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!
Featured Reports
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Fall River Expand
Fall River Report
Upated: September 3, 2020
Report: Some Callibaetis are going on The Fall with a good spinner fall in the morning. Check out some of the slower stretches in the lower river for these guys. Mid mornings the PMD hatch comes on and lasts through mid day to the early afternoon. Zug Bug down are some good places to look for this action. These generation mayflies are smaller, size 14 & 16, so choose between the PMD Challenged or the Last Chance Cripple or Film Critic and time your presentation just right. Damsels and Dragons are present. Zug Bugs, Zack's Balanced Damsel or a plain old olive Crystal Bugger will get fish on the swing or strip back. In some of the deeper holes you can swap out your floating line with an intermediate sinking line. Who doesn't like some good dry fly 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: September 3, 2020
Report: Overall, Hat has slowed a little in the past couple of weeks. The lower section of the creek has good caddis hatches, swinging, dead drifting or floating Birds' Nests and Poopahs is working well. Hoppers are on the menu as well, so the straight up hopper-dropper is a good setup to try. Up in the spring creek section, Tricos are falling in the mornings. Observe where the fish stack in to gulp these guys in seams and the small back eddies off of the current and feed a Trico Spinner to them. The Drowned Trico can be deadly under a small dry like a yellow Humph. These fish are shy and have seen a lot of artificials, you'll have to get creative to foll them.
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, Rubberlegs, Sweet Pea Jigged Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, and Green Drakes
Klamath River Report
Updated: September 3, 2020
Report: We continue to monitor the lower and middle river sections, there are some adults and half pounders coming into the estuary and heading up river to hold in creek mouths and cold seeps. The river will see significant cooling over the next month after this heat ebbs and the days shorten. And once it does, you will have some spectacular fishing on the middle river up to Somes Bar. October should see some good numbers of adult and half pounders appearing on the upper section. If you would like to explore some possibilities about a trip on the Klamath in October or November, give us a call now.
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: September 18, 2020
Report: The skies are clear this morning with visibility over 10 miles and the river is fishing well with some larger fish coming to the net up top. The flows are right now are perfect to get to all of the runs from here in Redding to below Red Bluff. Fish are keying on midge pupae in the morning. Baetis begin to emerge later in the day with some Glossosoma Caddis, the little black Caddis coming off later in the day. Small Zebra Midges in black and red, and your favorite Baetis nymphs in black or brown #16 - 18 S&M/Shot Glass/2 Bit Hooker/Twisted Tactical May all work right now. This is one of the best times to get up and and fish the Sac!
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: September 4, 2020
Report: The river below the lake has cleared and is definitely worth fishing again. Some larger fish are moving up from the lake. For hatches and flies, midges in the mornings are working, small Baetis nymph patterns are good now too. The 2 Bit Hooker, Twisted Tactical Mays, and the Glass Bead Micro May in Black fit that bill nicely. Aquatic worms are abundant now, cream San Juan Worms are good patterns. Hoppers are around, swap your Chubby Chernobyl out for a hopper on your hopper-dropper rigs. We are seeing the October Caddis pupae moving around, the cream or October Mop Fly or Posse Buggers are good patterns this time of year. Towards evening you will get some chances to swing for fish when the Caddis are hatching, so bring Bird's Nests and soft hackles. Life is good on the McCloud!
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: September 4, 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 oxygenated waters of the riffles and pocket water. Break out those long Euro sticks 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 worn yourself out or headed to the flats at Hat Creek, but going deep is the name of the game under the midday 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: September 4, 2020
Report:
The water below Douglas City has warmed and the flows have been dropped to their summer and early fall flows of 450 CFS. There are a few fish around, but we will see some more come up once the days get shorter and the weather cools off some more. The Fly water below the dam is a great spot to find juveniles ready to make their migration down stream. Every day the reports have been slowly getting better so give Chris or Bryan a call to book a trip with the Trinity River Experts.
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: September 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.
With the flows low and the days hot, your best chances to get into a feisty Upper Sac Rainbow will be in the upper stretches of the river. Box Canyon down through Dunsmuir would be the place to be. The water is achingly clear, these fish will see you from a loooong way away in the flats. Target the plunges and heads of runs where fish can hide and have oxygenated water. Small Black Stuff is the order of the day. #18 Zebra midges, X-Mays, Micro Mays and Two Bit Hookers are all good as long as they are black. Drop them under you favorite dry like a Big Head Moth or small Chubby Chernobyl Ant and you have the recipe for success,
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: September 16, 2020
Report: Baum Lake was closed temporarily and is open again. Sinking lines with Wooly Buggers and ZT's Balanced Swimming Leeches are a great choice to get some big fish. Small nymphs under a dry dropper is the best way to get a high number of fish without scaring the trout in there. Go to dry's are the Parachute Adams, Mercers Missing Link, and Griffith's Gnat. As a dropper put on a small pheasant tail or zebra midge.
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: September 16, 2020
Report: Iron Canyon Reservoir is within the national forest closure areas. The closures will be in effect through at least Monday, September 21st. The USFS will reevaluate at that point and we will pass along any information we have at that point.
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 16, 2020
Report:
Keswick is in good shape and fishing well. Look for smaller offerings up in the faster water towards the dam with S&Ms, Two Bit Hookers in black and olive producing well. Olive Wooly and Crystal Buggers work well too on sinking lines.
