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 21, 2022
Report: We had some wind the past few days, but things are calming down and the fishing is heating up. PMD hatches continue to intensify. Look for a spinner fall in the morning followed up with the hatch coming off mid day. The Rusty Spinner #14, Mercer's Missing Link in PMD and the PMD Challenged should have you covered for now. For nymphing, the Crystal HBI, Mercer's PMD Jigster and a plain ol' Pheasant Tail in #14 - 16 will get the fish eating your fly. Swinging and stripping scuds and leeches is also a good technique in the deep holes. We have some windy weather in the offing, but the Fall is fishing!
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, PMD's, Norman's Wiggletails, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, Zug Bugs, and Leeches.
Hat Creek Report
Updated: May 21, 2022
Report: Mornings can be chilly up on Hat. The hatches on some days can be pretty intense if there is clouds and rain. A few PMDs, Grannom and Brachycentrus Caddis, and midges are coming off. If you are lucky, the Green Drakes will be emerging or ovipositing and you can throw Harrop's Last Chance Cripple or the Comparadun for the adults. Make sure you have Adams or Parachute Adams in #18 & 20, Rusty Spinners, and a crippled PMD pattern like Zach's Milla Time May. On the Powerhouse 2 Riffle, #16 - 18 Dark Missing Links, and the Lower Sac LaFontaine will work well. Still not a lot of Salmonflies emerging, fish Rubberlegs right now where you can, but with the warmer weather in store it could happen any day. The access into the lower section north of 299 was still gated off as of yesterday, but should open up this weekend?
Hot Flies: TB Drowned Rusty Spinner, Rubberlegs, Sweet Pea Jigged Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Mercer's Missing Link, and Green Drakes
Klamath River Report
Updated: April 21, 2022
Report: No recent reports on the upper Klamath, the flows from Iron Gate have been ramped up and are coming back down. Currently the releases are 2,000 CFS. We'll be keeping our eyes open for the Salmonfly hatch which should be coming up shortly and will report that when it happens.
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 21, 2022
Report: Flows will be bumped from 3500 to 3,750 CFS in a few days on the 24th. The weather the past couple of days has had the hatches on the wane, but with the winds dying down and the temps rising the Caddis are becoming the dominant insect coming off. The river is fishing well from the 44 bridge down to Jellys Ferry at least. PMDs are still coming off in good quantities. Mercer's Poxyback PMD & Jiggy PMD, Peaches N' Cream, and the Crackback nymphs are good bugs to have. More and more Bubbleback Caddis and Bird's Nests are heading out the door to the river and into trout mouths. Checking our watch we can see we are creeping towards June and that always means Hydropsyche Caddis. Get your swing game going in the evenings with some soft hackles. On the Sac the world's your oyster!
The Fly Shop does not offer a shuttle service. Kim at Sac River Shuttle can get your shuttle done seven days a week. You can reach her at (530)782-9090
Access To the Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sacramento has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities when the flows are below 7,500 CFS. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Fishing Large Rivers Can be Frustrating
There are many great places you can get in and wade this blue ribbon tail water. Having said that, the absolute best method to fish the Sac is from a drift boat. Aside from being able to access all of the water, you can fish the long runs on a dead, perfect drift which is deadly on these legendary wild rainbows. And who would be a better oarsman than one of our Professional Guides? They know every nook and cranny of the river, what insects are and will be hatching, and the setups and methods that will get you onto the fish of a lifetime.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Most of our fishing, whether from a drift boat, or wading when the releases are low enough, is done dead drifting nymphs. The Fly Shop's Signature Indicator Rod is nine and a half feet of indicator nymph fishing perfection designed by our professional staff right here on the Lower Sac. Teamed up with a 6 or 7 weight Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Floating Fly Line or a Rio Intouch Xtreme Indicator Fly Line it will put a center pin rig to shame.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Mercer's Missing Link, #18 Dark
• Mayfly Cripple - Limestone #18
• Norman's Loopwing - BWO
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• CB Birds Nest - #14
• Mercer's Micro May - #14-16 Brown
• Mercer's Poxy Back PMD - #16
• Bubbleback Caddis, - Olive #16
• Pat's Rubber Legs - #4-8
Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Peachy King, Shrimp Pink
• Boles Bazookas - Shrimp Pink, Peachy King
McCloud River Report
Updated: May 21, 2022
Report: The road into Ah-Di-Na is open now, but keep in mind that the section of road the FS fixed can become wet and boggy - use caution and bring an all wheel drive vehicle. Fishing in the section in and around Ash Camp continues to be very good. With the little shot of weather, just some showers in that area and then warming next week, the early season hatches should be underway in full force. Be prepared with your midges and Blue Wing Olives, Two Bit Hookers, Olive Hot Spots, and Zebra Midges. Another fly you will want to have on is a Rubberlegs, black or brown, size 6. For that large sarge hiding in the tailout, swing and strip a Sculpin. Green Drakes are definitely coming off on Hat Creek, we imagine they aren't far behind on the McCloud. This warming trend should kick off the Green Drakes and PMDs. Stay tuned!
