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: October 9, 2019
Report: Fall River is giving up some big fish now. This last part of the season is a lot less crowded. The fish are taking Blue Wing Olives and the Trico hatch is just about done. A few caddis will come off during the day. The late season is all about the leeches. Fish your favorite recipe on an I-Line in the deep holes and weeds for best results. Watch the weather as it can get chilly when it is windy.
Hot Flies:
Hat Creek Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report: Fall is a great time to fish Hat! There is less pressure and the fish are eating a lot in preparation for winter. With the cloudy weather the BWO's are popping off in force. Black Micro Mays and Twisted Tactical Mays are good nymphs, fish them under a hopper pattern where the fish are holding among the weeds. Some caddis continue to emerge mid day and in the evenings there are some larger Hydropsyches coming off, swing Poopahs or Silvey's and you will get grabs. This is a good time to swing leeches too, spot those lunkers in the holes throw a black or olive Crystal Bugger their way.
Hot Flies:
Klamath River Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report: The entire Klamath is fishing well now. Reports from Iron Gate down through Weitchpec has adult fish and a few half pounders. Swinging has been a good tactic with smaller fare, Silver Hiltons and Assassins, being the go to choice. If you would like to dead drift nymphs, make sure you have a Rubberlegs tied on, black or brown will work just fine. There are a ton of Salmonflies in this river. As more fish begin moving in from the ocean, the lower river will be fishing well through October. October is the month to get out on The Klamath!
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: October 9, 2019
Report:
Keswick releases are 6,500 CFS which is a perfect flow for October! Salmon continue to show up here in Redding with some fall run fish beginning to build redds. The fishing has been fantastic with a few small PMDs hatching, Blue Wing Olives beginning to come off in greater numbers and a decent Caddis hatch getting the fish riled up in the evening. Good nymphs are UV Sallies, Peaches 'n Cream, Amber Silvey's Caddis, Bird's Nests and olive, black and brown X-Mays in #18. Some golden stonefly shucks are showing up below the I-5 bridge in Anderson, so Rubberlegs are a good fly to tie on down there. The numbers of hatchery steelhead are building, next month should be the peak. Some people are fishing egg patterns pretty reliably. October is a great month to fish the Sac!
The Fly Shop does not offer a shuttle service. Kim at Sac River Shuttle has resumed service, 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: October 9, 2019
Report: The McCloud continues to deliver solid days and is giving up some nice browns up top. Midges and smaller mayfly nymph patterns are good choices this time of year. October Caddis larvae are moving around getting ready to pupate, a Posse Bugger on a dead drift in the heads of runs or highsticked through pocket water can work really well. Never pass up the chance to throw on a Rubberlegs, just about any color and size will do as the river is lousy with stone flies. Access to Ash Camp will be a little trickier this season. The road is closed just past the cutoff down to the McCloud Lake Dam road. It is about a 3/4 mile hike down to Ash Camp from there.
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report:
Pit 3 through 5 continues to be a great option with flows on all right on the money for great fishing. Good offerings continue to be: 1) Rubberlegs 2) Amber Wing Prince 3) Dark Lord. Up above, right below Lake Britton on 3, fish Zebras and small Baetis patterns, look for anything that is hatching and adjust. Now is the time to fish Leech patterns, brown, olive or brown Wooly Buggers or Balanced Leeches. Big, brown Rubberlegs work this time of year,
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: October 9, 2019
Report:
Fish continue to move up the system with some good numbers being found in and around Junction City. Don't ignore the Lewiston to Douglas City stretch as the fish are moving into holding areas prior to being able to get up into the tributaries after the rains come. Next week the releases from Lewiston will be dropped from 450 CFS to 300 CFS, the past winter moved a lot of gravel around and the lower flows will make things sporting for you in a few places. Ho-Boh Spey in black & chatreuse, Copper Assassins and Black & Copper Herniators are go-to flies. If you are dead drifting nymphs, Rubberlegs, red Copper Johns and egg patterns are working well. There are good numbers of fish in the Klamath coming up, so we should see better numbers in the coming days. If you would like to throw that two hander or swing a fly, now through October will be an excellent time to get onto The Trinity!
The Trinity River Restoration Project Program work on the side channel below Evans Bar and above Sky Ranch will continue through September.
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 or through their website at goldcoastshuttles.com
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: October 9, 2019
Report:
Good news! The closure area has been moved and the upper river is now open from Pollard Flat to the north. 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 river is clear and fishing well throughout the system. Some big fish are showing up in the lower reaches, it's a midge factory during the early mornings, fish those small Zebra Midges and Micro Mays. During the day fish the frothy water in the heads of runs and look for shadows. Tightlining, euronymphing and highsticking can get you onto a lot of fish. Streamers swung through the shallow, fast riffles during the day is still working. Caddis hatches in the evening are getting stronger with every day. Good things on the Upper Sac are happening right now!
