Northern California’s Premier Fly Fishing Guide Service

Fly fishing creeks in search of trophy trout in the shadow of Shasta

August 31, 2010 – 2:34 pm
Little Creek Brown Trout Trophy A California Heritage Trout: McCloud Redband Rainbow August 2010

Craig had a cancellation on Sunday so after playing on the computer during the morning he decided to get out of the office and explore a few creeks for trophy trout while circumnavigating Mount Shasta with a fly rod.  While most anglers  consider a twenty inch Rainbow or Brown Trout on one of our legendary rivers a true trophy, the fish sought on this day were even rarer, and the game played with only the essentials, with the lightest fly rod, a floating line, leader to 6X and a dry fly, perhaps a spare fly or two in a hat.

First up were McCloud Redband Rainbows, a California Heritage Trout found only in tiny creeks in the McCloud drainage.  Most of these fish have been extirpated from their natal streams but a few local creeks still harbor fishable numbers.  One creek has a fish in nearly every spot capable of holding a trout.  The first fish caught that day was an amazing lunker, eight perhaps even nine inches that came to a #16 Yellow Skimpy (a skinny humpy).   Honest!  You’ll have to take our word for it as it escaped during the picture taking process…but we know where that lunker lives now. A few more Redbands were caught and released before moving on to Brown Trout Heaven.

The next local creek on the agenda is a meadow stream known for finicky Brown Trout that are willing to take perfectly presented dry flies. Many local creeks have native Rainbows but few are known as Brown Trout fisheries.   A few wily small ones darted for cover while searching for the big ‘un.  In an act of faith rather than logic we switched flies and tied on a #16 Parachute Adams.  Finally a perfect drift up against a log and undercut bank found it’s target, a sighted ten inch trophy Brown Trout.  See the photo above if you don’t believe us!

The third and last stream of the day is a mini version of the Deschutes, a desert stream with abundant lava rock.  Unlike the Deschutes which is known for Redside Rainbows and Steelhead, this local gem harbors Brown Trout.  Again they are surprisingly willing to take a well presented dry fly.  After eyeing all three flies, we went with our instincts and selected a #14 Rusty Skimpy.  Though we made a number of perfect presentations, each only managed to frighten these wily trophies.  In a last ditch effort we finally aired out a cast against the far bank and completely across the creek.  This cast was an honest twenty footer and even at that distance the fly landed with a delicate kiss on the water.  The fish rose and the game was on.  The brute fought brilliantly, heading for downed logs and behind razor sharp rocks but after a lengthy battle lasting nearly ten seconds the hawg was finally brought to hand.

Final score, three different creeks, three different flies, three trophy trout and one happy angler.  If you are interested in fishing these trophy trout waters they are quite easy to find.  Just grab a Shasta National Forest Service map and enjoy circumnavigating in the shadow of Shasta.  If we shared the names of these creeks, we’d just  spoil all your fun!

By Craig Nielsen | Posted in Fishing Reports, Techniques | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (1)

Northern California Fly Fishing Guide Trip Reports

August 26, 2010 – 7:11 pm
Diane with a chunky Oregon Brown Trout McCloud Brown Trout eats a big Muddler Anticipation August 2010

(Click on any photo for more pics of recent adventures in the shadow of Shasta)

The Upper Sacramento, Pit and McCloud Rivers continue to fish well particularly early and late in the day when the sun is off the water.  Afternoon is a great time to have a cold drink, take a nap and feast on ripe blackberries picked streamside!  Though the average fish tend towards smaller sizes in summer, it is also the time when we find a few trophies that make our day or even our season.  We primarily nymph early in the day and look for hatches of mayflies and caddis that provide dry fly fishing opportunities in the evening.   If we fail to find a hatch,  it often turns out to be an ideal time to break out a sinking line and streamer and hunt for one special fish. Water clarity is at the norm for this time of year, the Upper Sac is ultra clear while the McCloud and Pit have three to six feet of visibility, which is ideal.  With PGE road construction continuing on the Pit, access has been limited, call 406-586-2206 ext. 703 for the latest closures.