Hot Flies:
Pit River Report
Updated: May 21, 2022
Report:
PG&E will be performing maintenance on the bridge over Lake Britton Dam from April 18th through September 2nd. You will have to go around on Clark Creek Rd to the north, or access Pit 3 from Big Bend in the meantime.
Meanwhile, flows on Pit 3 remain high and will for the foreseeable future overtopping the dam. Flows below the Pit 4 dam and through Big Bend on Pit 5 are high, but doable in some places. If you want some fantastic fishing you should check out the Upper Sac or the McCloud in Ash Camp.
As always, the flows on the Pit can and will change without notice, so definitely check before you go! And be prepared to get out when the river begins to rise.
Here are some useful links to monitor the flows:
Pit 3 - Below Pit 3 Dam
Pit 5 - Through Big Bend
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Stimulator - Orange
• Foam October Caddis
• Potter's October Caddis
• Mercer's Skating October Caddis
• Chernobyl Ant
• Fat Albert
• Adams - #14-18
• Elk Hair Caddis - Tan #12-16
• Mayfly Cripples - #12-16
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Mercer's Tungsten October Pupa
• Morrish October Pupa
• Skip’s TB October Caddis
• Black A.P. - #12
• Dark Lords - #12-16
• Flashback Pheasant Tail - #14-16
• Beaded Zebra Midge - #18
• BH Hellgrammite - #6
• Mercer's Poxyback Dark Stone - #6
• GB Black A.P. - #10-12
• CB Micro Mayflies - #14-18
• Red Copper Johns - #16-18
• Pat's Brown Rubberleg - #6-8
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince - #14-18
• GB Bird's Nest - #10-16
Streamers & Leeches:
• Zack's Swimming Leech - #8
Trinity River Expand
Trinity River Report
Upated: May 21, 2022
Report:
The Lewiston Dam releases have subsided to 450 CFS which is where they will remain until October 15th. There are fish in the system right now, and while the water temps remain below 65 degrees, you can go try to latch onto one of these seafaring trout!
Trinity River Flows:
Trinity River Releases from Lewiston
Trinity River Flow at Pigeon Point
Shuttle Services:
• Bill & Caryl Dickens (Gold Coast Shuttle) at 530-623-1905
Access To the Trinity River
The Trinity has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities during the steelhead season.
Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Steelhead Fishing Can be Frustrating
These anadromous rainbow trout are known as the 'Fish of a Thousand Casts.' For good reason! The learning curve can be quite steep learning when and where to go, and what
type of water to target. Our
Professional Guide Staff has decades of experience guiding the Trinity River for steelhead. A day spent with one of our guides will get you up to speed much more quickly.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Early Summer Run Steelhead on the Trinity River will take swung flies readily. Spey rods are becoming an increasingly popular method to swing flies.
The Fly Shop's Signature Spey Rods
are an economical way to get into a great Spey rig.
