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: May 23, 2018
Report: The Fall is fishing great! The PMD and Baetis hatches are continuing up in the Spring Creek flats with large numbers of fish coming to dries throughout the day. Some larger fish are falling to leeches in the deeper water. The most difficult thing happening now is getting your flies past the smaller fish. From our perspective, this is a good problem to have! With the coming weeks the warming temps will have the caddis action heating up with the Hex hatch right around the corner. This is a good year on the Fall!
Hot Flies:
Hat Creek Report
Updated: May 23, 2018
Report: Hat Creek is fishing well with fish taking Green Drake nymphs up in the riffle area and PMDs, Beatis and some Tricos down in the flats. Lower down in the PG&E water below Hwy 299 Salmonflies are coming off in good numbers, fish the dries like a Chubby Chernobyl or Rogue Stone below bushes during the day, splat them on top of good looking spots and you can get a take. Rubberlegs, brown and black, will get fish on a dropper. Caddis are coming off too, swinging soft hackles, Bird's Nests and Poopahs is a great tactic now.
Hot Flies:
Klamath River Report
Updated: May 23, 2018
Report: Releases from Iron Gate are decreasing daily, today they are 2,000 CFS and should continue to drop over the next week. Salmonflies are coming off everywhere up in the north state, so the bite should begin to happen soon. We will be getting up there to check things out in the next few days and will update our report.
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: May 23, 2018
Report: Flows on the river are stable at 9,500 CFS and they should remain stable for the foreseeable future. We are seeing more and more caddis coming off every day, Hydropsyches and Green Sedges predominantly. PMDs, small Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies are also hatching depending upon the weather. We are still seeing fish in shallow, fast water, so don't pass those stretches up as these are great chances to hone your dry-dropper techniques. Again Bird's Nests, Poopahs and LaFontaine Pupas for the Caddis, UV Sallies and Peaches 'N Cream are working for the PMDs and Yellwo Sallies.
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: May 23, 2018
Report: The McCloud is fishing reaaaally good right now. The Golden Stones and Salmonflies are coming off in good enough numbers to justify fishing the big Sofa Pillows in the soft, glassy water. Chubby Chernobyls or your favorite stone dry will work. There are also good Alderfly hatches happening, keep your head on a swivel to take advantage. Some good mayfly action can be had with some PMDs and Drakes coming off, good flies are Black and Red X-Mays, and a Swing BTS Green Drake. Rubberlegs and Zebra Midges are always a good choice. Fish the riffles and deep water with olive sculpins, you never know when a good brown is lurking.
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: May 23, 2018
Report:
The releases from Lake Britton into Pit 3 are down to 330 CFS, this is a great level to fish this stretch of the river. The evening caddis hatch beginning to heat up and PMDs and Baetis mayflies are coming off. Golden Stones are coming off lower in the river. Now would be a great time to fish stonefly dries. Look for some good hatches to happen on cloudy days, and we have a few coming up. Thunderstorms can pop up and quickly blow the river out, so keep your wits about you when you're fishing the Pit in spring.
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: May 23, 2018
Report:
The season is done. The BOR is releasing the pulse flows and will taper them off over the next month. We are looking forward to this fall when the summer run begins to show up and we can swing for some steel. Check back in August and we'll give you an update on what we expect to see happening this fall.
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
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: May 23, 2018
Report:
The Upper is fishing well with flows a little high to get across the river in the lower sections. The flows down at Delta are 438 CFS, they vary depending upon the thunderstorm activity up in the drainage. Golden Stones are coming off in the lower river with Salmonflies in the upper reaches. A few PMDs, Baetis and drakes can be found throughout, caddis are beginning to hatch in good numbers in the sections below Simms. A great tactic is to use a stonefly dry and dropping your nymphs off of that. Mercer's Poxyback Dark Stone is working well, Rubberlegs, black or red Zebra Midges and a black Micro Mays are always worth showing to the fish. Missing Links are a good choice once the sun is off of the water in the evenings.
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: April 8, 2018
Report: Baum Lake continues to fish well. The Callibaetis are beginning to come off consistently. Tie on a Parachute Adams if you see that happening and throw to the risers. Otherwise, Griffith's Gnat will entice these to bite. Zebra Midges, Woolley Buggers and Pheasant Tails will always get the job done up on Baum. If you are doing some pre-season scouting in the area, this is a great place to check out.