Ross Lower Sac 9/07 Local Guide Fred Gordon's guests enjoy a fine Lower Sacramento River Rainbow The Lower Sac has been fishing well, with anglers picking up good numbers of fish nymphing mayfly nymphs in the morning and caddis nymphs late in the day.  There have been some evening dry fly opportunities at dusk, particularly on the very warmest days.  Preliminary reports on the Salmon run are not good.  Last year was one of the lowest returns reported and this year’s numbers appear to be down an additional 20%.  Fewer spawning salmon will likely hamper the egg bite for trout this fall which has historically been an outstanding time to target trophy Rainbows.

The Fall River continues to fish fair though the majority of activity has moved subsurface.  On the other hand, fishing pressure has been exceptionally light.  Dead drifting or swinging small mayfly nymphs has been the most productive.  Some good opportunities for dry fly fishing but it’s no  longer an everyday affair.  Grabs are very light as the fish have seen it all by now, so seasoned Fall River anglers have better luck than those new to the game.  For bigger fish but fewer on average, swinging leeches is the ticket.

It is the time of year when local guides experience a bit of a lull.  While the fishing on most rivers in the shadow of Shasta remains good, many of our regular guests opt for a different flavor and travel to far away destinations for their fishing,  perhaps Alaska for Rainbows and Salmon, British Columbia or Oregon for Steelhead, or the Rocky Mountains for trout.  So what do fly fishing guides do with their time off?  Go fishing of course ;>)

Wayne with a Brookie Lisa, Wayne and Kathleen enjoy morning fly fishing clinic Lake Siskiyou Smallmouth Bass Craig recently hosted a number of anglers on the Upper Sac, Upper and Lower McCloud and Lake Siskiyou.  Many folks this time of year are new to fly fishing and this in an ideal time for an introduction.  Wayne, Kathleen and Lisa enjoyed a morning clinic on the Upper Sac followed by an evening on the Upper McCloud with everyone finding their first ever trout, on dry flies no less.  Wayne was a natural and ended up landing several wild trout on dry flies on his own to cap his first day!  Dennis who hadn’t gotten out for a a few seasons enjoyed a couple evenings of dry fly fishing on the Upper Sac while the Engle clan introduce their young children to Lake Siskiyou for a few days of swimming and boating along with some good fun fishing.

Rainbow on Summer Streamer Floating over emerald pools A local longtime friend, Stan and his son recently joined Craig to paddle inflatable kayaks down the Upper McCloud.  Craig posted an individual trip report  on kayaking and flyfishing the McCloud. The river passes through Wyntoon, part of the Hearst Estate and down to the McCloud Reservoir.  While the fishing was fair, they caught mostly small Rainbows, the place is stunningly beautiful.  For whitewater enthusiasts the river is not too difficult, Class III.  However recently two trees have fallen across the river creating strainers. One is perhaps in the most dangerous spot possible, just below Big Springs at the very end of the most challenging whitewater.  Craig has also been exploring local rivers with streamers to good effect and enjoyed a couple days swinging flies for steelhead in Oregon on the Rogue.  Sunset picnics spent on lake Siskiyou with Jerri, family and friends have been magical.

Diane with a chunky Oregon Brown Trout Guide Alan Blankenship with a nice Oregon Brown After treating guests to some fine days on the McCloud and Pit, local guide Alan Blankenship escaped, with his favortie fishing partner Diane, to Oregon where he joined fellow local guide Fred Gordon.  The camping, feasting and company could not be much better.  They even discovered some finicky Brown Trout that if cast to just so would take dry flies.  Alan also takes time to camp  out on local rivers for several days at a time each summer to fish his home water, including an August trip on his beloved Pit River.