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: October 9, 2019
Report: Baetis, midges and leeches dominate this spring creek in the fall andd winter. There are still a ton of fish, they stack in under the weed beds showing themselves only when they come out to grab an insect floating by. Black & brown #18 Zebras fished on an I-Line or under an indicator is a staple in the early hours. A Shotglass May in black is another great fly to throw. Strip Crystal Buggers, black, olive or brown. Balanced leeches in various colors will work wonders when everything else seems to fail you, fish them on the swing, strip or under an indicator.
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: August 29, 2019
Report: We have no recent reports from Iron Canyon lately, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be on your radar. The pipe inlet is always good in the summer, access may be an issue with the lake low. This could be a great spot with a kayak or pontoon. These fish eat aquatic worms, so throw on a San Juan Worm under an indicator and have some fun.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Harrop's Last Chance - Callibaetis
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
San Juan Worm - Fire #8-14, Chromies - #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midge - #16-20, Mercer's CB Micro Mayfly - #14-18, GB Half-Flashback PT - #16-20
Streamers & Leeches:
Beaded Micro Buggers, Freshwater Clouser - Olive/White, Zonkers - #4
Keswick Reservoir Report
Updated: September 12, 2019
Report:
With higher flows, Keswick is much like a river up top. Find the seams and fish small, dark patterns like Zebra Midges and Dark Lords are the ticket. Water clarity is perfect, not too clear, not too cloudy. Stripping leeches has been a good tactic, olive Wooley Buggers can do the trick. If you are looking for big browns, fish the big stuff deep, Dali Lamas, Sculpzillas and other similar big patterns on full sinking lines are what's required.
Stripping leeches and buggers on a type VII full sink line works great here. Fish going over 20" happen! Releases out of Shasta Dam have been stable. Good place to hire a guide though. Finding these fish requires some special knowledge and a boat.
Indicator suspended Birds Nests, Midges, PT Nymphs should work along the edges of the fast water near the Dam. Suspend your flies about 2-3 feet below the indicator. These fish like to come up to the fly. Fish the shallow edges. Stay low!! You will need a motorized boat to get to where the good fishing exists.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Mercer's Missing Link #16-18, Adams #14-16, Mercer's Parachute Profile Spinners #16
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Bubbleback Caddis - #14, Mercer's Glo-Bubble Caddis - Tan #14, Chromie - #16-18, Mercer's Gidget, GB San Juan Worm - #12, Mercer's Biot Epoxy Golden Stones - #8-12, Chironomid Bomber - Any color #12, Mercer's CB Micro Mayfly - Brown #16-18, Pats Rubberlegs - Brown #6-8, CB Birds Nest - #10-14
Streamers & Leeches:
Crystal Buggers, Freshwater Clousers - #6, Zonkers - Natural #4, BH Halebopp Leech - Olive/Dark Olive #8
Lake Shasta Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report: The bass are still deep, between 40 and 60 feet for now. You may find a few trout coming up to sip emerging midges late in the evening. The lake should flip in a couple of weeks, and when it does, the bass and trout will be chasing shad balls up top. Good flies will be Clousers and the Float 'n Fly fished under an indicator. Bring plenty as these fish will tear them up!
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: September 12, 2019
Report: Lewiston is fishing really well! We are hooking some really nice fish over twenty inches. These fish are game and definitely strong. Good reports of some micro Caddis coming off with some Callibaetis and PMDs happening mid-morning through the afternoon. Look for the roving bands of rainbows to tip you off. Flows through the lake are slow, so find the channel and fish the drop offs. Smaller Baetis and midge patterns fished under an indicator will help you find fish during lulls. Damsel and dragonfly nymphs are working too, so pick your poison. Good fishing can be had right now on Lewiston!
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: October 9, 2019
Report:
October is a good month to fish Manzanita Lake. While it is getting colder, there aren't as many insects hatching, some Blue Wing Olives will be coming off along with a big midge hatch in the morning. Leeches become a good pattern to fish, Balanced Leeches under an indicator in smaller sizes can be killer. As always, go deep for the big browns!
