anglers, or a close-knit group or family of eight. s $150 per angler, per day access fee
s Lodging is available with modest pricing that is
dependent on the size of the group.
Sugar Creek is a two-hour drive from Redding and just a little less from Ashland, Oregon. It’s a terrific place for small groups of anglers looking to combine great fishing, in an alpine atmosphere, and some peace and quiet.
Sugar Creek Ranch in Northern California near Yreka, was among the first private, fee fish- eries to open in the late 90’s. It’s trophy
trout filled lakes are again open to catch-and-release fly fishing for a
very modest daily fee.
Marcel Siegle photo