Cecil pleased with a trophy Rainbow Lower Sacramento Fishing Guide Fred Gordon's friend finds an afternoon trophy Fred Gordon continues to enjoy great luck on the Lower Sac as well as the Upper Sac.  Though overall numbers are down, several trophy fish have come to net.  He reports the bite on McCloud Reservoir has slowed at the same time the fishing pressure has increased.  Gabe Duran has also been fishing the Red Bluff reaches of the Lower Sac where he has found a good number of fine Rainbows and an occasional steelhead.

Guide Rick Cox admires Pete's McCloud River Brown Guide Rick Cox nets Alex's Upper Sac Rainbow Local Guides Rick Cox and Wayne Eng have enjoyed some fine days on the McCloud, Upper Sac and Burney Creek finding mostly smaller Rainbows while Rick has also had good luck hooking but not always landing  some trophy Rainbows and Browns on the McCloud.  Not to be left out Rick also took a few days over the border in Oregon to steelhead on the Umpqua and escape the heat on the coast.  After a few days satisfying days on the Fall River, Tom Peppas left the state for a trip to the Rocky Mountains.  The fishing was exceptional on all the waters he sampled including the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone Rivers and Armstrong’s spring creek. Nothing quite like throwing hoppers and attractor dries to eager trout.  He enjoyed himself so much he’s heading back soon for more!

By Craig Nielsen | Posted in Fishing Reports | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Kayaking and Fly Fishing the Upper McCloud River

August 19, 2010 – 9:54 pm

Storm exits from our first small rapid Stan working the run A Bright and Beautiful Upper McCloud Rainbow One of the Village riverside guest homes Click on any photo for more pics of this exciting adventure

We have fly fished the Upper McCloud River below Fowler’s camp many times and put in kayaks and floated to McCloud Reservoir a few times but we have never combined the two activities until this day.  Craig invited his good friend Stan, who brought is son Storm, who had yet to see this section of the river.  In summer the McCloud is a trickle at the put in below Lower Fowler’s Falls campground and the first mile or so we spent dragging, pushing and carrying our boats perhaps more than we paddled them.  Once we arrived at Muir Springs the volume increased and downstream only a few more places required getting out of the boat.

The McCloud River flows through Wyntoon, part of the Hearst Estate, until it reaches McCloud Reservoir.  Few anglers are able to fish this section other than the Hearst’s guests.  For those who are not invited, the price of entry are Class III paddling skills and a willingness to bang a shin or two over some rough portages.  The whitewater was more dangerous than we had anticipated. In two rapids, including the most challenging just below Big Springs, trees have fallen completely across the stream and created “strainers”, places where boaters, or worse yet swimmers can become trapped by strong currents.  Fortunately we had no mishaps, only a few tense moments as we paddled and portaged around these obstacles.

Once below the strainers and past the heaviest whitewater we began fishing.  It was the middle of a hot summer day and the prospects were not great, but the water coming in from the springs is very cold and we found fish willing to grab dry flies in the first few runs we sampled!  The Rainbows were not large but brightly colored and energetic.  As we moved downstream sampling a few more runs the dry fly bite slowed but nymphing produced well in several runs but for some reason we could not figure. not at all in others?  We paddled past the incredible Wyntoon estate and the long last leg across McCloud Reservoir.  A very fulfilling and enjoyable day, but we might wait for our shins to heal and a few trees to dislodge before we return.


By Craig Nielsen | Posted in Fishing Reports | Comments (2)

Fly Fishing the McCloud, Upper Sacramento and Pit Rivers: Club Presentations

August 19, 2010 – 1:05 pm
Pit River Fly Fishing Freestones:  Club Presentations on successful strategies on the McCloud, Upper Sacramento and Pit Rivers

Craig regularly provides presentations to Fly Fishing Clubs and in July presented his entertaining program “Fly Fishing Freestones” to enthusiastic members at both the Fly Fishers of Davis and the Amador Fly Fishers.

