Northern California Stream Report
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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: November 16, 2019
Report: Fall River is closed for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
Hot Flies:
Hat Creek Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: Hat Creek is closed for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
Hot Flies:
Klamath River Report
Updated: December 10, 2019
Report: The upper river is still fishing great and with the warmer storm, conditions remain hospitable. Flows and visibility are good with a ton of steelhead in the main stem. There aren't as many salmon spawning this year compared to last, so you will find the steelies in runs and holes. Stone fly nymphs are still the ticket for those dead drifting using an indicator. For swung flies, you'll have to get down a little deeper and slow your presentation down, and bigger flies will get more attention so a Hartwick's Hoser or Skagit Minnow would be appropriate. The rain in the forecast should bump tributary flows getting more fish to move up and through the system. Things should only get better from here!
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: December 10, 2019
Report:
The storm last Saturday dropped a couple inches of rain in a few hours, the river was blown on Sunday. We have good news! It is clearing rapidly with 3 feet of visibility at the Sundial Bridge and Bonnyview ramp this morning. The river should continue to clear this week. We have some rain coming tonight and tomorrow, but this rain should not have a significant impact. Look for Baetis and midge pupas to be the main menu item above Anderson. Below, there are some Golden Stoneflies hatching sporadically and a ton of the nymphs running around in the riffles with larger concentrations showing up the closer you get to Red Bluff. Steelhead are still in the system, hit the river near the Barge Hole for your best chances. Good flies remain Zebra Midges in #18 or smaller, S&M's, X-Mays and Micro Mayflies in your favorite color, smaller sizes will hook more fish. Tie on your favorite Rubberlegs if you are fishing near Anderson and below.
The Fly Shop does not offer a shuttle service. Kim at Sac River Shuttle can get your shuttle done Thursdays through Sundays. You can reach at (530)782-9090
Access To the Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sacramento has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities when the flows are below 7,500 CFS. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Fishing Large Rivers Can be Frustrating
There are many great places you can get in and wade this blue ribbon tail water. Having said that, the absolute best method to fish the Sac is from a drift boat. Aside from being able to access all of the water, you can fish the long runs on a dead, perfect drift which is deadly on these legendary wild rainbows. And who would be a better oarsman than one of our Professional Guides? They know every nook and cranny of the river, what insects are and will be hatching, and the setups and methods that will get you onto the fish of a lifetime.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Most of our fishing, whether from a drift boat, or wading when the releases are low enough, is done dead drifting nymphs. The Fly Shop's Signature Indicator Rod is nine and a half feet of indicator nymph fishing perfection designed by our professional staff right here on the Lower Sac. Teamed up with a 6 or 7 weight Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Floating Fly Line or a Rio Intouch Xtreme Indicator Fly Line it will put a center pin rig to shame.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Mercer's Missing Link, #18 Dark
• Mayfly Cripple - Limestone #18
• Norman's Loopwing - BWO
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• CB Birds Nest - #14
• Mercer's Micro May - #14-16 Brown
• Mercer's Poxy Back PMD - #16
• Bubbleback Caddis, - Olive #16
• Pat's Rubber Legs - #4-8
Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Peachy King, Shrimp Pink
• Boles Bazookas - Shrimp Pink, Peachy King
McCloud River Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: The McCloud River is closed for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report:
We are just going to reup this post: 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: December 10, 2019
Report:
The Trinity came up and is on the drop. There are fish in every run you think there should be...or three. Now is a great time to go if you have been holding off and with more rain on the way, but not too much, the river should remain in great shape for the foreseeable future. Good flies are Black Rubberlegs and any other dark, large stonefly nymph pattern. Egg patterns will work on darker days as well. Swinging for fish will take some work, when you find them a black Hoh-Boh Spey or black and blue Burnt Chicken will get you hooked up.
