Northern California Stream Report
There are several hundred miles of rivers, creeks, lakes and streams within easy striking distance of The Fly Shop® in Redding.
It’s not surprising that quite a bit of water is set aside as fly fishing only, catch-and-release, with special closures and regulations designed to help ensure that the fishing around here will stay good for generations. The Fly Shop staff will custom-tailor the day and guide to your ability and interests, putting you on the best local water.
Trout and steelhead fishing here isn’t a season; it’s a way of life at The Fly Shop®, and we’ve got fine fishing nearly 365 days of the year. Whether it’s a beautiful spring or fall day, blistering hot mid-summer afternoon, or snow-covered winter morning, we’ve got the staff and the guides that can handle it. We’ll also help with flies and equipment, lodging, and transportation if you need it.
We are open for business starting May 15, 2020!
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Fall River Expand
Fall River Report
Upated: June 19, 2020
Report: Fall has been a great option as of late. There are still a good amount of spinners in the morning, and fish will rise well into the mid morning time frame. In the heat of the day you can fish small nymphs like an HBI or caddis pupa under an indicator or swing leaches in the deep corners. The highlight of every Summer is the Hex hatch. They are showing up now and should continue for the next couple of weeks to continue to provide exciting end of the evening action!
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, PMD's, Norman's Wiggletails, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, Zug Bugs, and Leeches.
Hat Creek Report
Updated: June 19, 2020
Report: The Power House 2 riffle area and Carbon Flat have been fishing well. Nymphing in the riffle is always good if you don't mind company. Spinner falls in the morning has made searching the flats below a great option in the morning. With the heat of Summer upon us it's best to go back to the air conditioning for the afternoon, or head over to the Pit and return for the late evening caddis hatch just before dark.
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, Rubberlegs, Sweet Pea Jigged Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, and Green Drakes
Klamath River Report
Updated: April 30, 2020
Report: Fishing for steelhead on the Klamath has wound down. Look for some higher releases from Iron Gate Dam to occur over the next couple of weeks.
Hot Flies:
Eggs:
• Clown Egg
• M.C. Redd Reaper - Champagne
• Micro Spawn - Shrimp Pink or Salmon Egg
• Boles Bazookas
Nymphs:
• Pat's Rubberlegs - #4-8
• 3-D Nymphs - #8-10
• Red Copper Johns - #14-18
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince - #14-18
• Articulated Marabou Leech
Lower Sacramento River Report
Updated: June 4, 2020
Report:
The annual closure from Keswick Dam to the Hwy 44 bridge is in effect and runs from April 1st through July 31st. The top section will open again on August 1st. The good news is that most of the river remains open.
The Lower Sac is fishing great! Flows from Keswick have been steady at 11,600 CFS the last few days with little change expected. This is a great flow this time of year. We are seeing big PMD hatches continue from the top down past Anderson. Further down river Golden Stones are coming off now too. We've had beautiful, warm weather the past few weeks and the bugs are everywhere. Good flies are Peaches n' Cream, UV Sallies, Mercer's Jigged PMD, and Rubberlegs are good flies right now. If you keep your eyes peeled you can see some fish taking dries. If you do, the PMD Challenged in #14 is a good fly for that on a dead drift. Further down the river past Anderson, when it clears, #14 - 16 Amber Wing Princes and Bird's Nests in #14 - 16 are still getting it done.
