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: August 16, 2019
Report: Hatches are still going strong on on Fall River with PMDs still happening, and Baetis and Tricos coming on strong. Fish lower in the river and you can catch fish going after big Callibaetis. The weed beds are filling in nicely, watch for the fish stacked in underneath and swing your leeches up to them for some good grabs. Bigger fish will be found in the deeper holes, so slide a damsel nymph or leech through them for best results.
Hot Flies:
Hat Creek Report
Updated: August 16, 2019
Report: Hat Creek continues to be a solid option. There is a lot of pressure, so keep in mind you may not get to fish your favorite honey hole if you go. Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies and PMDs are dominating the hatches. You might catch a stray Green Drake or two. The Trico spinner fall is happening in the morning. Look for back eddies and seams where fish are slurping the stew, those fish are on Tricos. Fish are still grabbing Rubberlegs in black and brown, occasionally the larger Chubby Chernobyls in brown will be good too so a dry-dropper rig is just the ticket on the section downstream of the 299 bridge. In the evenings swinging a Bird's Nest or cinnamon Poopah will work wonders, when you see the splashy rises switch over to a Missing Link or Elk Hair Caddis and skitter those in the tailouts, you'll be surprised at the results!
Hot Flies:
Klamath River Report
Updated: August 16, 2019
Report: Summertime flows up top below Iron Gate are fluctuating between 850 and 975 CFS daily. Not a lot going on up there for now, but the prognosis for great things later is very good! On the lower Klamath we are seeing a lot of Springers entering the system, not a lot of steelhead adults or half pounders as of yet. However, they are coming in steadily as the number of steelhead already up in The Trinity The Klamath this fall should be a 'Don't-Miss' opportunity. Keep your eyes peeled for our reports, we'll be updating this page when it is go time!
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: August 16, 2019
Report:
The top section of the river opened up and the entire river is fishing well! With flows out of Keswick parked at 11,200 CFS the fish are happy and chowing in their feeding lanes. You won't see the hatch, but the main menu item for these bows are Hydropsyche Caddis, so run those Bird's Nests, cinnamon Poopahs, and Bubbleback Caddis. Depending upon where you are on the river keep your eyes peeled for Baetis emergence especially on cloudy days. An X-May in black or brown or a black Micro May will get you tight when everything else fails. We haven't seen many hatchery steelhead showing back up as of yet, but next month will be a good time to go hunting. The Winter Run Chinook are just about done spawning and if their numbers are any indication the Fall Run will be pretty strong.
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: August 16, 2019
Report: Flows below Lake McCloud are 260 CFS steady which is the norm for the summer and fall. Each tributary adds flow, so in the Nature Conservancy the river is still a little higher than normal. You can find great water to fish all along the public access from the dam down through the conservancy. Watch for small PMDs, Baetis and Caddis coming off near the dam, you will see more Caddis the further down you go. Good flies are small Zebra Midges, Bubbleback Caddis and Amberwing Prince nymphs. Some browns have been caught here and there, throw your favorite sculpin pattern in the deep slots and tailouts. 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: August 16, 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. The Caddis should be coming off soon, so keep some Poopahs handy. High stick those pockets and be careful when you wade!
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: August 16 2019
Report:
We are seeing some early summer run steelhead showing up in the top section above Pigeon Point. Flows have been dropped to 450 CFS where they will remain until they are dropped again in October. The river has changed somewhat, if you are in a hard boat you may be scratching through some of your usual drifts, so be prepared to do some scouting and walk your boat through the skinny spots. You can swing up an adult fish here and there and the half pounders have shown up, Copper Beaded Assassins or your favorite soft hackle on an intermediate poly leader will work well. There are a ton of steelhead in the canyon below Cedar Flat, the flow bump for the kayak dance in late August will bring them up into the upper stretches and the Junction City area. We are predicting fantastic summer run steelhead fishing in 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: August 12 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 thunderstorms muddied the river up and it is blown from Castle Creek down. The river has dropped down to reasonable flows, but will take a few more days to clear and drop in again. Looking at the turbidity gage, it is still showing the river blown down at Delta, the Slate Creek drainage and the burn scar east of Lamoine continue to add color to the river. There have been some nice fish caught throughout the length of the river, and when it clears up, Rubberlegs and Missing Links will be the flies to throw. 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: August 12, 2019
Report: Fishing is good on Baum Lake with some good Baetis & PMD hatches. Caddis are beginning to become more and more prominent. In the early morning midges are a staple for these fish, so make sure you have a good selection of Zebra Midges or other midge pupa patterns. Swinging a Bird's Nest or Poopah on an intermediate line next to the weed beds will get you hooked up. Watch for those few Callibaetis coming off, the fish will chase down the emergers and duns, a plain old Pheasant Tail and a Parachute Adams will take care of this. 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 12, 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: August 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: August 12, 2019
Report: Bass and trout are deep right now on Shasta, it would be tough to get down to where they are hanging out with a fly rod. If you would like to go after some bass, we would recommend trying out Luk Lake or Wilk's Pond. Early morning and evening popper sessions there can be exciting!