Upcoming presentations include:

The North Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited:  “Season on the Klamath”, October 12th

Diablo Valley Flyfishermen: “Seasons on the Klamath”, November 9th

Flycasters of San Jose: “Seasons on the Klamath”, November 10th

Mark your calendar and join us for the festivities and companionship.  Better yet, contact us for a presentation for your group that is bound to please.

By Craig Nielsen | Posted in Appearances, News | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Northern California Fly Fishing Guide Trip Reports

August 8, 2010 – 11:16 am
Father & Son enjoy the beauty of Mossbrae Falls Axel hooks up a strong fish in an emerald glide on the Upper Sacramento River Trophy McCloud River Rainbow Mount Shasta Area Fly Fishing Guide Reports for July 2010

(click on any photo for additional trip pics)

July was a fabulous month, our most successful ever.  Thank you!  The fishing of late has been terrific, though with the warm daytime temps, the catching has slowed a bit, particularly midday.  It’s the time of year were many of our guests opt to split their day.  We get out early while water and air temps are cool, take a leisurely lunch, pick some ripe, juicy, wild blackberries and enjoy a nap before heading out in the evening to find a hatch and sample some dry fly fishing.  If summertime is your favorite season, check out our recent post on “Five Secrets to Summertime Success!”

Both the McCloud and Upper Sac have dropped to summer time low flows and are as wadable and fishable as they get.  The Pit River fished well in July but with increased water temps we utilize a thermometer to fish sections where catch and release angling is still practical.  Water clarity on the McCloud has been an issue this season but currently is hovering between three and four feet which is nearly ideal, and makes presentations much less technical and easier for the average angler.

We’ve been nymphing these freestone gems midday and manage to  dredge up a few fish but it’s a great time to toss streamers with the hope of a finding a fish that can make our day if not our season.  The evening dry fly fishing on the Upper Sac has been consistently good while hatches on the McCloud have been a bit more hit and miss. Fishing on the Lower Sacramento and Fall Rivers continues to be fair to good primarily with nymphs, either dead drifted or swung.  We’ve found some opportunities for dry fly fishing, which can be superb.  We’ll be back on the Klamath and Trinity in October when water temps drop and Steelhead arrive in fishable numbers.  Now is the time to drop us a line and schedule your fall trip as calendars for the finest local guides are quickly filling!

Keith fly fishes the fast water to find an Upper Sacramento River Rainbow Rainbow takes a big streamer Bob with one of many large 'Bows from this productive summertime Upper Sacramento run Last week some old friends as well as some new ones enjoyed outstanding days on the Upper Sac, McCloud and Fall Rivers.  Bob, who fishes regularly with ShastaTrout owner, Craig Nielsen introduced one of his regular fishing partners, Keith to the Upper Sacramento River.  They enjoyed some nymphing in the morning, finding some exceptional fish, including a few to hand along with some that were just too hot to net.  After a midday break they returned to fish dry flies to eager trout until it got too dark to see the fly or the take.  Local longtime guide, Rick Cox treated Gary to a morning on the McCloud where they found the nymphing solid if not spectacular, finding mostly smaller fish along with a few bigger ones.

Axel hooks up a strong fish in an emerald glide on the Upper Sacramento River Cumulus reflect in Fall River Will with an Upper Sacramento River Trophy 'Bow on an evening dry fly Craig and local legend Tom Peppas also hosted some good friends from the wine country, Paul from Wine Cult Central, and Axel from Schug Winery.  Axel brought his son Steve, along with his good friend Ben while Paul introduced Will, who had never fly fished, to the shadow of Shasta.   Will spent three days with Craig learning the craft on the Upper Sac, while Paul and Axel opted to sample both the Upper Sac and the Fall River.  Stevie arrived in time to join his father on the Fall River with Tom Peppas where they enjoyed good action technical nymphing, hooking several fish, including some big ‘uns.  Ben had terrific success nymphing as well as with dry flies on some seldom visited rugged sections of the Upper Sac.  Will concluded his intro to fly fishing visit with an evening that included a trophy Rainbow on a dry fly.