The Fly Shop does not offer a shuttle service. Kim at Sac River Shuttle can get your shuttle done seven days a week. You can reach her at (530)782-9090
Access To the Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sacramento has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities when the flows are below 7,500 CFS. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Fishing Large Rivers Can be Frustrating
There are many great places you can get in and wade this blue ribbon tail water. Having said that, the absolute best method to fish the Sac is from a drift boat. Aside from being able to access all of the water, you can fish the long runs on a dead, perfect drift which is deadly on these legendary wild rainbows. And who would be a better oarsman than one of our Professional Guides? They know every nook and cranny of the river, what insects are and will be hatching, and the setups and methods that will get you onto the fish of a lifetime.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Most of our fishing, whether from a drift boat, or wading when the releases are low enough, is done dead drifting nymphs. The Fly Shop's Signature Indicator Rod is nine and a half feet of indicator nymph fishing perfection designed by our professional staff right here on the Lower Sac. Teamed up with a 6 or 7 weight Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Floating Fly Line or a Rio Intouch Xtreme Indicator Fly Line it will put a center pin rig to shame.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Mercer's Missing Link, #18 Dark
• Mayfly Cripple - Limestone #18
• Norman's Loopwing - BWO
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• CB Birds Nest - #14
• Mercer's Micro May - #14-16 Brown
• Mercer's Poxy Back PMD - #16
• Bubbleback Caddis, - Olive #16
• Pat's Rubber Legs - #4-8
Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Peachy King, Shrimp Pink
• Boles Bazookas - Shrimp Pink, Peachy King
McCloud River Report
Updated: June 4, 2020
Report: Flows have been good on the McCloud. Sallies are starting to pop off and you'll still see some Golden Stones around. Many of the fish are looking up right now, so don't be afraid to throw on a dry fly. If you aren't seeing any top water action, don't be afraid to throw on a Sculpin pattern and fish the depths. You can also drop a Jigged Green Drake or Mercer's Poxyback Green Drake under a Chubby Chernobyl and put it in the juice. Oh yeah, there are Golden Stones and Salmonflies popping now too. They will come back in the evening to oviposit, don't leave too soon or you'll miss out. For highsticking the pockets and drop offs, nothing beats a Black Rubberlegs with a Copper John. Or, a Jigged Green Drake. PMDs, Baetis and all the other mayflies in this system will also be coming off if it gets cloudy. You should be seeing some Caddis dries coming off, so make sure you have a few of those in your fly box as well.
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: June 19, 2020
Report:
With the heat showing up here in the North State, it's time the the Pit river rainbows start their migration into the highly oxiginated waters of the riffles and pocket water. Break out those long Euro stick and drop a dark colored jig fly of choice into some white water and hold on! There will still be some good dry fly action in the evening is you haven't already wore your self out or headed to the flats at Hat Creek, but going deep is the name of the game under the mid day sun.
Here are some useful links to monitor the flows:
Pit 3 - Below Pit 3 Dam
Pit 5 - Through Big Bend
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Stimulator - Orange
• Foam October Caddis
• Potter's October Caddis
• Mercer's Skating October Caddis
• Chernobyl Ant
• Fat Albert
• Adams - #14-18
• Elk Hair Caddis - Tan #12-16
• Mayfly Cripples - #12-16
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Mercer's Tungsten October Pupa
• Morrish October Pupa
• Skip’s TB October Caddis
• Black A.P. - #12
• Dark Lords - #12-16
• Flashback Pheasant Tail - #14-16
• Beaded Zebra Midge - #18
• BH Hellgrammite - #6
• Mercer's Poxyback Dark Stone - #6
• GB Black A.P. - #10-12
• CB Micro Mayflies - #14-18
• Red Copper Johns - #16-18
• Pat's Brown Rubberleg - #6-8
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince - #14-18
• GB Bird's Nest - #10-16
Streamers & Leeches:
• Zack's Swimming Leech - #8
Trinity River Expand
Trinity River Report
Upated: June 19, 2020
Report:
There are a few Summer fish adults hanging around the Douglas City area as well as some reports of the elusive Trinity River brown trout being caught around Lewiston. The Fly water below the dam is a great spot to find juveniles ready to make their migration down stream.
Trinity River Flows:
Trinity River Releases from Lewiston
Trinity River Flow at Pigeon Point
Shuttle Services:
• Bill & Caryl Dickens (Gold Coast Shuttle) at 530-623-1905
Access To the Trinity River
The Trinity has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities during the steelhead season.
Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Steelhead Fishing Can be Frustrating
These anadromous rainbow trout are known as the 'Fish of a Thousand Casts.' For good reason! The learning curve can be quite steep learning when and where to go, and what
type of water to target. Our
Professional Guide Staff has decades of experience guiding the Trinity River for steelhead. A day spent with one of our guides will get you up to speed much more quickly.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Early Summer Run Steelhead on the Trinity River will take swung flies readily. Spey rods are becoming an increasingly popular method to swing flies.
The Fly Shop's Signature Spey Rods
are an economical way to get into a great Spey rig.