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: August 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: August 12, 2019
Report:
Fish are still on dries at Manzanita Lake. Look for the Callibaetis to come off mid morning, fish the edges and look for the cruising fish. Make sure you lead them sufficiently as this lake receives a lot of pressure. It's almost time for terrestrials, so have a good beetle and ant box ready when the winds come up in the afternoon. Balanced Damsels are a great pattern in this lake too, fish them on the strip or under an indicator. For the big fish you'll want to go deep with a dark leech, there are some large browns in the depths of Manzanita!
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: August 12, 2019
Report: We haven't heard of any recent reports on the lake, but the reservoir should be fishing. With a 950 CFS inflow you should definitely head up towards the inlet. The rainbows will congregate where the river enters the reservoir in good numbers. Fishing Balanced Leeches works here. Targeting the wood rafts with streamers or Buggers is a time tested tactic on this lake. You never know when that monster brown will crush 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: June 24, 2019
Report: Pyramid Lake has closed for the season.
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: August 12, 2019
Report: The lakes are on fire right now with the fish chasing water boatmen, this is an exciting 'hatch' to witness, the fish will chase down your fly right up to the bank! Otherwise, high sticking the creek has produced with Rubberlegs and Dark Lords. Fish will also crush Missing Links and beetles, feed them down to their feeding lanes from above. In the early morning stripping olive Crystal Buggers and Balanced Leeches under an indicator has been the go-to method. Mike has done a ton of work over the off season to get the lodge and ranch ready for this season - come see what it's all about!
Hot Flies:
Bailey Creek Lodge Report
Updated: August 12, 2019
Report: Summer has sprung and the lake has Callibaetis coming off right now along with the midges. Fish a Missing Link or Parachute Adams in #14. A #18 Parachute Adams or Griffith's gnat will get you hooked up most of the time. For even more finesse, tie on a #16-18 Zebra Midge and suspend it under an indicator. Also, the warmer weather will bring out the damsel flies and dragon flies. Crystal Buggers in Olive and Black Crystal Buggers are working well. 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: August 12, 2019
Report: Battle Creek has finally dropped in and is fishing well. At 400 CFS on the lower end of the ranch it is still a little difficult to get around, but is manageable. Fish are still eating Rubberlegs. Favorite nymph patterns on this creek are Amber Wing Princes Dark Lords and Red Copper Johns. We haven't seen a lot of hoppers yet, but that hatch could be right around the corner. 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. These fish will take swung flies too, particularly dark olive or black sculpin patterns.
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: August 12, 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: August 12, 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: August 12, 2019
Report: The recent thunderstorms have muddied up Clear Creek, it is clearing slowly. When it does clear, this will again become a great option. Fish are taking Woolley Buggers, black and olive being the favorite color. There are hoppers around so a dry dropper presentations with Dark Lords are a great way to get the fussy fish.
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: August 12, 2019
Report: Things are picking up on the Lower Klamath with Spring Run Chinook numbers continuing to build. The half pounders have begun to show in numbers with the summer run adult numbers increasing. August has been the month to be on the Lower with big numbers of half pounders and the adult returns beginning to build and this is proving to be true this season as well with some adults being tailed daily. From what we have seen on all of the rivers and in the ocean, this season will be a barn burner. We have some openings in mid August, this would be a good time to go.
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Hat Creek Ranch Report
Updated: August 12, 2019
Report: Hat Creek Ranch is in fine shape and looking really fishy! As elsewhere, the water is a little high and will take some creative wading to fish everything in the creek. With just a touch of color, the water looks great. You can expect PMDs, little black Caddis and just about every stonefly known to Northern California to be coming off through mid July . Stripping Buggers when it's high can be one of the most effective methods in early season. This is a great little place right in the center of some of the best fishing up here.
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: August 12, 2019
Report: Luk is fishing well for bass with fish coming to top water presentations in the mornings and evenings. 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: June 24, 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: August 12, 2019
Report: Rock Creek Lake is fishing great! The mornings are dominated with the midge hatch, Zebra Midges in #16 work great under an indicator or on an I-Line rig. Later, some Callibaetis will oviposit, throw a spinner pattern to the fish gulping those. Later, fish near the inlet with a San Juan Worm and your arm will tire netting fish. When the wind picks up Beetles and other terrestrial patterns can be dynamite on the lee side of the lake edges. And there are browns, some large, that will chase down streamers, so bring something that looks like a small rainbow trout, your efforts could be rewarded mightily!
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: August 16, 2019
Report: The ponds on Sugar Creek Ranch are producing some great fishing days right now. Midges and crayfish are the main menu items for now, but the warming weather coming with the lengthening days has the Callibaetis dance kicking off. Fish a #14 Pheasant Tail on a floating line stripping it in slowly and you will get grabs all day long. When you see the duns throw a #14 Parachute Adams or Dark Missing Link to cruising fish. Don't forget the olive Crystal Buggers, these fish will chase them down providing some of the best sight fishing you could ever experience.
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
Wilk's Pond
Updated: August 16, 2019
Report: We have some solid reports of some early topwater action on Wilk's pond. As the weather continues to warm we will see the top water bite get better in the evenings. Look for the fish to hang near the edges for now, they will chase streamer patterns down as well as hit small poppers and frog patterns. There are a couple of seeps you should check out and the largest fish seem to hang up on the north east corner of the pond. Now is the time to get a spot reserved for the post-spawn bite!
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