Fritz with one of countless McCloud River gems enticed with dry flies Laura finds a jewel on the McCloud River Father & Son enjoy the beauty of Mossbrae Falls Neely's first fly caught trout Steve with an Upper Sacramento River Rainbow at Mossbrae Falls The previous week ShastaTrout hosted three family groups.  Laura celebrated an adventure with her father Fritz, an avid angler, with a multiday tour of local waters with Tom Peppas and Craig, taking in the Upper and Lower McCloud, Upper Sac and Fall Rivers.  While they had some slow periods, on a few occasions the fishing got just silly good, catching fish after fish on dry flies!  What a terrific treat, they are delightful anglers who truly appreciated the beauty as well as the bounty.  On another family trip, Steve shared an adventure with his teenage son, Neely on the Upper Sac, with some good action and notable fish.  Steve found one of the biggest Rainbows we’ve ever seen at Mossbrae Falls while Neely, a naturally gifted angler, landed his first ever fly caught fish which was a trophy Upper Sac “bow!  At Digger Creek Ranch, local guide Gabe Duran shared his expertise with Kurt’s extended family who had an exceptional experience just a stone’s throw from Gabe’s doorstep.

Kevin paddles a calm stretch on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River Craig and family enjoyed a week long retreat from the business, taking a whitewater trip down the Wild and Scenic portion of the Rogue River.  It was one of our most enjoyable river trips even though there was not much to recommend in the way of  fishing this time of year.  Craig managed a few tugs while swinging for steelhead but spent the bulk of his time relaxing in camp recovering from a relapse from a stomach bug he picked up earlier this spring.   While it was nice to get away from the phone and computer, Craig’s camera broke on the second day of the trip which prevented downloading pics from earlier fishing trips upon his return and delayed this trip report.  We apologize for our tardiness and appreciate your patience and willingness to revisit our posts.

Brian enjoys a singing reel provided by a McCloud River Hawg Paul with a fine Upper Sac Rainbow Jack with a dry fly gem John watches line disappear with a hefty white water Upper Sacramento River Rainbow pulling hard Ron with a fine Fall River Summertime Rainbow Ben with a McCloud River Trophy Rainbow Early July has become just a blur by this time.  Flows on local freestones dropped  into summertime conditions, the unusually cool weather we experienced in June turned to unusual summer heat as we hosted multiple groups most everyday heading to all points on the compass. Good fun was had by all.  Craig treated new guests Jack and Wendell to a split sampler dry fly fishing on the Upper McCloud early in the day followed by an evening on the Upper Sac. Another new guest, John accompanied Craig on a successful day on the Upper Sac, while  Bob a regular guest, brought his good friend Ron up to the Spinner Fall Lodge for a few days chasing hatches and Rainbows with Craig.  Paul Roberts a Master Sommelier with Bond and Harlan Wineries opted to sample the fishing on the Lower McCloud with Craig as did Ben Branch on a return trip.  Ben again found good success as did his buddy Brian who he introduced to the McCloud. Ben and Craig enjoyed hearing Brian’s reel singing on more than one occasion!

Fly Fishing Guide Fred Gordon with an Upper Sacramento River Mountain King Snake Fly Fishing Guide Fred Gordon poses his guest's fine McCloud Lake Rainbow Peter with a fine McCloud Bow Trophy McCloud River Rainbow McCloud master guides Rick Cox and Alan Blankenship treated their guests to some exceptional times on the McCloud River, including an extended weekend on the Nature Conservancy with Peter and a group of his friends.  Fred Gordon entertained his guests on the McCloud Reservoir as well as the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers where he encountered a Mountain King Snake.  Chuck Volckhausen along with Gabe Duran kept busy on the Lower Sac where they found good action with their groups, who hooked a few real trophies.  Gabe reports that a few Steelhead have already found their way to his net on the Lower Sac as well as the Trinity, now is the time to schedule your fall trip to target these chrome beauties!