Add a
Ross Cimmaron II Fly Reel and a Scandi shooting head, a leader, tippet and fly and you'll be in business.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Harrop's Last Chance Cripple - #18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Pat's RubberlegsBrown and Black, #4-8
• Mercer's Poxyback GB Hares Ears - #8-14
• TB Solitude Stone - #8
• Lance's X-May - #16, Brown
• Mercer's Gold Bead Biot Epoxy Golden Stone - #8-10
Eggs:
• Clown Egg - #4-10
• M.C. Redd Reapers
• Micro Spawn Eggs - Pink & Salmon Egg
• Boles Bazookas - #8
Streamers & Leeches:
• Beadhead Crystal Buggers - Any
• CH Kiwi Muddlers
• Freshwater Clouser - Any
Upper Sacramento River Expand
Upper Sacramento River Report
Upated: June 4, 2020
Report:
The Delta Fire ran through the lower end of the Sacramento River drainage above Shasta Lake in 2018. Any time there is any rain in the forecast be extra cautious if you go to stay upstream of the Slate Creek drainage as heavy downpours could cause slides and debris flows.
This river is fishing very well right now with a lot of insects hatching and lots of them! Flows at Delta are 550 CFS which is quite manageable, clarity is good. If you like to fish the big bugs, Salmonflies and Golden Stones are coming off. Highstick Rubberlegs in black and brown, or fish a Chubby Chernobyl. For the dry bite your best bet will be towards dark. Shake the bushes during the day to see what's what. In the stone department Yellow Sallies are also hatching right now, drop a UV or Iron Sally off of your dry for a dry-dropper rig. If you are lucky and have a cloudy, rainy day, Green Drakes will be popping in which case you should tie on a Poxyback Green Drake Emerger. And Hydrospyches Caddis are hatching on the warm, sunny days. With this many insects, keep our head on swivel and keep those drifts in the zone, you'll hook up!
Upper Sacramento Flows at Delta
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• D&D Cripple - March Brown
• Low Water Baetis - #18
• Adams - #12-20
• Mercer's Missing Link - Dark #14-16
• Parachute Adams - #14-18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Mercer's Tungsten October Pupa
• Morrish October Pupa
• Skip's TB October Caddis
• CB Birds Nest - #10-14
• Red Copper John - #16-18
• Zebra Midge - #18-20
• Mercury Black Beauty
• Mercer's Glass Bead Micro May - #22
• Mercer's GB Dark Stone - #8
• Mercer's Dark Stone - #6
• Pat's Rubber Legs - Brown #6-8
• GB Birds Nest - #12-14
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince - #12-18
• Swink's BTS
• Mercer's CB Micro Mayfly - #14-16
Streamers & Leeches:
• Sheila Sculpin
• Woolly Buggers
• Muddler Minnows - #10
Expand All Still Waters Reports
Baum Lake Report
Updated: April 24, 2020
Report: PG&E has closed access to Baum Lake.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Adams - #18-20, Hackle Winged May - BWO, Harrop's Last Chance - All, Griffith's Gnat, Mercer's Missing Link - #14-18, Light Cahill - #18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Red Copper John - #18, Ultra Scuds, GB Flashback PT - #14-20, Black A.P. - #14-16, Beaded Zebra Midge - #18-20, Mercer's Gidget, Mercer's CB Micro Mays - Ruby Red #16-18, GB Flashback PT - Olive #18, Beaded Zebra Midge - #16-20, Chromie - #18
Steamers & Leeches:
JGF Translucent Wiggle Tail - #10, Beaded Micro Buggers - #12, Zack's Damseleech - #14
Iron Canyon Reservoir Report
Updated: March 26, 2019
Report: The lake is fishing great and the road going in is good shape. Fish are keying on midges, small ones. Size #18 and smaller, TB Tube Midges will get you down fast if you are fishing the swirl. Stripped leeches in black and brown also are the ticket, nothing is a fun as that grab on the strip! Midges hatching will have the fish keying on that, try a Griffith's Gnat, Skittering Midge or a Midge Hanger. You'll need something small for these guys. Keep your eyes open in the shallows at this time of year, Callibaetis will be emerging with fish cruising to eat the emergers, and later in the morning the spinners. When you find the fish rising, watch for the cruisers and put a Pheasant Tail or a Zallibaetis in front of it and strip it in slowly.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Harrop's Last Chance - Callibaetis
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
San Juan Worm - Fire #8-14, Chromies - #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midge - #16-20, Mercer's CB Micro Mayfly - #14-18, GB Half-Flashback PT - #16-20
Streamers & Leeches:
Beaded Micro Buggers, Freshwater Clouser - Olive/White, Zonkers - #4
Keswick Reservoir Report
Updated: September 12, 2019
Report:
With higher flows, Keswick is much like a river up top. Find the seams and fish small, dark patterns like Zebra Midges and Dark Lords are the ticket. Water clarity is perfect, not too clear, not too cloudy. Stripping leeches has been a good tactic, olive Wooley Buggers can do the trick. If you are looking for big browns, fish the big stuff deep, Dali Lamas, Sculpzillas and other similar big patterns on full sinking lines are what's required.
