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: March 25, 2023
Report: The creek is looking good and is fishing pretty well for so early in the season. We believe Hat will come on strong in the mid April timeframe, we are seeing fish eating Salmonfly nymphs which bodes well for a strong hatch. Blue Wing Olives are coming off on cloudy days in droves which has fish looking up. All indicators point to strong hatches in April For now, the BP Weiss nymph, light or dark, for a nymph and a #20 Green Paradun extended body BWO for the fish looking to eat on the surface. Rubberlegs underneath an indicator, highsticked, or underneath a Chubby Chernobyl is working in the areas north of the 299 bridge. Small black caddis are coming off in the afternoons, a #16-18 Bird's Nest is working for those circumstances.
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, Rubberlegs, Sweet Pea Jigged Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, and Green Drakes
Klamath River Report
Updated: March 7, 2023
Report: We have not heard of any recent reports from the Klamath regarding fish. The steelhead season on the upper portion is pretty much over. We will keep an eye out for Salmonflies and post when we begin to see them coming off. In the meantime, if you would like to find a steelhead the Trinity River continues to provide solid opportunities.
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: March 25, 2023
Report: The river continues to clear and more and more insects are hatching to include some early PMDs. The yellow egg Sucker Spawn bite is happening in places. The river is clear enough down to Anderson and looks like it could be worth floating down as far as Balls Ferry. The storm next week will definitely add some color to the river below Clear Creek, but once it clears up it will be game on! This spring will be a barn burner! For now the BP Weiss Nymph, Olive Hotspot, #18 Olive S&M and Lance's Jigged X-May in Hotspot dropped below your favorite Rubberlegs are good bugs. Keep some Peaches 'N Cream ready for a substitution when you see these mayflies on the water. For the days when the Black Caddis are swarming you can fish an Olive Poopah, black Silvey's or a Lower Sac LaFontaine. Any of these bugs swung in the shallow tailouts or riffles can be a lot of fun. We've got just a few days left to fish above the 44 bridge, 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: March 15, 2023
Report: This spring may be a good time to come up and fish the McCloud, but this summer should be fantastic! With the snow pack in the watershed we expect to see good, cold water flows throughout the hot season. Getting to the McCloud for now will be risky if not possible. The snow pack over the pass to Ah-Di-Na excludes that option and the construction on the road to Ash Camp eliminates that one. We'll keep you posted here when it is safe to travel to fish this beautiful river.
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: March 21, 2023
Report:
The work on the Rock Creek bridge has been completed. The access road from Lake Britton to Big Bend is now open.
The weather and conditions on the river right now continue to be a little wintry here and there. The river looks to be pretty muddy on the lower end below Pit 5. The flows on Pit 3 and downstream continue to be high. Give the river a couple of weeks and it should be game on! This is a fantastic spring river!
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: March 25, 2023
Report:
The releases will only go up from now until they peak above 4,200 CFS on April 12th. The April 1st opener up above the Old Lewiston Bridge may hold some fish to be had in the upper section, but we recommend caution if you are wading up there as the river will be high and fast. Check road conditions if you do head over as there are bound to be slides here and there. We will be looking forward to this summer when the early Summer Run fish begin making their way up this iconic river!
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: March 25, 2023
Report:
The river looks mighty tasty from the highway, although it continues to flow high below Sims. You should be able to find some good water to fish up around Dunsmuir. This spring we are looking forward to some runoff early, but look for some good stonefly hatches in late April and through May. This river rocks the spring!
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: March 15, 2023
Report: Baum is a solid fishery and it is on right now! You can have banner days up on this spring creek in the spring. Blue Wing Olive hatches continue to be the main event in the mid day, midges and an occasional black Caddis hatch will get the fish to congregate on the weed bed edges. Woolly Buggers in black and brown were good flies, Damsel Leeches are good patterns too. Olive seems to be the best color for the Damsels. Make sure you have a full midge box and red can be a fantastic color some days. Dry Dropper can be a deadly setup, a red or black Zebra Midge underneath a Chubby Chernobyl or a Fat Head Moth is a good 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: March 7, 2023
Report: A few reports over the past two weeks shows that the clarity is pretty good and you can pick up some fish on olive Wooly Buggers and midges. The flows are highly variable, note where the large rocks are to avoid them on the trip back down to the ramp. When the BOR does release water to generate power you will see current and the fish will key on midges, San Juan Worms and Baetis nypmhs like an olive S&M, Two Bit Hooker, or the BP Weiss Nymph.
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: March 25, 2023
Report: The lake is back in pretty good shape with good visibility in most of the main body. You can expect some lower visibility in the upper arms where the tributaries are dumping some dirtier water in. Fish are eating shad again, it's a Float N' Fly game for now. Some gear reports fish taking grubs near the bottom at much deeper depths. We have a few more stormy days ahead, don't count out those little rivulets as they can hold a lot of fish crashing on the incoming food!
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: March 18, 2023
Report: The lake continues to improve and the giants are hitting the net! With the forecast looking better over the next 10 days, travel to this desert Cutthroat oasis will be less risky. Find a point, dropoff, or your favorite beach barbeque spot, set up a ladder, and tie on your favorite fly. The Midnight Cowboy and Sexton's Booby are working well, For those who want to mix it up, Popcorn Beetles and Pyramid Minnows will get your fingers working. The indicator specialists will do well with the Cutt Bait, Moo Midges in just about any color or a Red Mahalo. As the season is winding down the action is heating up!
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: March 24, 2023
Report: We are looking at anywhere from one to three feet of snow on the ground at the ranch. This is great news! We will have plenty of cold water all season long for our finned friends on the ranch and are looking forward to another great season. If you would like to get in on 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: March 24, 2022
Report: Wow, what a winter we have had! With all of the snow up on Mt. Lassen we are projecting an abundance of cold water this season which bodes well for late spring and summer fishing on the ranch. We will keep an eye as runoff approaches, but early signs are for a great season. Give Chris or Bryan a call in Outfitters to set up a trip to the north state's finest wild Rainbow Trout creek!
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: February 16, 2023
Report: The flows on the lower McCloud through Bollibokka are just above 620 CFS and the great news is the water is clear and green. No one, absolutely no one, has fished this water in the past several months. Now would be a good time to check it out if you have never been. Give Bryan a call in Outfitters if you would like to check out some pristine waters in absolute privacy.
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: February 16, 2023
Report: The flows on the lower McCloud through Bollibokka are just above 620 CFS and the great news is the water is clear and green. No one, absolutely no one, has fished this water in the past several months. Now would be a good time to check it out if you have never been. Give Bryan a call in Outfitters if you would like to check out some pristine waters in absolute privacy.
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: March 15, 2022
Report: Yesterday's storm dropped more than 2 inches of rain and the lake has become cloudy with the runoff. We are keeping an eye on it and will keep you posted here as to when it is clearing up. When it does, this lake will be a fantastic spring fishery for the trout and bass. 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: Tuesday's storm unfortunately added quite a bit of color to the lake. We expect it will be back in good shape within the next two weeks. If you are stocking your fly box for the lake, 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: March 18, 2023
Report: Sugar Creek has four ponds stuffed with trout, the water is clear, and it is fishing well. As we warm over the next few weeks you can expect the early Callibaetis to make their appearnce. Otherwise you will just have to do with fishing midges and catching a lot of rainbows along the weed bed edges. 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