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: April 8, 2018
Report: Iron Canyon Lake would probably be a good place to avoid for now, the road getting in and out is probably pretty muddy. We haven't checked it out lately. Give it a couple of weeks to dry out and it should be a great place to get some warm up action prior to the general Trout Opener.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Para Spinner - PMD or Trico, 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 22, 2018
Report:
Keswick continues to fish well with fish falling to midges and small mayfly patterns under an indicator. Fish are grabbing Woolley Buggers and streamer patterns. Shasta Dam releases have fluctuated between 0 and 15,000 CFS daily over the past two weeks. This doesn't affect the fishing, but can make it sketchy if you aren't prepared. Keep your wits about you!
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 McCumber Report
Updated: March 22, 2018
Report:
Lake McCumber is pretty cold right about now. Shingletown received quite a bit of snow recently. Next week things will begin to warm up again, so we'd wait until then.
The fish are not really big. Comprised of planted rainbows, some brown trout.
Lake McCumber is surrounded with tall conifers, enveloped in clean crisp air and watched over by soaring eagles with sharp talons. A medium sized impoundment, the lake is considered "just right" for tubers, prams and Goldilocks.
Access To Lake McCumber
This lake is just east of Shingletown north of Highway 44. Take Ritts Mill Rd and follow the signs to the public access. This little reservoir is best fished using a float tube or small pram. If you'd like the details, please stop by the shop on your way up and we can help with directions.
Fishing Still Waters Can be Intimidating
At first. Knowing where and when to go as well as what setups and presentations will work at any new location can be difficult to figure out. For many, this is part of what makes fishing ne locations a lot of fun. For those who would like to get ahead of the learning curve, we have a professional guide staff that excels on still waters and push you over the hump.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Getting around on a lake or small pond in one of the Outcast Fish Cat 4-LCS really puts you in touch with the environment and is small enough that you can put one in the trunk of a small vehicle so you'll never have an excuse for not going. For the Cadillac experience and a craft nimble and large enough for small rivers, the Outcast Fish Cat 9-IR pontoon will get you just about anywhere you would ever want to go in style.
Of course, you won't be out on the lake just for a thigh or upper back workout. To begin with, The Fly Shop's Signature H2O Fly Rod/Reel/Line Outfit is one of the best deals on the west coast. The 6 wt. with a weight forward, floating line will tackle most situations you will encounter on the still waters up here in and around Redding whether you are throwing dries to rising fish, suspending midges or a Balanced Leech under an indicator or stripping a Damsel Leech. An additional
Fly Shop L2A Reel with an Intermediate Sinking fly line will have you covered when you want to fish deeper on those blue bird days.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Parachute Adams - #16-18, Galloup's Cripple Callibaetis, Quigley's Cripple - Callibaetis
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Hula Damsel - #16, Zack Attack Damsel, Skip Nymph, BK Laser Midge - #18-16, Mercer's Midgeling - #18, Burk's Sierra Damsel, Zack's Zallibaetis, Hogan's S&M - Brown #16-18, GB Half-Flashback PT - #16-20
Streamers & Leeches:
Freshwater Clouser - Olive/White #6, Zonkers - #4, Beadhead Mini Leech - Any, Beaded Micro Buggers - Any
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: April 8, 2018
Report: Lewiston remains a good option right now. More Callibaetis will come off when it's sunny. Find the edges of the old river channel and fish that drop off. The dragon fly nymphs are very active right now, so to take a break from fishing midges, try stripping a Brown or Olive Woolley Bugger on an I-Line. Better yet, tie on a Balanced Leech and fish it under an indicator. Brown is a good color on this little reservoir.
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: April 8, 2018
Report:
Manzanita Lake is now Ice Free! Yay! However, we haven't fished it or heard any reports yet. When we do, we'll let you know what's going on. This lake can fish pretty well right after the ice melts. Throw some midge patterns or a Balance Leech under an indicator and you should do just fine.
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: April 8,2018
Report: We haven't heard any recent reports from McCloud Lake, but we will get up there and fish it soon. The log piles near the dam are a great place to look for cruising ‘bows, throw streamers to get them chasing from underneath. Fish San Juan worms near the river inlet, this system is lousy with aquatic worms.