The National Weather Service is calling for continued fine weather,  with this week’s daytime highs in the 80’s and night time lows in the 40’s and 50’s.  With low very wadable summertime flows on the Upper Sac and the McCloud and some good evening dry fly fishing,  we expect to have some very special days on the water in the coming weeks.  Fishing continues to be good on the Fall River, Pit and Lower Sac and you can enjoy them in relative solitude as many anglers have headed for the hills. We hope you join us soon!  For the very latest on conditions on the legendary rivers we call home and to check availability for any of the finest local guides drop us a line!




By Craig Nielsen | Posted in Client Trips, Fishing Reports | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Ashland, Oregon: The finest in foraging

July 27, 2010 – 11:44 am

First Published in California Fly Fisher Magazine, June 2010

There was a time when a campground with running water and flush toilets on a fishing trip represented the lap of luxury to me.  Toss in a stove to heat the beans and hot running water, and dare I say, a luke warm shower and life seemed downright decadent.  As my luck in life improved I’d even occasionally splurge on a burger and a beer.

I still prefer camping to hotels on extended fly fishing road trips, but as I’ve aged a weekend escape where fly fishing is just a part of the experience has become an occasional indulgence, particularly if the trip is with my favorite fishing partner and wife,  Jerri.   I know of no better place than Ashland, Oregon to experience the finer things while enjoying a fly fishing getaway.

Ashland has it all, fine food and wine, charming lodging and world class entertainment.  Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the largest repertory theater in the country with over 780 performances a year. Plays for the 2010 season include Hamlet, Twelfth Night, Henry IV, The Merchant of Venice, Pride and Prejudice and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  If live music better suits your tastes, the Britt Festival provides an opportunity to enjoy intimate performances from some incredible artists.  The Britt is just a short drive over the hill from Ashland, in Jacksonville.  Featured artists this season include Steve Martin, Bela Fleck, Pink Martini, Jewel, Taj Mahal, Barenaked Ladies, STYX, Garrison Keillor and our pic for this year, Jackson Browne with David Lindley.

We often stay in one of the numerous bed and breakfasts in Ashland before or after a show and of course take advantage of the dining available at one of the many fine establishments available just a short walk from the theaters.  We’ve also enjoyed elegant lodging at the Plaza Inn & Suites as well as the Historic Ashland Springs Hotel.  There are over 100 dining options in Ashland, far too extensive to catalog here. I’ll review a few of our favorites beginning with the least pretentious and concluding with the most urbane.

Ashland Food Co-op

The Ashland Food Co-op is a supermarket with an incredible deli featuring fabulous baked goods, delicious hot breakfast choices, fresh fruit, deli sandwiches and wraps, and our favorite, the deli hot bar and salad bar. The deli and salad bars are self-serve and everything is priced at $7.95 per pound, so we’ll just mix and match items for a complete picnic lunch. We’ll grab a bakery item, an espresso drink made to order and perhaps something chocolate for dessert before we head out for the day to play.  Wine and beer are available for off sight consumption.

237 North First Steeet, 541-482-2237. www.ashlandfood.coop Deli Hours: 7am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Tabu

Tabu is my wife’s favorite restaurant in Ashland because it is so fun and festive.  They feature Nuevo Latino cuisine and a Martini bar. Their service is always exceptionally friendly and attentive.  We’ve enjoyed most everything on the menu we’ve sampled but my wife insists you try the Ceviche and Polenta Fries which are different and delightful.  Friday evenings feature live local musicians while Saturday nights are reserved for Salsa Dancing with free lessons from 9:45 until 10:30.

Lunch & Latenight: $2 Taco – $11 Entrée, Dinner: Tapas $4 – $16,  Sopa y Ensalada $6 – $8, Platos $12 – $18,  Desserts $5 – $8.  Full bar.

76 North Pioneer, 541-482-3900 www.taburestaurant.com Hours: Every day 11:30 to 9pm.  Salsa Dancing Saturday night starting 9:30pm, live entertainment Fridays.