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: September 16, 2019
Report: Shasta Lake is in the current national forest closure. However, exemptions to the closures have been issued to some boat ramp concessions including Jones Valley and Sugarloaf Marina. We look forward to the continued cooling weather and the schools of shad the trout and spotted bass will be chasing later near the surface.
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: September 16, 202
Report: Lewiston Lake is within the national forest closure areas. The closures will be in effect through at least Monday, September 21st. The USFS will reevaluate at that point and we will pass along any information we have at that point.
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: September 16, 2019
Report:
Manzanita Lake is closed to any wading, swimming, or soft sided watercraft due to a dangerous otter.
The park is open and the lake should be fishing well. Look for diminishing hatches as the fall progresses. Mahogany Duns have been coming off all summer and you will see the fish rising when the hatches are occurring. Bring size #14 - 20 Parachutte Adams to target these rising fish. Damsel flies and midges are abundant on this lake, so stock up on those to throw and strip during slack times. For the big browns, and there are a few, an intermediate sinking line with a big, black leech is a good offering.
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: September 16, 2020
Report: McCloud Reservoir is is within the national forest closure areas. The closures will be in effect through at least Monday, September 21st. The USFS will reevaluate at that point and we will pass along any information we have at that point.
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: September 16, 2020
Report: Pyramid Lake is closed to fishing as of now.
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: September 4, 2020
Report: Antelope Creek Ranch is fishing well with Callibeatis, water boatmen and leeches. FishCamp is in full swing during the week at the ranch and all the campers are having a great time catching lots of fish! Good flies on the creek are a big, black Rubberlegs and a Dark Lord if you are highsticking the drop offs. Using a hopper-dropper setup with 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: September 4, 2020
Report: Battle Creek has been fishing great this year. Reports of bigger fish that average. This is likely due to the mild winter we had in the North State. Anglers have been having success with dry dropper and euro tactics. Battle Creek fish are a sucker for small dark nymphs and flies like the Dark Lord or a black Pheasant Tail nymph are deadly. As the days get shorter and cooler, keep this gem on your radar... it fishes best in October and November. If you would like to seal your fate with a wild rainbow trout this fall, give Chris or Bryan a call in Outfitters to get on this wild creek!
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: September 5, 2020
Report: Conditions are perfect on the club right now. The warm days make wet wading a joy, but keep an eye out for poison oak! 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. Lots of caddis around in the afternoon and evening as well. 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. Evening is the time to look for fish working the surface!
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: September 5, 2020
Report: Conditions are perfect on the club right now. The warm days make wet wading a joy, but keep an eye out for poison oak! 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. Lots of caddis around in the afternoon and evening as well. 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. Evening is the time to look for fish working the surface!
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: August 14, 2020
Report: Clear Creek has been fishing well with the bulk of the fish holding in the many deep pools on the ranch. Try a slow retrieve with sculpin patterns of woolly buggers and keep your rod tip low to detect the subtle takes. Dry dropper techniques have been producing on the riffle sections as well. Its been hot out there so leave the waders at the cabin and enjoy some wet wading this time of year.
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: September 5, 2020
Report: River temps continue to drop and after this latest heat wave will be steadily dropping throughout September. Once the daily temps average solidly below 68 degrees we will see steelhead piling into the estuary and beginning their journey up the river. We have some availability in September and October during prime time. If swinging for steelhead on a gorgeous river is your thing, give Chris or Bryan a call to visit this unique and special river.
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Hat Creek Ranch Report
Updated: August 14, 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: September 5, 2020
Report: Luk Lake is fishing as well as it ever does. There are weeds to deal with, but this is where the bass are hiding. A well placed dragonfly dry plopped next to a weed line or in a hole is working great. Top water action can be had all day. Otherwise, stripping leeches or Woolly Buggers is working too. Balanced Damsels are perfect under an indicator especially when there is some chop. The topwater game is going early morning and in the evening. 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: August 14, 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: September 5, 2020
Report: Hatches on the lake are diminishing, but fish will still grab terrestrials fished near the edges. Conditions are getting better every day with the lake beginning to cool. Midges are hatching in the morning and of course you should always fish the cool water creek channel deep when the sun is up. An I Line with a #16 red or black Zebra Midge is your ticket for success on the bigger fish. When the wind blows, ply the edges with your beetles and ants. Some caddis hatching towards dark will have fish launching themselves a couple feet into the air. Keep your eyes peeled for the Mahogany Duns and make sure you have some dries. We have some availability through the end of the season in this great mountain getaway. Give Chris or Bryan a call if you would like to secure your trip!
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: September 5, 2020
Report: The ponds will just get better as we roll into the fall. These fish have been feasting all summer on all the insects in the weeds; midges, caddis, mayflies, dragons and damselfly nymphs. With the majority of hatches having already emerged, and with the impending winter these fish know they will have to prepare for leaner times opening up opportunities to fish for rainbows who have their guard down. For now, sneaking up on these fish will give you the best results when the sun is high and the ponds are glassy. Beetles, ants and midges all work placed correctly. We have a lot of availability for large and small groups who would like to get out for a day or more in a setting where you can practice social distancing easily.
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