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: April 8, 2018
Report: The lake is getting good reports right now. A lot of fish are being caught with a few large ones coming to the net. All of the good flies are working, Balanced Leeches, Popcorn Beetles, Chrinomid Bombers, etc. Beware that the bite turns on and off for no apparent reason, so plan to spend some time on the ladder to be there when it's on!
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: May 20, 2018
Report: The lodge opened and it has been fishing well the entire month of May. We are seeing the water boatman happening on the lower lake, a little early this year, but it has been warm. Callibaetis and midges are the main event on the upper lake with fish taking stripped Woolley Buggers as well. The real deal are the Golden Stones coming off on the creek, drift a Golden Chubby Chernobyl down to the holding water and you'll get the fish to take it up top. Otherwise, high stick the plunge pools with a Rubberlegs and a Pheasant Tail to get tight to these strong bows.
Hot Flies:
Bailey Creek Lodge Report
Updated: April 25, 2018
Report: Spring is in the air and Bailey Creek is looking great! The lakes have a daily callibaetis hatch keeping fish looking up through most of the day. A #14 Parachute Adams will get you hooked up most of the time. For a little more finesse, tie on a #14-16 Poxyback Callibatis or Zack's Zallibaetis and slow strip it in. 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: April 25, 2018
Report: Battle Creek will open up this weekend and we are looking forward to a great season. The recent rains and snow melt have the creek up a little bit in the bottom stretches of the ranch, but the flows above Baldwin Creek are right around 300 CFS. A lot of work has been done to improve the roads on the ranch, getting around should be much less bumpy now. The insect life on this little creek is in good shape this year, you should expect to see some good stonefly hatches early followed by swarms of caddisflies coming off through June. We can't tell if the hopper crop will be good, but if it was anything like last year's, you won't have to worry about rigging your nymph rig once July rolls around. If you like a strenuous hike in a pristine, unmarred creek full of wild rainbow trout, this place is for you.
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: April 24, 2018
Report: The McCloud River in the lower stretches is looking great and we are really looking forward to the opener this coming week! At 550 CFS and dropping daily, the flows are just a tad high and with a touch of color, it is in prime shape for targeting these famed rainbows. We are seeing some good hatches in the evenings with fish rising in the flats along the Clubhouse stretch. Some Golden Stones are buzzing around with the major portion of the hatch still to come. Some PMDs and Baetis are hatching throughout the club grounds and in the upper stretches the small black Caddis are still making an appearance. Fish a dry-dropper setup in the pockets and along the glassy, shallow areas near shore. Rubberlegs, TB Solitude Stones, Black and Brown Micro Mays, X-Mays and Sweet Peas should all be good choices to drop off of that Chubby Chernobyl. For the large fish hunkering down in the deep pools, strip a leech or sculpin pattern on a sink tip for solid grabs. In the evenings, varying sized of Missing Links, Parachute Adams and PMD Challenged should keep you in the game when fish are picking off insects from the surface.
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: April 24, 2018
Report: The McCloud River in the lower stretches is looking great and we are really looking forward to the opener this coming week! At 550 CFS and dropping daily, the flows are just a tad high and with a touch of color, it is in prime shape for targeting these famed rainbows. We are seeing some good hatches in the evenings with fish rising in the flats along the Clubhouse stretch. Some Golden Stones are buzzing around with the major portion of the hatch still to come. Some PMDs and Baetis are hatching throughout the club grounds and in the upper stretches the small black Caddis are still making an appearance. Fish a dry-dropper setup in the pockets and along the glassy, shallow areas near shore. Rubberlegs, TB Solitude Stones, Black and Brown Micro Mays, X-Mays and Sweet Peas should all be good choices to drop off of that Chubby Chernobyl. For the large fish hunkering down in the deep pools, strip a leech or sculpin pattern on a sink tip for solid grabs. In the evenings, varying sized of Missing Links, Parachute Adams and PMD Challenged should keep you in the game when fish are picking off insects from the surface.