Add a
Ross Cimmaron II Fly Reel and a Scandi shooting head, a leader, tippet and fly and you'll be in business.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Harrop's Last Chance Cripple - #18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Pat's RubberlegsBrown and Black, #4-8
• Mercer's Poxyback GB Hares Ears - #8-14
• TB Solitude Stone - #8
• Lance's X-May - #16, Brown
• Mercer's Gold Bead Biot Epoxy Golden Stone - #8-10
Eggs:
• Clown Egg - #4-10
• M.C. Redd Reapers
• Micro Spawn Eggs - Pink & Salmon Egg
• Boles Bazookas - #8
Streamers & Leeches:
• Beadhead Crystal Buggers - Any
• CH Kiwi Muddlers
• Freshwater Clouser - Any
Upper Sacramento River Expand
Upper Sacramento River Report
Upated: May 21, 2022
Report:
While it was windy down here in the valley, anywhere north of Simms was definitely calm enough to fish. We have seen some major ant emergences in the past week. If you see any around, and big splashy rises, chances are they are eating ants. Any winged ant pattern should work well as long as it is the correct size, bring #12 - 16 offerings like the Flying Ant, Carpenter Ant, and Schlotter's Ant. And the dark Missing Link in #14 - 16 is always effective and during ant falls can be deadly. Oh, and there are a bunch of Salmonflies coming off in and around Dunsmuir from Prospect up through Cantara. Otherwise, PMDs and midges are hatching. Good nymphs now are Mercer's PMD Jigster, #18 Zebra Midge, the Perdigon, and the #18 Olive Hotspot. Also Rubberlegs. Bring some Adams #14 - 18s to cover your bases. Some of these fish are pretty aggressive, so swung and stripped Sculpin patterns are definitely a good idea 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: May 21, 2022
Report: Baum has been somewhat slower than usual for this time of year. The weather will be warming over the next two weeks and this should kick the insects into high gear soon. Balanced Leeches, Crystal Buggers, these are go-to's on this lake. Bring all of your smaller Adams and Parachute Adams, you should get a chance to cast over some noses here. Our guides have this place wired if you are looking for some tactical advice on fishing a great spring creek fishery with an expert!
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Adams - #18-20, Hackle Winged May - BWO, Harrop's Last Chance - All, Griffith's Gnat, Mercer's Missing Link - #14-18, Light Cahill - #18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Red Copper John - #18, Ultra Scuds, GB Flashback PT - #14-20, Black A.P. - #14-16, Beaded Zebra Midge - #18-20, Mercer's Gidget, Mercer's CB Micro Mays - Ruby Red #16-18, GB Flashback PT - Olive #18, Beaded Zebra Midge - #16-20, Chromie - #18
Steamers & Leeches:
JGF Translucent Wiggle Tail - #10, Beaded Micro Buggers - #12, Zack's Damseleech - #14
Iron Canyon Reservoir Report
Updated: December 4, 2021
Report: If the visibility is decent, this could be a good destination to hook a ton of rainbows. We have not had any recent reports, most anglers are chasing steelhead right now. We'll keep you posted when we do get eyes on the lake.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Harrop's Last Chance - Callibaetis
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
San Juan Worm - Fire #8-14, Chromies - #16-18, Beaded Zebra Midge - #16-20, Mercer's CB Micro Mayfly - #14-18, GB Half-Flashback PT - #16-20
Streamers & Leeches:
Beaded Micro Buggers, Freshwater Clouser - Olive/White, Zonkers - #4
Keswick Reservoir Report
Updated: May 21, 2022
Report:
No recent reports on Keswick, the clarity should be much improved from the past two months. Keep an eye out for the submerged bedrock as this will eat your lower end up. A dark Olive Woolly Bugger is a good fly. San Juan Worms under an indicator or your favorite Baetis nymph pattern. if you are dead drifting for fish works wonders.
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: May 21, 2022
Report: More and more bass are looking up! You can begin to throw topwater patterns with confidence you will get some grabs on the surface. Fish back toward the shore for sure, but don't forget to chase the fish down if you see a shad ball boiling. The Float 'N Fly under an indicator is the go-to method for now. Any color pattern is working. If you would like to fish on the bottom, a good sinking line fished back towards the bank bouncing a crayfish pattern will work very well in the shallower dropoffs and banks. The Warpath Whammy Craw in olive or orange is a good pattern for this. Fish will eat Clousers as well, don't forget those. And we'll keep on you about going up into the tributaries where you can fish dry dropper setups with your favorite dropper, keep your eyes peeled and match the hatch.
Hot Flies: Hot Flies Coming Soon!
Lewiston Lake Report
Updated: May 21, 2022
Report: This could be the go-to lake in the next few weeks. The early spring is the time to find the fish working the edges of the flats looking for emerging mayflies. It may be a little early for Callibaetis, but don't forget to take several sizes of Adams from #12 - 16 just in case. Balanced Leeches and Wooly Buggers in brown, black and olive will get you a lot of action, there are a ton of dragons and damsels here. Stripped slowly, or under an indicator, this will be you go to method to hook up. If you have a motor, head up and fish the dam outflow, it can be spectacular.