Stripping leeches and buggers on a type VII full sink line works great here. Fish going over 20" happen! Releases out of Shasta Dam have been stable. Good place to hire a guide though. Finding these fish requires some special knowledge and a boat.
Indicator suspended Birds Nests, Midges, PT Nymphs should work along the edges of the fast water near the Dam. Suspend your flies about 2-3 feet below the indicator. These fish like to come up to the fly. Fish the shallow edges. Stay low!! You will need a motorized boat to get to where the good fishing exists.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Mercer's Missing Link #16-18, Adams #14-16, Mercer's Parachute Profile Spinners #16
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Bubbleback Caddis - #14, Mercer's Glo-Bubble Caddis - Tan #14, Chromie - #16-18, Mercer's Gidget, GB San Juan Worm - #12, Mercer's Biot Epoxy Golden Stones - #8-12, Chironomid Bomber - Any color #12, Mercer's CB Micro Mayfly - Brown #16-18, Pats Rubberlegs - Brown #6-8, CB Birds Nest - #10-14
Streamers & Leeches:
Crystal Buggers, Freshwater Clousers - #6, Zonkers - Natural #4, BH Halebopp Leech - Olive/Dark Olive #8
Lake Shasta Report
Updated: December 5, 2019
Report: We have good news for anyone who likes to fish for large trout busting shad on the top! Think Nat Geo, open ocean, anchovy or sardine ball frenzies. This is happening right now, a stripped shad minnow streamer or Float 'n Fly under an indicator are both great methods right now. Spotted Bass are also getting in on the action and some of these fish are quite large. With the rain moving in, this should only improve the action. Look for birds and surface disturbances, that where the action is!
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: February 15, 2019
Report: Lewiston has turned on and is fishing well. If you are fishing the drop offs down towards the ramp, small midge pupae are the ticket. #18-20 black, red or brown Zebra Midges under an indicator. Brown Woolley Buggers or Balanced Leeches are some good options too. Up top near the Trinity Dam, releases in the afternoon are topping 1,400 CFS beginning around 3 or 4 p.m. and ending near midnight. These flows will draw fish up top, it is a river and you will need a powered craft to fish it. Dead drifting midges and black Micro Mays will get you hooked up.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Hackle Stackers - BWO #18, Parachute Adams - #14-18, Mayfly Cripples
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Ultra Scuds - #16, Chromies - #18-20, Mercer's CB Micro May - Black #18, Flashback Pheasant Tail - #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midges - #18-20, Mercer's Gidgets
Streamers & Leeches:
JGF Translucent Wiggle Tail, Woolly Bugger - Any, Beadhead Crystal Buggers - #8, Zack's Swimming Leech - #8, Zack's Damseleech - Orange/Olive
Manzanita Lake Report
Updated: November 30, 2019
Report:
Manzanita Lake is frozen over, you should check out Baum Lake or one of our Private Waters like Sugar Creek Ranch for some good still water action.