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: November 30, 2019
Report:
The Delta Fire ran through the lower end of the Sacramento River drainage above Shasta Lake. 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 recent storm did not bump the river too much, but did add some color to this normally severely clear system. Which is good! The October Caddis hatch is done, your best bet is going to be small black stuff, Zebra Midges in #18 and smaller, and Micro Mays. 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. Get out those sculpin patterns, this is a good time to swing or strip!
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: December 5, 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: November 16, 2019
Report: Iron Canyon should be fishing very well right now. Check out the inflow where the fish congregate in the swirl edges. Fish a San Juan Worm or a midge pupa under an indicator. It's time!
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: December 5, 2019
Report: We have good news for anyone who likes to fish for large trout busting shad on the top! Think Nat Geo, open ocean, anchovy or sardine ball frenzies. This is happening right now, a stripped shad minnow streamer or Float 'n Fly under an indicator are both great methods right now. Spotted Bass are also getting in on the action and some of these fish are quite large. With the rain moving in, this should only improve the action. Look for birds and surface disturbances, that where the action is!
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: December 5, 2019
Report: The flows out of Lewiston are low at 300 CFS down the Trinity, but the releases into the reservoir out of Trinity Dam vary daily between 500 & 1,600 CFS. Fish are congregating up near the dam when the water is flowing generally after noon. These fish will take dead drifted nymphs like Pheasant Tails and Rubberlegs. Look for fish cruising drop offs near the channel. Midges and dragonfly nymphs are the main food source. Fishing Zebra Midges under an indicator near these drop offs or slowly stripped in on an intermediate sinking line. Woolley Buggers in olive, brown and black can be deadly.
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 30, 2019
Report:
Manzanita Lake is frozen over, you should check out Baum Lake or one of our Private Waters like Sugar Creek Ranch for some good still water action.
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: December 5, 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: December 5, 2019
Report: Fishing continues to improve at Pyramid and with storms on the way it should fish well from here on out. Bank anglers fishing drop offs will find fish. This is when the bigger fish begin to move in. Popcorn Beetles, Moo Midges, Tui Chubs and Balanced Leeches all are working.
Hot Flies: Pyramid Beach Leech - #8, Zack's Cut Bait Midge, Rich's Moo-Midge - #8, Mahalo Nymphs, Popcorn Beetle, Midnight Cowboy, Zack's Pyramid Minnow
Expand All Private Waters Reports
Antelope Creek Lodge Report
Updated: October 16, 2019
Report: Another great season at Antelope Creek Lodge has come to a close! If you are looking for some great still water rainbow trout action, you can check out Sugar Creek Ranch.
Hot Flies:
Bailey Creek Lodge Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: Bailey Creek has closed for the season.
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: November 16, 2019
Report: Battle Creek Ranch is closed for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: Another great season at Bollibokka has officially come to a close! Check back with us in April for an update on the conditions.
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: Another great season at Bollibokka has officially come to a close! Check back with us in April for an update on the conditions.
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: Clear Creek is closed for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: December 5, 2019
Report: We've got storms lined up and this weekend's rain will definitely help bring some fish into the Klamath. The bigger winter run steelies will begin to make their way into the system from here on out. It is still a little early for the coastal rivers, but right after Christmas start looking at the forecasts. The scenery is spectacular on the coast!
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Hat Creek Ranch Report
Updated: November 16, 2019
Report: Hat Creek Ranch is closed to fishing for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
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: December 5, 2019
Report: Luk is fishing well with trout coming to stripped and dead drifted flies. Midges and small Pheasant Tail nymphs always work well on the trout. 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: November 16, 2019
Report: Rock Creek Lake is closed for the season. We'll post an updated right before the season opens again.
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: December 5, 2019
Report: The lakes are all fishing well with most fish coming to midges under an indicator. As the water cools, fish are less likely to chase down their meals, so a Balanced Leech under an indicator can be deadly. Otherwise, watch for cruising fish and lead them with a small mayfly nymph. The weeds are dying back, fish will cruise the remnants looking for that lone Callibaetis who ventures just a little too far...!
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