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 9, 2019
Report: McCloud Reservoir is receiving very little attention right now, which is a shame. Trout are eating midges by the bucket load, fish Zebras under an indicator or slowly stripped in on an I-line. Good sizes are #16 & 18 in black and brown. If things slow down, fish Zach's Balanced Damsel with or without an indicator, these fish won't leave it alone. If you are looking for a monster brown you will have to go with a large streamer, something that looks like a 10 - 12" rainbow trout. Fish it erratically near drop offs or under the timber piles.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Harrop's Last Chance - #16-20, Adams - #14-18, Mayfly Cripple - #18, Last Chance Cripple - Callibaetis or Baetis, Mercer's Missing Link - #14-16, Mercer's Parachute Profile Dun Spinner
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Zack's Attack Damsel, Burk's Sierra Damsel, Black A.P. - #14-16, Hogan's S&M - Olive #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midge - Black #18-20, Mercer's Gidgets
Steamers & Leeches:
Beaded Micro Bugger - Black, Zonkers - #4, Beaded Micro Buggers - Any
Pyramid Lake Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report: The opener on Pyramid came and went with little fanfare, the fish are still deep. Float tubes or pontoons will get you out where you can present to the fish, the lake should cool enough in November when it will be worth your while to get up on a ladder. For now, fish are eating Tui Chubs, so Zack's Pyramid Minnow is a good fly to use. We look forward to November on Pyramid!
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 4, 2019
Report: While our season is winding at Antleope at the lodge, the fishing has remained very, very good. Mornings on the lakes will have fish chasing down Crystal Buggers, move around and show them your fly. If things seem a bit slow, throw on your favorite midge and fish it under an indicator or tight line it in the inlets or outlets. Fish will key on beetles and boatmen during the day. If fish are rising near a shrub, don't pass up that easy opportunity for a ferocious strike up top! Fish on the creek are religious about keeping the stream clear of invading hoppers. Doubly your chances for success by dropping a Flashback PT or Amberwing Prince. They can't stand Dark Lords either. Swinging leech patterns or Crystal Buggers is a sound technique as well. The most spectacular strikes will come at dusk with big, dark flies on the lakes. There are a few openings left this season if you would like to plan a last minute foray!
Hot Flies:
Bailey Creek Lodge Report
Updated: September 12, 2019
Report: Fall is a great season to fish Bailey Creek Lodge. The fish are putting on the feed bag and with dwindling insect hatches, they have to hunt down their meals. There are still some hoppers and beetles around and the afternoon breezes will get fish keying on anything dropping into the water from nearby trees and bushes. Jump on that opportunity and slap down a Hi Viz Beetle or Dave's Foam Ant. Always bring some Crystal Buggers in Olive and Black to strip. Balanced Leeches fished under an indicator will get you through the slow times.
Hot Flies:
Upper Lake (Bass):
Whitlock's Swimming Frog, Beaded Micro Buggers #12, Wiggle Minnow, Mini Popper - Any #12, Crystal Buggers - Any #4
Lower Lake (Trout):
Dry Flies:
Fat Albert - #14, Ant Misbehavin', Norman's Loopwing - Callibaetis, CDC Dun - Callibaetis & BWO, Midge Hanger
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Rainy's Water Boatman, Crystal Buggers - Any, BH Halebopp Leech - #8, Freshwater Clousers, GB Flashback PT - #16-20, Mercer's CB Micro May - #16-18, Chromie - #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midge, BK Lazer Midge - #16-18, Mercer's Gidget
Battle Creek Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report: Battle Creek is fishing great and now is the time to go! Flows are perfect with good access available throughout the ranch. Rubberlegs are always a great option here, but try stripping streamers or Woolly Buggers, these fish are pretty grabby. Favorite nymph patterns on this creek are Amber Wing Princes Dark Lords and Red Copper Johns. There are some hoppers on the ranch, so Dry Dropper with a hopper pattern like a Dave's Foam Hopper will pick up a lot of fish in the shallower runs, high stick the pocket water and deeper stuff. With the cooling weather this place rips in the fall!
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: October 4, 2019
Report: Some good fishing right now can be had on Bollibokka! Good fish are coming to Balanced Leeches and streamers lower on the property. With flows at 400 CFS you can access a lot of river with great pocket water up top. Caddis are coming off in the evenings so Bird's Nests and Poopahs are good patterns during the day with Missing Links towards dark bringing fish to the net. There are a lot of October Caddis larvae moving around so throw Posse Buggers and other flies like the cream Mop Fly. Through the lower reaches you can get some great action with the spotted bass coming up out of the lake. For the trout, it's all about the Rubberlegs for now. Black & brown, small and large, they are all good. Aquatic worms in cream and red, and Zebra Midges will work as well.
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: October 4, 2019
Report: Some good fishing right now can be had on Bollibokka! Good fish are coming to Balanced Leeches and streamers lower on the property. With flows at 400 CFS you can access a lot of river with great pocket water up top. Caddis are coming off in the evenings so Bird's Nests and Poopahs are good patterns during the day with Missing Links towards dark bringing fish to the net. There are a lot of October Caddis larvae moving around so throw Posse Buggers and other flies like the cream Mop Fly. Through the lower reaches you can get some great action with the spotted bass coming up out of the lake. For the trout, it's all about the Rubberlegs for now. Black & brown, small and large, they are all good. Aquatic worms in cream and red, and Zebra Midges will work as well.
