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: November 17, 2020
Report: Fall River has closed for the season. We will keep our fingers crossed for a good winter. We'll keep you posted as we get nearer to the opener.
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: November 17, 2020
Report: Hat Creek has closed for the season. Keep your eyes on the report, we'll get you an update as we get closer to the opener next April!
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, Rubberlegs, Sweet Pea Jigged Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, and Green Drakes
Klamath River Report
Updated: November 23, 2020
Report: The early bird gets the worm, but the Steelhead on the trinity prefer gentleman. No need to be out there at first light. The cold overnight lows will keep the bight delayed so you can enjoy your breakfast burrito before heading out. The flows remain at 1,000 CFS, clarity is good and there are plenty of steelhead pouring into the upper section. Best tactics for numbers is dead drifting Legs and eggs. With the water cooling off, you will have to slow your swung flies down and get a little deeper to consistently hook fish. An Airflo Rage head with a fast sinking Polyleader is a great combo for this system. Tie on Brett's Klamath Intruder, a Burnt Chicken, or an Assassin and have at it. Give us a call here at The Fly Shop if you would like to hire a guide for the upper river in December!
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: November 23, 2020
Report: There are still a few salmon spawning in spots up and down the river. If your are not in an area of active spawning, however, it is best to skip the egg pattern as the trout are shying away from it. Plenty of bugs around with caddis on warm days, lots of midges and clouds of Blue Wing Olives in the cloud cover. The boats are starting to spread out a bit to our steelhead rivers and December is a great time to do some trout fishing with very little traffic on the Lower Sac. The top fish are impressive in size right now coming off the egg gorging session on the lower river is still hiding a few steelhead if you know where to look. Give us a call here at the shop and jump in one of the boats for a great time "social distancing" this Holiday season.
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: November 17, 2020
Report: The McCloud River has closed for the season. It was quite the memorable season for a lot of reasons, but the large fish that came to net tops the list! We will keep you in the loop once we get closer to the opener next April.
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: November 23, 2020
Report: Pit 3 flows, from Lake Britton down to the Pit 4 dam will be unseasonably high through December 7th varying from 800 CFS up to 2,800 CFS. Flows below in Pit 4 - 7 can likewise become higher than normal.
The Pit is still a good choice even as it cools off. The fish will be spread out and holding in water where you would expect them to be holding. Good flies are Rubberlegs in Black and Brown, and the Amberwing Prince Nymph. Find the pocket water and high stick everything you can reach. Look for some hatches to happen on cloudy days. You may have to search some if the rainfall becomes heavy enough to move sediment. Sculpins stripped in the deeper pools this time of year can find some bigger fish.
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: November 23, 2020
Report:
The latest, much needed ranis have improved conditions on the Trinity. The fish continue to move up and around to the upper stretch of the river. Some salmon are spawning on the lower river, if you find them throw eggs and a Rubberlegs to get hooked up. Golden Stones are super prevalent in the system. They will be consistent producers throughout the season. While nymphing is usually the most productive tactic on the Trinity, November and December is still a great time to get out the long pole and do some swinging. Skating muddlers will produce some exciting surface action, while a small poly leader will get your fly down into a better strike zone for these migrators. With the river low, you can still get away with a polyleader. When the river swells and gains some color you may need to get deeper with the tips. Give Bryan or Chris a call if you would like to book a guide.
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: November 17, 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.
The entire Upper Sac is fishing well right now! The October Caddis hatch has moved downstream of Dunsmuir and continues to be strong. For your best chances at hooking fish, get above or below the main hatch as the fish in the thick of things will be sleeping off burrito comas. The river is skinny, but you can tight line or use a dry-dropper rig to put your favorite October Caddis Pupa pattern in front of fish. In the evenings fish a stimulator in yellow or orange in the soft edges when fish will take the ovipositing adults. Midge pupas and Baetis are still the staple on this river if you are dead drifting nymphs. Swinging in the lower river has been getting some solid results with the rainbows moving up out of Lake Shasta. Sculpin and shad patterns are equally effective.
