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.
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Fall River Expand
Fall River Report
Upated: December 8, 2022
Report: The Fall River Valley had a cold snap and snow. You can still fish if you would like. Good techniques would be to target fish with leeches and stripping scuds. The warmer days should have good Baetis hatches.
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: December 8, 2022
Report: The Hat Creek valley will see some snow this weekend. If you go be on the lookout for Blue Wing Olives and midges. You will get some other insects coming off in the Powerhouse Riffle. If you are looking for some great fishing now, you should check out the Lower Sac or Trinity. There are some big fish being caught on the Lower.
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, Rubberlegs, Sweet Pea Jigged Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, and Green Drakes
Klamath River Report
Updated: January 25, 2023
Report: Fishing on the upper Klamath is still fishing well, plenty of fish are in the system and the visibility remains around 3 - 4 feet. Some days will find a lot of boats fishing from Iron Gate down to the Klamathon bridge, but that does not seem to affect the fishing with as many fish are in the river. No reports on the middle section around Happy Camp, it should be clearing up soon above the slide area. Clear skies up through this week have the road cleared up, keep an eye out for this system coming through this weekend. Black Rubberlegs and a red Copper John, or a Duracell have been top producers. Seriously, you shouldn't worry too much about what you are dropping below the Rubberlegs. The middle sections are fishing well too. The middle is great swing water. Brett's Klamath Intruder in olive and burnt orange is a killer pattern if you are not swinging a Copper Beaded Assassin. Again, keep your eyes open for the forecast and carry chains if you go.
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: January 25, 2023
Report: The river is slowly clearing and beginning to fish. The visibility is right around two feet up to at the Posse Grounds & Sundial. Fish are eating large flies like Rubberlegs, brown and black. You will want to get them down quickly, so the Tungsten Beaded Rubberlegs are a great choice to pin those babies deep. Fish in lower clarity water can also be found in shallower lies, so don't pass up the riffles. As the river continues to clear the reaches downstream will begin to fish, as of now it is pretty murky below Cottonwood Creek for sure. If you would like to get a day out on the river with one of our guides, give Bryan or Chris a call in Outfitters. (530)222-3555
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: January 25, 2023
Report: The river below Lake McCloud is looking clear enough to fish according to the turbidity gage just above the lake. Flows on the lower end of the river are right around 820 CFS, up at Ah-Di-Na they are just below 300 CFS. Traveling over the ridge down into Ah-Di-Na can be tricky in the wintertime. We have no reports on the status or condition of the road, so pack chains, a snow shovel and let someone know where you are headed if you decide to risk it. PG&E and the Forest Service will be working on the road down to Ash Camp to fix the slide. They are not permitting pedestrian traffic through the slide area.
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: December 15, 2022
Report:
Pit 3 & 4 look to be in good shape. The gage on Pit 7 is showing quite a bit of turbidity, it is probably coming from the JB Black Powerhouse from the McCloud. Rubberlegs and Olive Hotspots, Black Perdigons, and in slower water sculpin patterns being the top producers. Good flies remain Amberwing Prince Nymphs, the red Hollopoint, black Perdigon, and any of the Jigged Bird's Nests. Traveling over into the Pit drainage below Lake Britton can be tricky, so watch the forecast and be aware there could be icy patches down in the canyon.
As always, the flows on the Pit can and will change without notice, so definitely check before you go! And be prepared to get out when the river begins to rise.
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: January 25, 2023
Report:
The top is in great shape down to Grass Valley Creek which is adding some color to the river. You can still fish through and by Steel Bridge Road the color and clarity are Chef's Kiss. The river down to Douglas City is in good shape, below the clarity is great, but a little big. If you are wading this may impact your plans, for those drifting you should be fine. Watch out at the Indian Creek takeout, the creek pushed a large bar up making it difficult to pull your watercraft out. Large Rubberlegs in brown and black are good flies right now, you will pick up a few fish on tangerine egg patterns, and Golden Stone nymphs like the TB Solitude and Mercer's Poxyback will likewise hook some fish. Keep some Purple Psycho Princes, Amberwing Princes, Pheasantails and Duracells handy for those days when the mayflies are pouring off. For the swingers out there, bring your Skagits and sink tips. Good patterns when the flows come up and the water gets a little dirty, black and blue are great colors. The Burnt Chicken, Hartwick's Hoser, or your favorite intruder will get the job done. We are definitely seeing the fish moving up, the big winters are entering the system. Keep your app open to check the forecast, bring chains, give yourself plenty of time and drive carefully. Give Bryan or Chris a call if you would like to get a trip scheduled during the best time to go!