Thai Pepper

My wife Jerri and I have enjoyed dining at Thai Pepper for nearly twenty years now and have visited them as frequently as most other restaurants in Ashland combined.  We are particularly fond of the setting, a garden patio with Lithia Creek gurgling past. Our typical order begins with an appetizer and cucumber salad, followed by two or three entrees which we share.  They have excellent wine offerings and we’ll select a Sauvignon Blanc or on special occasions Champagne, to compliment our meal.  It is always a challenge to choose dishes as we have so many favorites on their menu.  The appetizers we most enjoy include their light and crispy spring rolls but the Thai Lime Beef Salad with Mango Chutney is unbelievable so sometimes we’ll each order one to enjoy on our own.  I usually select a curry (no easy task), while Jerri opts for a fish dish or one of their Tiger Prawn specialties. Thai Pepper is located just a short walk from the theater and their impeccable service makes them the perfect choice for a meal prior to a show with no worries of missing the bell.

Lunch $6 – $10, Appetizers, Soups & Salads:  $5 – $11, Curries $13 – $17, Entrees:  $13 – $17.  Extensive wine selection, full bar.

84 North Main Street, 541-482-8058.  www.thaipepperkobe.com Hours:  Lunch: Wednesday-Saturday 11:30 to 2 pm, Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5-9:30 pm.  Reservations recommended.

Lela’s Café

For a special occasion or just to splurge we’ll make reservations at Lela’s. A small quiet bistro a few blocks from the bustle of downtown provides the perfect setting for dishes that are not only delicious but tastefully presented.  The service is all you might expect and more, on every occasion recommended wine parings have both surprised and pleased.  Since the plan is to feast we’ll start with an appetizer, perhaps the Wild Pacific Salmon Lox Bruschettas, followed by Soup Du Jour, and a salad, their Lemon Caesar is sensational.  Our favorite entrees include Tuscan Eggplant Napoleon, Duck Confit and Braised Lamb.  Jerri will almost always order a fish special when it is available in season.

Appetizers & Salads $7 – $12, Pizzas, $12 – $14, Entrees $19 – $29. Extensive wine selection.

258 A Street, #3 541-482-1702 www.lelascafe.com Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, Lunch: 11:30 – 2pm, Dinner: 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Reservations recommended.

Larks Restaurant at the Ashland Springs Hotel

On occasions we have dined at Larks it has always been a part of a package stay at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel in the center of downtown Ashland.  The hotel has been beautifully renovated and is an historic landmark. The packages most often include a $30 dinner voucher at Larks, which serves as their in house restaurant. The voucher represents an exceptional value, and is ideal for couples on a getaway.  Lark’s offers seasonal specials and they feature fresh organic local produce, Oregon wines and a full bar including specialty drinks. We will most always start wth the Dungeness Crab Fondue appetizer and then I’ll order either the Pan-Seared Muscovy Duck Breast or something from the grill while Jerri will opt for grilled fish or on cold evenings, their Homestyle Meatloaf with Gold Potatoes and Gravy.SAA

Brunch $8 -$14, Lunch $8 – $14.  Appetizer and Salads $8 – $15, Suppers $20 -$36, Desserts $7 – $ 8.50.

212 East Main Street, 541-488-5558 www.larksrestaurant.com Hours: Brunch Saturday & Sunday 11 am to 2 pm, Lunch Monday – Friday 11:30 – 2pm, Supper:  Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 8 pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30 – 9pm.

All of the restaurants reviewed are located in downtown Ashland which offers great window shopping with fun and friendly boutiques and specialty shops.  All of the restaurants are also within convenient walking distance of the Shakespeare Theater. Jacksonville, the home of the Britt Festival also has some downtown boutiques along with some nearby winery tours. There is also a small ski resort south of Ashaldn to round out your visit or an option if the local winter Steelhead fishing isn’t the perfect choice for your entire party.