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: October 4, 2019
Report: The fall is a spectacular time to fish Clear Creek Ranch. While the terrestrial bite has slowed, fish will still grab Woolley Buggers , highsticked, dead drifted or stripped in. Otherwise, drop a Pheasant Tail, Amber Wing Prince or your favorite BWO nymph and slowly strip it in and you will get tight. Dry Dropper/Hopper Dropper is an effective way to dead drift nymphs, but don't rule out fish eating the Hopper.
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: September 19, 2019
Report: In the past week we have seen a major push of adult steelhead making their way into the river. Halfpounders are plentiful and with the outside option of hooking a fall run King, you have a pretty good fishing trip to look forward to. The reports we have had of some bigger adults has us optimistic for this season. The Trinity is releasing an additional pulse of water over the past couple of days, when this hits the lower Klamath and ocean in a week or so it will bring in another big push of fish. October is a fantastic time to fish the lower river. We have some prime openings, give us a call!
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Hat Creek Ranch Report
Updated: October 4, 2019
Report: Good things are happening on Hat Creek Ranch! Cool nights and seasonable days are the norm for this time of year. There are some good midge hatches in the morning followed by some Blue Wing Olives later in the day. Caddis are tapering off, but a few Yellow Sallies and Golden Stones are still popping from time to time. This stretch of stream has a good damsel and dragon fly population, so fish will chase and crush swung and stripped Crystal Buggers, bring several colors. Dry dropper / hopper-dropper methods round out good presentation methods, fish your favorite midge or BWO pattern underneath. Dark Lords work really well for some reason, it may be the lighting.
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: October 9, 2019
Report: Last week's clients told us the top water bite is still on at Luk. Fish Swimming Frogs and Poppers. Let it sit before you move it after the cast, many of these fish will clobber it after it has been sitting for a while. This lake is loaded with damsels and dragons, so Woolley Buggers and Balanced Leeches work great either stripped or under an indicator. Bring different colors, some days olive is the ticket, others black or orange work. Another fly you might try would be a Float 'n Fly in Bluegill.
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: October 9, 2019
Report: The South Fork of Battle Creek is looking really good right now. Hoppers! Grasshoppers! You have to throw big flies, does this disappoint anyone? Not us! Caddis are also coming off, so a dry/dropper setup with a Chubby Chernobyl or your favorite hopper with a Poopah, Silvey's or Bubbleback is what you should take on your hike up the canyon. Streamers are also very effective. These fish are not large, but they are strong and the occasional 18" fish will take your flies and won't look back. This is a great venue for those who want the best of both worlds, wild fish and comfort.
Hot Flies:
Pedrotti Ponds Report
Updated: May 21, 2019
Report: Closed until further notice.
Hot Flies:
Poppers & Topwater Flies:
Mini Popper - Any, Mr. Hankey - #4-6, Silver Shiner Popper - #6
Streamers & Leeches:
Meat Whistle - Black or White, Crystal Bugger - Black #4, Mercer's Poxyback Crayfish - Any, Beaded Micro Buggers - #12, Foam Tail Werm - #2/0, Mercer's Poxyegg Leech - #4, Egg Sucking Bunny Leech - Black #2, Freshwater Clousers - Black & Chartreuse #6
Rock Creek Lake Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report: The fall pattern is here! This lake has a prolific midge hatch in the mornings, you can see the shucks piling up near the float tube launch. Fish will cruise the weed beds on the dam face looking for swimming mayfly nymphs and caddis larvae. A good tactic is to spot the cruising fish and lead them with a #18 Zebra Midge or Pheasant Tail. The big browns will come out of hiding and chase down streamers, those that are about 10" long and look like a rainbow trout. Fish the banks near the inlet and through the deeper water in the old creek channel. The go to all year remains a Balanced Leech under the indicator, very tough to beat this combo!
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: October 9, 2019
Report: Sugar Creek has a ton of hungry rainbows and not enough to eat. Fishing has been stellar lately. Red midge patterns are always effective and in some ponds there are enough Grannom Caddis that an olive Poopah is just the ticket. Otherwise, throw the venerable Pheasant Tail nymph, under an indicator or without and stripped, and you will see some solid takedowns. Olive and brown Crystal Buggers are a go to. Zach's Balanced Damsel under an indicator is a good bet to get hooked up, use some good tippet because these fish are strong. And don't forget the beetles!
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