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: January 5, 2022
Report:
The big rains have the river pumping and cloudy as of now. If you do go up to find fish, look up towards Dunsmuir above the tributaries for the best chances of clear water. Most fish are coming to small black midge and Baetis patterns. Both red and black Zebra Midges in #18 - 20 are always a good idea along with your favorite Baetis nymph like a black Micro May, Two Bit Hooker, or any of the dark Perdigon patterns. Watch the forecast driving up the hill and it would not be a bad idea to carry chains.
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: January 25, 2023
Report: The lake continues to fish well. the browns are still out in force. The fish are mainly keying on midges and Baetis, so fish the small Zebra Midges or a Micro Mayfly, black is a good color. Dry Dropper can be a deadly setup. They are also eating up top occasionally, so bring your small dry flies for the surface action. The Griffith's Gnat and your favorite BWO dry or emerger pattern will work fine. On the bright, sunny days you will want to drop down on your tippet to 6X or 7X. Our guides have this place wired if you are looking for some tactical advice on fishing a great spring creek fishery with an expert!
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: December 4, 2021
Report: If the visibility is decent, this could be a good destination to hook a ton of rainbows. We have not had any recent reports, most anglers are chasing steelhead right now. We'll keep you posted when we do get eyes on the lake.
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: May 21, 2022
Report:
No recent reports on Keswick, the clarity should be much improved from the past two months. Keep an eye out for the submerged bedrock as this will eat your lower end up. A dark Olive Woolly Bugger is a good fly. San Juan Worms under an indicator or your favorite Baetis nymph pattern. if you are dead drifting for fish works wonders.
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: January 25, 2023
Report: Trout on the lake are in the top twenty feet of water. Best locations to go after them is around the dam or Bridge Bay. They are eating shad, so the Float N' Fly in shad should be a good pattern to use. A lot of rainbows are still coming to anglers in the Centimudi area. Bass are super shallow now as well, they are eating crayfish and shad, again the shad Float N' Fly fished 5 - 15' is a good option. For the crayfish, use a sinking line and a rootbeer Grim Reaper bounced right on the bottom. Let 'er sink! With new storms, the freshets will produce some good inflows to the lake and the fish will congregate in these areas and can be productive all day. The topwater bite is a ways off, and we need to see what's up with the storms on the horizon, but the lake should fish really well this spring!
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: December 1, 2022
Report: Lewiston Lake is fishing pretty well and should be a good spot to get your stillwater trout fix in over the next couple of weeks. Midges are the staple for these fish, red or black Zebra Midges in the #16 - 18 range suspended under an indicator is a good place to start. Balanced Leeches in dark colors are also a good method. Before the lake really cools off now is the time to target fish cruising the flats with Wooly Buggers.
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 2, 2022
Report:
With snow falling in the park we are looking at the end of the season on Manzanita. You should be checking out some of the other lakes and streams that are fishing right now like Baum Lake or the Lower Sacramento.
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: November 2, 2022
Report: The reservoir is at capacity, so all ramps should be good to go. Fall is a great time to fish the reservoir with trout falling to stripped streamers, Wooly Buggers, and Balance Leeches fished under an indicator when they won't grab the faster presentations. Find structure like points and fingers, floating logs and you will find fish. Another place to look is the river inlet, fish stack in there!
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: January 25, 2023
Report: The fishing has improved over the past week and with some weather rolling in this weekend we should see it get even better. Some nice fish are being caught over ten pounds, and some larger fish are getting away. Often is it the nasty weather days that has the fish shallow cruising the ledges. Right now they are still eating chubs, so fish your streamers. Other options likewise remain Balanced Leeches and midge patterns fished under an indicator. You shouldn't have to fish a deep drop, target the areas where you can fish the dropoffs. Midge season is coming, though so bring your favorites in a box in case the chub bite slows. If you go there is a storm approaching this weekend, keep your eye on the forecast and bring chains!