Pay attention to the special regulations here, especially where you can and can't fish. Barbless hooks, artificial lures, catch and release. Make sure you inquire at the park entrance.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Harrop's Last Chance - #16-20, Adams - #14-18, Mayfly Cripple - #18, Last Chance Cripple - Callibaetis or Baetis, Mercer's Missing Link - #14-16, Mercer's Parachute Profile Spinner
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Zack's Attack Damsel, Burk's Sierra Damsel, Black A.P. - #14-16, Hogan's S&M - Olive #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midge - Black #18-20, Mercer's Gidgets
Streamers & Leeches:
Beaded Micro Bugger - Black, Zonkers - #4, Beaded Micro Buggers - Any
McCloud Reservoir Report
Updated: December 5, 2019
Report: McCloud Reservoir is receiving very little attention right now, which is a shame. Trout are eating midges by the bucket load, fish Zebras under an indicator or slowly stripped in on an I-line. Good sizes are #16 & 18 in black and brown. If things slow down, fish Zach's Balanced Damsel with or without an indicator, these fish won't leave it alone. If you are looking for a monster brown you will have to go with a large streamer, something that looks like a 10 - 12" rainbow trout. Fish it erratically near drop offs or under the timber piles.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Harrop's Last Chance - #16-20, Adams - #14-18, Mayfly Cripple - #18, Last Chance Cripple - Callibaetis or Baetis, Mercer's Missing Link - #14-16, Mercer's Parachute Profile Dun Spinner
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Zack's Attack Damsel, Burk's Sierra Damsel, Black A.P. - #14-16, Hogan's S&M - Olive #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midge - Black #18-20, Mercer's Gidgets
Steamers & Leeches:
Beaded Micro Bugger - Black, Zonkers - #4, Beaded Micro Buggers - Any
Pyramid Lake Report
Updated: March 5, 2019
Report: The past weekend was good until the wind died down and the lake went to glass on Monday with very few fish caught through today. Of the fish that came to net, a went over 10lbs. Fish are not concentrated at any single beach, and moving around is key. Northern and mid-lake beaches are fishing better than southern beaches right now. Early mornings and late in the evening will see the most action, with almost nothing happening mid-day. Smaller midges (size 12 or 14) under the indicator, stripping chartreuse and white popcorn beetles and black Wooly Worms are what's working.
Hot Flies: Pyramid Beach Leech - #8, Zack's Cut Bait Midge, Rich's Moo-Midge - #8, Mahalo Nymphs, Popcorn Beetle, Midnight Cowboy, Zack's Pyramid Minnow
Expand All Private Waters Reports
Antelope Creek Lodge Report
Updated: May 20, 2020
Report: Antelope Creek Ranch is fishing well with stoneflies, Salmonflies and Goldens, coming off in the creek. The midge hatch is on in the upper lake, it's a little early for Callibaetis, but later this month will see the fish eating the emergers. Good flies on the creek are a big, black Rubberlegs and a Dark Lord if you are highsticking the drop offs. The biggest Chubby Chernobyl or a Rogue Foam Stone is more fun though. Zebra Midges and Midge Hangers work well in both lakes, this is also a good time to fish Crystal Buggers. Give us a call if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Battle Creek Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: Battle Creek Ranch is closed for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: May 12, 2020
Report: Flows and clarity are great right now on the club property. These cloudy days have the bugs coming off in droves. PMDs are beginning to show, look for the larger stone flies to be hatching soon. The main mayfly hatch are Baetis, make sure you have a variety of Adams sizes from 14 - #18 on hand to take advantage when you see fish working the top. Shad patterns down by the lake will elicit some vicious takes, you can also fish the slower water with a Float 'n Fly under an indicator. Now is the time to look for fish working the surface!
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: May 12, 2020
Report: Flows and clarity are great right now on the club property. These cloudy days have the bugs coming off in droves. PMDs are beginning to show, look for the larger stone flies to be hatching soon. The main mayfly hatch are Baetis, make sure you have a variety of Adams sizes from 14 - #18 on hand to take advantage when you see fish working the top. Shad patterns down by the lake will elicit some vicious takes, you can also fish the slower water with a Float 'n Fly under an indicator. Now is the time to look for fish working the surface!
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: May 12, 2020
Report: Clear Creek is on target to open in early June. The runoff has the creek a little high for now, but the ranch is in great shape. We will post updates as we get closer. Give us a call if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: December 5, 2019
Report: We've got storms lined up and this weekend's rain will definitely help bring some fish into the Klamath. The bigger winter run steelies will begin to make their way into the system from here on out. It is still a little early for the coastal rivers, but right after Christmas start looking at the forecasts. The scenery is spectacular on the coast!