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: May 14, 2022
Report:
The lake is quickly warming up and the fish can be found cruising the shallower areas near the shore. If you spend time observing, you will see them rising to take emerging mayflies and ants. The Mahagonies and Callibaetis are not really coming off in droves as of yet, but it would be a good idea to have some duns in your box in size 14. Zebra Midges, Balanced Damsels and #14 - 16 PTs fished under indicators or on an I-Line are good methods right now.
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: May 21, 2022
Report: A lot of people are fishing the lake right now. Visibility is right around four to five feet. Fishing Balanced Leeches under an indicator always works up near where the river enters the lake, black and brown seem to be the best colors. Zebra Midges stripped slowly on an I-Line is a time honored tactic on this lake.
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: May 14, 2022
Report: Pyramid is a little slow for now. The fish are moving into the deeper water, you can still pick some fish cruising the drop offs near shore. You will probably have better luck on the days with poor weather than not.
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 21, 2022
Report: Mike worked over the winter and the ranch is back open and fishing great this spring! Fishing is the best it has ever been according to our early guests, and they should know as they have been fishing the ranch for over ten seasons. Recent snows have helped the watershed and the lakes and creek are flowing cold and clear. The early season is all about hungry fish, and there are a ton of fat Rainbows chasing down everything they can get their mouths around in the lakes. Stripping Crystal Buggers in black and olive is too fun and productive to fish anything else for now. As the weather warms and insects begin hatching expect to be throwing Zebra Midges. We're a ways away from the Water Boatman hatch, but always keep some of these in your box just in case. The creek has early season stoneflies, the black winter stones. Black Copper Johns under a Chubby Chernobyl is a great combination where you can't high stick. When you can, try a black Rubbberlegs in the fast deep water or in the dropoffs and you'll be rewarded with a grab. We have some openings in the suites later this month and in June, give Bryan or Chris a call in Outfitters if you would like a spot at the table!
Hot Flies:
Battle Creek Report
Updated: May 14, 2022
Report: Early reports from the ranch indicate it is off the charts stupid good! Insect-wise, PMDs and some Caddis are coming off, but no matter what you put in front of them, these fish are prone to eat it if it looks legit. The two setups that are working right now are a black #6 Rubberlegs and a red Sin City or Red Headed Stepchild in #16, or a brown #6 Rubberlegs and a #14 Dark Lord. Highstick it or use an indicator, all good! If you would like to finesse this large creek, throw a Chubby Chernobyl on and dry dropper your way down the river, sometimes they will eat the Chernobyl. We have some openings in May, give Chris or Bryan a call if you would like to get into some of the finest wild Rainbow Trout in the north state!
Hot Flies:
Bollibokka Report
Updated: May 14, 2022
Report: The river is in great shape and the fishing is good on Bolli! Most of the insects prevalent now are PMDs, some Caddis and Yellow Sallies. Some Salmonflies are coming off here and there. Good flies are always Rubberlegs, the black Perdigon and either Russ Kegler's Sin City or Hogan's Redheaded Stepchild in #16. The Crystal HBI is a good choice when the PMDs are coming off thick, if you are lucky enough to have fish coming up top throw either a PMD Challenged in #14 or the Missing Link, PMD or Dark. Make sure you have enough Rubberlegs, this spring is shaping up nicely on the lower McCloud!
Hot Flies:
Circle Seven Guest Ranch Report
Updated: May 14, 2022
Report: The river is in great shape and the fishing is good on Bolli! Most of the insects prevalent now are PMDs, some Caddis and Yellow Sallies. Some Salmonflies are coming off here and there. Good flies are always Rubberlegs, the black Perdigon and either Russ Kegler's Sin City or Hogan's Redheaded Stepchild in #16. The Crystal HBI is a good choice when the PMDs are coming off thick, if you are lucky enough to have fish coming up top throw either a PMD Challenged in #14 or the Missing Link, PMD or Dark. Make sure you have enough Rubberlegs, this spring is shaping up nicely on the lower McCloud!
Hot Flies:
Clear Creek Ranch Report
Updated: May 14, 2022
Report: The ranch is open again for some good times and great fishing this spring! The flows and water clarity are perfect with plenty of plump fish sitting in the dropoffs, slots and seams chowing on sculpins and Baetis nymphs. Early season on Clear Creek is a cornucopia of insects, so bring the NorCal nymph box with Rubberlegs, Amberwing Princes, Dark Lords, Peaches 'n Cream, and Sin Cities. With Golden Stones beginning to show in the area, you will want some #6 & 8 Chubby Chernobyls and Yellow Stimulators. Olive and black Crystal Buggers, beaded and non, in size #6 are always a good choice on the ranch. Terrestrials you should keep in mind are beetles and ants, the HiVis Beetle and your favorite ant pattern are must haves. We have plenty of availability in the next month, give Outfitters a call and we can get you out glamping on some great trout water!