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 14, 2022
Report: This season was one for the record books - in a good way! We would like to throw out a a big thank you to all of our guests who came this year. Mike will be working just as diligently over the winter to get the ranch in even better shape for next year. While the Antelope Creek rainbows rest up, if you would like to return next season or secure a date to experience some of the most action-packed trout fishing in the north state, give Bryan or Chris a call in Outfitters. (530)222-3555
Hot Flies:
Battle Creek Report
Updated: December 1, 2022
Report: Battle Creek has closed for the season, and what a season it was! We are looking forward to this spring and hope the winter will bring copious amounts of precipitation. Check back in early April and we will give an early season forecast for this wild Rainbow Trout factory!
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: November 10, 2022
Report: Update: The increased flows will continue through mid-November. Right now the gage above the lake is showing just above 700 CFS. The clarity continues to improve. October Caddis are on the wane, but fish can still be had fishing the pupas. If you are using Rubberlegs, let it swing on the end of the drift. If you would like to try for some fish up top, your best chances will be right at dark with a Stimulator or Mercer's October Skater. Blue Wing Olives are the other prominent insect coming off, the brown Jig Nation, dark BP Weiss nymphs are working well right now. Fish are holding close to the banks right now.
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: November 10, 2022
Report: Update: The increased flows will continue through mid-November. Right now the gage above the lake is showing just above 700 CFS. The clarity continues to improve. October Caddis are on the wane, but fish can still be had fishing the pupas. If you are using Rubberlegs, let it swing on the end of the drift. If you would like to try for some fish up top, your best chances will be right at dark with a Stimulator or Mercer's October Skater. Blue Wing Olives are the other prominent insect coming off, the brown Jig Nation, dark BP Weiss nymphs are working well right now. Fish are holding close to the banks right now.
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: November 2, 2022
Report: The creek is fishing well and the water continues to cool off. Decreases in insect hatches have the fish chasing sculpin patterns in the deeper holes. Olive and black Crystal Buggers, beaded and non, in size #6 are always a good choice on the ranch. We will be winding down the cabin season soon, we have some availability this month if you would like to get in a last-minute trip to a cozy cabin next to a wild stream! Give Bryan or Chris a call in Outfitters to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: August 31, 2020
Report: Good news is the lower Klamath has remained relatively smoke free this summer. The river has seen some significant cooling in the river drainage and the water temps are now below 70 degrees for the most part. Early season has seen some nice fish landed and a lot of half pounders showing up as well to keep you entertained. We expect to see the fish continue to steadily push in from the ocean through the next couple of months. We have some late September and October openings if you would like to get out onto this wild steelhead river!
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Luk Lake Report
Updated: December 29, 2022
Report: Luk Lake is a great option when you don't have a lot of time to travel, and your favorite river is blown. Current water conditions are very good and the trout are chasing Wooly Buggers and Balanced Leeches. The olive and black varieties are working best. Look for fish cruising near the shallow north shoreline if you are not getting pods swinging by the deeper spots as these fish will be looking for insects on the weed lines. If there is a warmer, cloudy day be on the lookout for the Baetis to come off in good numbers. Midges will be popping in the mornings, so a box with some #16-20 midge pupa offerings is always a good thing to have, black and red Zebra Midges along with the BP Weiss Nymph in dark and light should get you into plenty of fish. You can give Chris or Bryan a call in Outfitters to set up your day on Luk! (530)222-3555
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 11, 2022
Report: The lodge is winding up the season for 2022. Keep your eyes on this spot for updates over the winter. If you would like to get out on a great little stream over the winter, you should check out Clear Creek Ranch or Battle Creek before next Tuesday.
Hot Flies:
Rock Creek Lake Report
Updated: January 18, 2022
Report: With all of the rivers blown, Rock Creek Lake is a great option to get on the water for some nice fishing. While there is some color, the lake continues to give up wild Rainbows and Brown Trout to dark Balanced Leeches. Zack's Damsleech in Olive & Burnt Orange fished either under an indicator or fishing on an Intermediate line should always be on the lineup. Chartreuse Crystal Buggers are another good option fishing the shallower spots to cruising fish. This mill lake up in the Mt Lassen foothills is a winter sleeper!
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: January 25, 2023
Report: The ranch is in great shape and receiving little pressure. Roads into Etna and Callahan are clear. Best patterns with the rainbows now have been Red or black Zebra Midges in #16 -18. Copper seems to be a good color in the ponds, the #16 Sweet Pea with its copper bead can be dynamite. Balanced Damsels, and Black, Brown and Olive Balanced Leeches fished under indicators are something you should always have. Remember, these fish can be spooked on clear, bright days, so a little stealth a la small creek fishing can go a long ways to fooling the large rainbows in Sugar Creek!
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