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: April 24, 2018
Report: Clear Creek Ranch will be opening soon. This winter was relatively mild, so the creek will be dropping into great shape in the coming weeks. Look for some good mayfly and stone hatches to get things started this season. A good setup is a dry-dropper rig using a Chubby Chernobyl dropping a Pheasant Tail, #14-16 or a Copper John. Swinging or stripping Crystal Buggers in black and olive will work well in the pools and tailouts. Give us a call if you'd like to reserve a spot on this great little creek!
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: January 11, 2018
Report: The last storm bumped all of the north coast rivers and added some color. The Smith is a little low and clear, but this next storm should bring it into great shape. It's that time of year, the winter run fish will be coming now no matter what. Now's the time to go if you want to touch a chrome bullet.
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Hat Creek Ranch Report
Updated: April 25, 2018
Report: The season for Hat Creek Ranch is right around the corner! The creek is in great shape, a little high right now, but clear and full of fish. The early season should be a good one with Yellow Sallies, Pale Morning Duns and some black Caddis coming off now. The Golden Stones will be emerging in good numbers as we get into May with the Salmonflies right behind them. With two great places to choose from to stay on the ranch and right in the heart of some of the best public waters in the north state, this is a great location base your California fishing expedition!
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: April 25, 2018
Report: The top water bass bite is on at Luk! Large poppers fished slowly are working well, Whitlock's Swimming Frog is a great pattern too. Fish everything, the fish are spread out and stalking their prey wherever they can find it. Streamers in orange and olive will work too. Trout are beginning to find the cooler parts of the lake, fish the deep areas by the island and dam with midges to find them.
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: April 25, 2018
Report: The flows are finally dropping in on the South Fork and the ranch should be in great shape for the opening at the lodge. Some stoneflies are buzzing around, Goldens for the most part. These wild rainbows will crush a small Golden Chubby Chernobyl. Fish a Peaches N' Cream underneath or a red Copper John and you're set. In the evenings, look for rising fish in the shadows and throw a Dark Missing Link, #14 - 16. This season is going to be epic!
Hot Flies:
Pedrotti Ponds Report
Updated: April 25, 2018
Report: The fish are done spawning and taking poppers and frogs up top. Some males are still hanging out on the beds, but the big females are definitely in feeding mode. A great setup in the deeper spots near cover is a Pumpkin Float 'N Fly fished under an indicator. If there isn't any chop, short, sharp strips will get all the attention you will need to hook up.
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: April 24, 2017
Report: Rock Creek Lake is fishing well! The clarity is improving and Callibaetis are really taking off. Parachut Adams are working well, try a Poxyback Callibaetis or Zack's Zallibaetis on an I-Line stripped in slowly. Red midges, Zebras or Jumper Cables are a good bet fished at medium depths early in the morning. Balanced Leeches in Olive and Olive and Brown are a dead ringer for the dragon fly nymphs. The damsel fly nymphs are thick too, so bring some of those along. Small Bark Beetles are on the menu for the trout cruising the north and east shores. It's no wonder these fish are strong and fat with so much on the menu at Rock Creek!
Hot Flies:
Spinner Fall Lodge Report
Updated: April 25, 2018
Report: Good hatches and rising fish tell the story of The Fall this season. This Saturday should be a great opener on California's largest Spring Creek. The PMD's are coming off strong, so look for the spinner fall in the morning followed by sporadic hatches through noon. Spent wing patterns will work during the spinner fall, throw a cripple pattern for the fish rising to the emerging mayflies. Swinging and stripping leeches will work at all times. Come fish this iconic spring creek during the best part of the season!
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: April 8, 2018
Report: The ranch is really beginning to come alive this spring. We are seeing increasing numbers of mayflies coming off, Callibaetis and some March Browns. The fish are crusing the weed beds looking for damsel nymphs and midges. Good flies are #14-16 Red Zebra Midges and Olive & Brown Balanced Leeches. Stripping a Zack Attack Damsel with an I-Line will work well too. As early as it is, black beetle patterns are a go-to pattern especially in the afternoon hours when the breeze picks up. Come explore this great little gem!
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: November 28, 2017
Report: The top water bite is pretty much done for the season and with a storm bringing cloudy skies and cooler temps, it should put the last nail in the coffin. However, the fish are stacking up on ledges and ambush points eating fry and small baitfish. Find the spots and you will have fun stripping streamers.
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