Hot Flies:
Gold River Report
Updated: August 31, 2020
Report: Good news is the lower Klamath has remained relatively smoke free this summer. The river has seen some significant cooling in the river drainage and the water temps are now below 70 degrees for the most part. Early season has seen some nice fish landed and a lot of half pounders showing up as well to keep you entertained. We expect to see the fish continue to steadily push in from the ocean through the next couple of months. We have some late September and October openings if you would like to get out onto this wild steelhead river!
Hot Flies: #2 Burnt Chicken in Black, Pink or Purple
Luk Lake Report
Updated: May 21, 2022
Report: The topwater bite is on! Find the holes in the lily pads and chuck in your favorite popper or diver. The trout will key in on emerging midges and mayflies, we haven't nailed down exactly what species of mayfly they are, but Baetis patterns like the Sweet Pea, Two Bit Hooker and the #18 black Micro May work well under indicators or slowly stripped in. Zack's Swimming Leech, ZT Damseleech and the ZT Balanced Zack Attack Damsel are all good flies to either strip or fish under an indicator. #18 - 20 Adams and Griffith's Gnat are go-to flies for this lake in the winter. Write this down: Zebra Midges, #16-18 in red and black. Fish them dead drifted under an indicator, or stripped slowly with a floating line or on an intermediate sinking line.
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: May 6, 2022
Report: With a mild winter, Battle Creek is looking good and is fishing great. Salmonflies are hatching now and fish are crushing the dries. Orange Stimulators and brown Chubby Chernobyls are great for your dry-dropper setups. Rubberlegs and any large, dark, stonefly nymph are the top producers. When things calm down strip your favorite sculpin pattern in the deeper sections where the browns live. And don't forget your Missing Links, dark, PMD, bring them for the dry bite when it happens and you won't be a spectator. We have some weeks open later in the season at this great retreat. Give Chris or Bryan a call in Outfitters to check availability.
Hot Flies:
Rock Creek Lake Report
Updated: May 14, 2022
Report: The area is warming up and there are ants and termites flying around doing their dispersal thing! This lake will literally come alive with the big boys hunting down every morsel unlucky enough to land on the lake's surface. Ant patterns like the #14 Flying Ant and #12 Carpenter Ant are good to have. Load up with some dark Missing Links in #14 - 16 and you will be able to participate as an angler vs. spectate. Midges in the morning are still the thing so Zebras in black and red in #14 - 18 fished under an indicator will help you here. With the amount of Dragon and Damselflies on this lake, make sure you have either Crystal Buggers or Balanced Leeches in black, brown and olive. Fished on an I-Line or under an indicator, these always produce well. The first weekend in June is available, give Chris or Bryan a call in Outfitters to get your trip set up!
Hot Flies:
Sugar Creek Ranch Report
Updated: May 6, 2022
Report: Sugar Creek's ponds are loaded with fish! The spring is warming up and more and more insects are coming off daily. Midges of course in the mornings, Baetis in the middays especially on the cloudy days. Red Zebra Midges #18 - 20 are what is working best lately, but don't rule out a small Brassie. Griffith's Gnat is a good fly to try up top when you see dimples. Keep some Adams in #16 - #20 handy. As spring rolls on the damsels and dragons will continue to hatch, but the nymphs are the cheeseburgers of a stillwater Rainbow trout. Fish Balanced Leeches under indicators or throw a plain old Wooly Bugger. Remember, these fish can be spooked on clear, bright days, so a little stealth a la small creek fishing can go a long ways to fooling the large rainbows in Sugar Creek!
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
Parachute Adams - #14-16, Cathy's Super Beetle, Norman's Loopwing - BWO, Tilt Wing Dun - BWO, Mercer's Missing Link - #14-18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
Black A.P. - #14-16, Mercer's Glass Bead Micro May - #22, Zack's Zallibaetis - #14-16, Mercer's CB Micro May - Black #14-18, Chromie - #16-18
Streamers & Leeches:
JGF Translucent Wiggle Tail, Zack Attack Damsels - #14, Burk's Sierra Damsel - Olive #12