A Foraging piece would not be complete without mention of the fishing.  Not only does Ashland have outstanding amenities but it provides an exceptional base for fine fishing.  In this issue there is an article on fly fishing in spring on the Klamath River just twenty minutes south of Ashland.  The Klamath also offers perhaps the best Steelhead fishing in the state with California’s strongest remaining runs of fall and winter Steelhead (see CAFF April 2010 for an article on Klamath River winter Steelhead).

Just minutes north and east of Ashland is it’s signature river the Rogue, rightfully famous for it’s fall and winter Steelhead fishing along with the Applegate, a tributary to the Rogue offering phenomenal winter walk and wade Steelhead opportunities nearby in Jacksonville.  The best access on the Rogue is by boat but there are some wading options during average and lower flows as well.  Check with the friendly owner of the downtown Ashland Flyshop, Will Johnson for details.  Please tell him we sent you.  He’ll probably even be able to direct you to a nearby campground should you so desire!

By Craig Nielsen | Posted in Articles, Restaurants, Reviews | Comments (0)

Five Secrets to Summetime Success

July 19, 2010 – 2:16 pm

Green Drake Dry Fly & Rainbow Trout For many anglers, the summer heat, or the summer doldrums, often means few hatches and small fish. The prolific springtime hatches have come and gone. The rivers have become creeks, the water is crystal clear, the fish are spooky, and the most accessible runs have been fished over hard. By late summer, trout have seen it all, and running a big bright indicator through the run that produced in the middle of the day in the spring rarely produces. Summer flows might make fishing accessible and fun, but the catching can be downright challenging and technical.

Over the years we have discovered some strategies for approaching freestone rivers in the summer that helps to keep fishing fun, improves our success rates, and doesn’t require that we purchase new, expensive equipment or develop completely new skill sets. Quite the opposite in fact, most of these techniques return our fishing to the simple approach we loved as a kids.

Fish Fast Water

Fish suffering from the higher water temps of summer will seek out cool oxygenated water.  This most often means the heads of runs and fast moving riffles and pocket water will produce much better than the heart of the run that offered us so much action in spring.  Deep water can also provide thermal relief so nymphing or running streamers through these water types is most often productive when fish are not showing on the surface.

Take a Nap

Taking a nap during the least productive middle part of a long summer day not only adds to your enjoyment but leaves you fresh and rested for early morning starts and allows you to save a few casts until the very last light in the evening, when hatches are best and the fishing turns magical.

Take a Hike

Finding fish that have not been heavily pressured on public water is not as hard as you might imagine if you are willing to walk for them.  A half hour walk from access points is good, an hour or more is better.  We usually fish our way back to access points in the evening and make our way further from access points in the morning to save the longest part of hikes for the middle of the day.  Unpressured fish will more willing to forgive small errors in presentation and imitation and are a joy to catch particularly on dry flies.   Summer is the ideal time to hike to out of the way spots on well known rivers or even better yet search out small creeks and wet wade while you cast small dries to eager trout.

Be Extra Stealthy

Frightened fish do not feed. When the water is low and clear and the fish have seen it all it is critical that we avoid spooking them prior to getting a fly in their feeding zone.  Try to avoid wearing bright colors, wade cautiously and fish turbulent, oxygenated or deep water to mask your presence.  This is a great time of year to take the indicator off and high stick your nymphs in the whitewater heads of runs, pocket water and deep pools.  In less turbulent water try presenting nymphs as droppers off a dry with a “Hopper, Copper, Dropper” rig.

Go Small

While it can be incredibly satisfying to get trout to grab your big Hopper dry, many more fish in summer are caught with small or tiny flies tied to light tippet.  If you prefer to fish a large dry, try adding nymph droppers on 5X and  6X tippet and you can still enjoy a few fish on the “Hopper” while your nymphs do the busy work.

For a more complete treatise on summer strategies, check out our article “Fishing Freestones to Beat the Heat” available on our website and first published in California Fly Fisher Magazine in August of 2006.


By Craig Nielsen | Posted in Articles, Techniques | Comments (2)