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: November 12, 2020
Report: There has been some dry fly activity in recent days with blue wing olives coming off mid morning. 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: October 16, 2020
Report: Iron Canyon Reservoir is usually a good option if you want to get away from crowds. Fish the areas around the water release and you will have current to make a drift in. San waun worms and small nymphs like pheasant tails and zebra midges will always produce a strike as well.
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: October 16, 2020
Report:
Not much has changed here since the last 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: November 21, 2020
Report: Lake Shasta has turned over and the trout are up top eating shad. The lake is low, if you are on foot you should find good places to fish near Jones Valley if you would like to get away from the crowds. Stripping Wooly Buggers and suspending Float 'n Flies under an indicator are good techniques for now. If you are lucky and in a boat, watch for the birds and go investigate. There are some nice trout being caught right now in Shasta!
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: October 16, 2020
Report: The forest is open again and the air quality has improved dramatically. This time of year you will see fish keying on midges and chasing stripped leeches and Crystal Buggers, olive and brown are to great colors. Baetis hatches along with some lingering Callibaetis can get you some dry action on warmer days. Fish the drop offs from the main channel, you can spot cruising packs of hungry rainbows for sight fishing action.
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 17, 2019
Report:
Manzanita Lake is closed to any wading, swimming, or soft sided watercraft due to a dangerous otter.
The park has received substantial snowfall, the highway through the park has been closed for the season. It may be a good time to look for alternatives. Luk Lake has trout in it and fishes great all winter.
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: October 16, 2020
Report: The forest is open again and McCloud is one of the good places to chase trout in a stillwater. Go up to the river inlet and fish a Balanced Leech under an indicator and you will be hooked up quickly. Stripping streamers near log rafts can be effective this time of year. It's a popular place, but worth it!
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: November 21, 2020
Report: Pyramid Lake is open for the season. The first month was a little slow for shore anglers, but with the cooling temps it is picking up. Some larger fish are being caught lately. As always, fish the drop offs and get ready when your neighbor hooks up. Tui Chubs, Balanced Leeches and large midge offerings are good flies right now. Fishing pressure is limited, so this may be a good time to hook up to a prehistoric monster trout!
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: October 16, 2020
Report: We have wrapped up another great, but challenging season! We look forward to opening the ranch up again next season. Check with us for the 2021 season's availability if you would like to experience some great still water and stream fishing in a safe, secure environment.
Hot Flies:
Battle Creek Report
Updated: November 17, 2020
Report: The ranch has closed for the season. We'll up update you with a forecast in mid April as we prepare to open up this great little creek! If you are looking for a place to fish in the meantime, you can check out Luk Lake or Sugar Creek Ranch.
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: November 17, 2020
Report: We've wrapped up another great season at the Bollibokka Club. We wish you all a great winter and look forward to seeing you again next year!
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: November 17, 2020
Report: We've wrapped up another great season at the Bollibokka Club. We wish you all a great winter and look forward to seeing you again next year!
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: November 17, 2020
Report: The fishing season on the ranch has come to a close. We're looking forward to next season!
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: November 17, 2020
Report: Hat Creek Ranch is closed for the season.
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: November 23, 2020
Report: Luk Lake has cooled and the trout are on the bite! With the stormy weather, this should add a little color to the lake and the fish will be higher in the water column. Good flies are Red Copper Johns in #14 & 16, red and black Zebra Midges in #14 - 18 and San Juan Worms in cream and red. It's a little early for hatches, but this lake has a ton of damselflies and dragonflies, olive and brown Balanced Leeches stripped or fished under and indicator are a mainstay. Check out Zack's Damseleech offerings as well, sometimes these can be the trip maker. If you would like to get out on Luk Lake, give Chris or Bryan a call in Outfitters.
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: November 17, 2020
Report: We have wrapped the season up at Oasis Springs Lodge. If you would like to check in on availability for some great small, freestone trout fishing in a secluded lodge setting, please give Chris or Bryan a call in the Outfitters department.
Hot Flies:
Rock Creek Lake Report
Updated: November 17, 2020
Report: We have closed the cabin for the winter at Rock Creek Lake. We have availability for next season for this cozy cabin and great still water rainbow trout fishing. Call Chris or Bryan in the Outfitters department if you would like to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: November 23, 2020
Report: The weather is cooling, the weeds are dying off and the fish are well into their fall pattern. 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