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Hat Creek Ranch Report
Updated: May 12, 2020
Report: The season has begun again with higher flows and hungry fish! The water is a little cloudy from the runoff, but there are plenty of Yellow Sallies and PMDs coming off right now. Some Salmonflies are making their appearance as well. Right now fishing a UV Sally below your favorite sofa pillow fly will work wonders. Stripping and swinging Wooly Buggers through the pools is also effective getting these fish to chase. Give us a call if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies (Lake):
Bionic Ant, Carl's Foam Ant, Barr's Dropper Hopper, Dave's Foam Hopper, Adult October Caddis - #8, Foam October Caddis - #8, Potter's October Caddis - #8, CDC Dun - #20 BWO, Mercer's Parachute Profile Spinner - BWO, Mercer's Missing Links - #16-18, Tilt Wing Dun - PMD, Yellow Stimulators - #8-16
Nymphs/Wet Flies & Streamers (Lake):
GB Flashback PT - Olive #14-18, Mercer's CB Micro May - Black #14-18, Beaded Zebra Midges - Black #18, Burk's Crystal HBI, Mercer's Glass Bead Micro Mayflies - Any, Chromie - #18, Mercury Black Beauty - #20
Luk Lake Report
Updated: May 20, 2020
Report: Luk Lake is fishing as well as it ever does. Bass are taking stripped leeches near the edges of the pads, tying on a Balanced Leech or a Damsel Leech and using an indicator will work wonders. The bluegill Float 'n Fly is deadly. To find the trout you will have to go deep, find the channels and get your flies down low, Pheasant Tails in #14 are working right now, and you will be rewarded with some nice fish. The topwater game is going early morning and in the evening. Find the holes in the pads and plop your biggest offering into it. Make sure you brought your nitroglycerin tablets if you do... Give us a call if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
CDC Duns - BWO, Adams - #12-20, Humpy - Yellow, Purple Para Wulff
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Chan's Chironomid Bombers - #12, Mercer's CB Micro May - #14-18, Black A.P. - #14-16
Streamers & Leeches:
Zack's Zallibaetis - #14-16, Zack's Swimming Leech - #8, Beadhead Crystal Buggers - Any
Bass Flies:
Mini Poppers - #12, Beadhead Crystal Buggers - Any
Oasis Springs Report
Updated: May 12, 2020
Report: Battle Creek is a little high, but there is great fishing right now! Salmonflies and Golden Stones are coming off, fish will eat the dry fly presented correctly. Highsticking Rubberlegs in dropoffs and runs, behind boulders and any other way you can put it in front of these native fish is a great method this time of year. If you feel you must, tie on a red Copper John as a dropper to catch the ones who don't grab the Rubberlegs. This is a great time to fish the south fork! Give us a call if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Rock Creek Lake Report
Updated: May 12, 2020
Report: Rock Creek Lake is a great choice this spring. It is a midge factory and the morning hatches are legendary. Some of them are big right now, a #14 Zebra Midge, black or red, is great. Throw the Midge Hanger or Smoke Jumper for dry action. Later keep your eyes peeled for ant and termite falls. With all of the dead timber in the surroundings, these are a frequent offering and these fish are on the up and up. A #12-14 dark Missing Link can work wonders in this situation. Other ant and beetle patterns are also a good idea to have just in case. The most fun you can have at this lake is fishing a Hi Viz Beetle off of the dam during the evening, you can cast to cruising rainbows. Give us a call if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: May 12, 2020
Report: The ponds are in great shape, the weather has been fantastic and the Callibaetis are beginning to come off. Damsels are also beginning to show. A good tactic this time of year is to tie on a Callibaetis nymph like Zach's Zallibaetis, spot fish cruising the weed beds, and lead them by about eight or ten feet. Short, subtle strips will trigger a healthy grab. Bring plenty of Parachute Adams in #14 & #16 when the fish are taking spinners. Make sure you have the Zebra Midges, Balanced Leeches and Beetle patterns ready. This place is a real zoo entomologically speaking! Give us a call if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Parachute Adams - #14-16, Cathy's Super Beetle, Norman's Loopwing - BWO, Tilt Wing Dun - BWO, Mercer's Missing Link - #14-18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Black A.P. - #14-16, Mercer's Glass Bead Micro May - #22, Zack's Zallibaetis - #14-16, Mercer's CB Micro May - Black #14-18, Chromie - #16-18
Streamers & Leeches:
JGF Translucent Wiggle Tail, Zack Attack Damsels - #14, Burk's Sierra Damsel - Olive #12