Current information on river flows, fishing conditions, fly selection, and closures for Northern California including the Upper and Lower Sacramento River, the Klamath River, the McCloud River, the Pit River, the Trinity River, and Hat Creek.
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Fly Fishing Report: Klamath, Upper Sac, Lower Sac and Pit Rivers
The ShastaTrout fishing report features the most recent information obtained from the very finest local guides. All of our guides are seasoned professionals who in most cases spend as much time individually on the rivers they guide as our biggest competitor’s guides spend collectively. We hope you find our report informative and useful in planning your next adventure in the Shadow of Shasta.
Klamath River
Fishing Conditions
The spring like weather has turned the bite on with very few anglers taking advantage of the opportunity. We've seen some fresh grabby fish arrive in the upper river which can spark the bite as well. Fishing for Klamath River Steelhead on the upper river typically holds up well through March in most seasons. Most of the action has been on eggs, legs and nymphs though the swing has been surprisingly good as water temps are approaching the mid forties. On the Klamath on most winter days we can count on catching fish on the swing rather than merely practicing our casting and hoping. We most enjoy swinging with Switch Rods and Skagit or Scandi lines and can provide them if you'd care to give them a try. Though there are still a few half pounders around the majority of fish on most days are hefty adults. Now is an ideal time to plan your final steelhead trip of the season as we still have some openings available.
Water Conditions
Flows have been steady at 1330 cfs since October 1st and visibility is normal, about four feet. We expect a flow increase on March 1st, best to wait a few days after for fish to settle into new holding lies and then expect the grab to take off! Water temps have increased into the mid forties and more Steelhead are arriving daily. March can be exceptional for Steelhead on this legendary stream if we have a reasonably normal water year.
Flies
Swing leeches and classic wets on a
fast sinking
tip. We most enjoy swinging with Switch Rods and Skagit lines and can provide them if you'd care to give them a try. Surprisingly nymphing has been out producing swing fishing by only a slim margin. Fish are holding in the deeper winter lies most easily accessed by boat. Nymphing with eggs and legs or nymphs in the deep slots and runs is most productive.
Upper Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
With the warm weather the midday window has opened a bit and the bite has improved. Though the Blue Wing Olive hatches have been sporadic the grab for small caddis and bigger nymphs as turned on. Keep on the move to find fish as the high flows have them spread out. If you get a few grabs don't leave fish to find fish, fish carefully through holding water completely. If you discover a hatch fish it like a spring creek. This can be exciting but very challenging fishing with fine tippets, tiny flies and wary fish. Fishing a big caddis dry with emergers and droppers or nymphing and finding deeper, heavier water can sometimes be more productive for practical, less exacting and patient souls. Nymphing with large stones and small caddis patterns or tiny mayflies droppers produces best in the late morning prior to hatches. Fishing in the very early and late hours is most often futile.
Water Conditions
Flows are volatile, currently around 1600 cfs at Delta with surges as storms pass through. This is very close to the "normal" flow for this time of the year. Water temps have increased into the mid forties with superb water clarity, perhaps ideal particularly for less seasoned anglers.
Flies
Small to tiny BWO dries and emergers midday produce best. Hang emergers & droppers off your #16 & 18 BWO dries for the midday hatch as fish can be very selective. Try October Caddis imitations with small beadhead droppers including Copper Johns, Micromays, Pheasant Tails and small Caddis patterns in 14-18's in heavier water if you find the big 'Bows too saavy for your tastes. Try indicator nymphing the softer water in the heart of deeper runs with large stones and the above smaller flies as droppers.
Lower Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
The warm weather has kicked in the hatches of small mayflies including March Browns, BWO's & Tibilias along with the famed spring caddis. The fishing as well as the catching has been good most days and great on others. Some trophy fish are showing with an occasional Rainbow that can make your day if not your season. With exceptionally low flows wading is a great option though fishing from a boat is almost always more productive. Some action continues on eggs though very few Salmon are in the system as the run has collapsed. Rubberleg Stones also find fish and produce more large fish than trying to land big fish on tiny flies. Cypress Street Bridge boat passage at the overpass is open as flows are below 7,000 though a good deal of care and skill is required.
Water Conditions
Releases at Keswick are steady at 3250. This is half the norm. These low flows stack up the fish and make wade fishing much more productive and attractive. Unfortunately with fish concentrated fishing pressure has a greater impact making the first few passes through a run often the most productive and subsequent passes much less so. Flows downstream at Bend Bridge are running below 6,000 cfs, nearly half the norm.
Walk and wade opportunities are great. Boat passage at
Cypress Street Bridge is open while flows are below 7,000 though care and skill are required for safe passage. The Lower Sac has had recent water clarity issues during heavy storms, be sure to check the latest conditions before planning a trip.
Flies
Spring Caddis will increasing become the most important bug but don't leave home without a few Mayflies patterns (BWO's, March Browns, PMD's and Tibilias) particularly on drippy days. The big LSac 'bows have become selective compared to seasons past so plan on changing patterns and sizes to find the ONE they want. Hang your favorite BWO's or Caddis Pupa off the bend of an egg or Rubberlegs which offers a big bite and a large hook to land the fish that might make your day. Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns and the like will also find fish.
Pit River
Fishing Conditions
The warm weather has the Pit going off. The Pit can provide epic days in the springtime! We have enjoyed some incredible days with little or no company. Though still a midday affair the window has opened and as the days grow longer fishing should only improve provided water condtions remain. Try nymphing Rubberlegs and tiny nymphs. Be forewarned however that similar to the McCloud last season, continued dam construction has caused flow and clarity issues at times resulting in poor fishing and even a few anglers stuck on the wrong side of river needing to swim back across!
Access is also limited as the road is closed at both the Pit 3 and Pit 4 dams.
Water Conditions
Flies
Nymphing with a large rubberleg or stone pattern and small or tiny caddis and mayfly droppers has produced some exceptional days. Try Prince Nymphs, Birdsnests, Caddis Pupa in 14's and 16's and PT's or Micromays
in 16's and 18's hung off your favorite dark rubberleg or Goldenstone nymph.
Fall River
Season Reopens April 24th, 2010.
Contact us to schedule prime dates.
Hat Creek
Season Reopens April 24th, 2010.
Upper Sac, Lower Sac, Pit and Klamath Rivers: A Fly Fishing Guide’s Report
Guided Fly Fishing Trips on Northern California Rivers
February 9th - 15th
What a week! We started out with an epic afternoon on the Pit River which during any other time of year would have been fantastic. To experience catching fish after fish in the dead of winter was just too good to believe. On an afternoon on the Upper Sac we did not have the epic proportions, finding fewer fish but all were sizable, most well into the teens.
This week the bite on the Klamath turned on for us as well, particularly when we swung flies, on a few runs we enjoyed multiple grabs. We are in the midst of prime time with increased water temps and spring like weather. Just before the weekend, Scott and George found several fish including a couple brutes.
We followed up with a day on the Lower Sac which has also turned on after a long spell of poor water clarity. The grab was increasingly good up to and after lunch after which it turned suddenly off. When we arrived at the ramp another party said they had a very slow morning but it improved until the takeout. Asked what flies they were using, it was the same as ours, eggs, legs and small beadhead nymphs. Go figure!
Over the weekend we had a great time hosting a trip we donated to Cal Trout for their annual gala fundraiser. A great group of guys joined guides Craig Nielsen, John Rickard, Jim Andras and Mike Hibbard for two days of fishing on the Klamath and a stay at the Klamathon Lodge. Look for an upcoming post with the details.
Fly Fishing Report: Klamath River, Upper & Lower Sacramento Rivers
The ShastaTrout fishing report features the most recent information obtained from the very finest local guides. All of our guides are seasoned professionals who in most cases spend as much time individually on the rivers they guide as our biggest competitor’s guides spend collectively. We hope you find our report informative and useful in planning your next adventure in the Shadow of Shasta.
Klamath River
Fishing Conditions
The Klamath has been bitter cold with the recent record low temperatures but the fishing has remained hot! On most days the bite is evenly mixed between half pounders and adults in the 16-23' range with an exceptionally large fish or two mixed in. With the bulk of the hatchery fish just arriving and the winter fish headed our way we are finding more big fish in the upper river most every day.
With the cold temps most fish are holding in the deeper water most easily accessed by boat. Unlike the Klamath's sister rivers, the Rogue and Trinity, most epic days on the Klamath occur from January through March. It is also a place where there is a very realistic opportunity to catch fish rather than just practice casting while swinging for winter Steelhead. We most enjoy swinging with Switch Rods and Skagit lines and can provide them if you'd care to give them a try. There may be no better place to learn steelheading than on this legendary river. Schedule your winter Steelhead trip now, we have several openings available.
Water Conditions
Flows have been steady at 1300 cfs since October 1st and visibility is normal, about four feet. Water temps have dropped into the lower forties and more Steelhead are arriving daily. January through March can be exceptional for Steelhead on this legendary stream if we have a dry or reasonably normal water year.
Flies
Swing leeches and classic wets on a
fast sinking
tip. We most enjoy swinging with Switch Rods and Skagit lines and can provide them if you'd care to give them a try. Not surprisingly nymphing has been out producing swing fishing by a wide margin. Fish are holding in the deeper lies as water temps have dropped. Fishing eggs and legs or nymphs in the deep slots and runs is most productive.
Upper Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
With bitter cold weather the Blue Wing Olive hatches have been sporadic and the Upper Sac has become a midday affair. Keep on the move early in the hatch in hopes of finding a run with good numbers of bugs and rising fish. This can be exciting but very challenging fishing with fine tippets, tiny flies and wary fish. Fishing a big Caddis dry with emergers and droppers or nymphng and finding deeper, heavier water can sometimes be more productive for practical, less exacting and patient souls. Expect to also see a few small caddis popping in fishable numbers on warmer sunny days. Hopefully a few straggling October Caddis will show again as temps warm? Nymphing with small caddis patterns along with small and tiny mayflies produces best in the late morning prior to hatches. Fishing in the early and late hours is most often futile.
Water Conditions
Flows are a hovering around 300 cfs at Delta with surges as storms pass through. This is half of the "normal" flow for this time of the year, with low summer like flows it is very wadable and fishable but also quite technical. Water temps have dropped into the lower forties with superb water clarity, perhaps a bit too clear to be ideal, particularly for less seasoned anglers.
Flies
Small to tiny BWO dries and emergers midday produce best. Hang emergers & droppers off your #16 & 18 BWO dries for the midday hatch and go to 6X tippet as fish are very wary & selective. Try October Caddis imitations with small beadhead droppers including Copper Johns, Micromays, Pheasant Tails and small Caddis patterns in 14-18's in heavier water if you find the big 'Bows too saavy for your tastes. Try both high stick and indicator nymphing the softer water in the heart of deeper runs with the same flies.
Lower Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
BWO's hatches have often times been heavy on cold, drippy days of late though dry fly fishing is quite limited. The catching has been solid most days with some very nice sized fish on average and on occasional trophy Rainbow that can make your day if not your season. With the hordes chasing Steelhead on the Trinity you can enjoy the place by yourself. With exceptionally low flows wading is a great option though fishing from a boat is almost always more productive. Some action continues on eggs though very few Salmon are in the system as the run has collapsed. Rubberleg Stones also find fish and produce more large fish than trying to land trophies on tiny flies. Some Steelhead are showing in the downstream reaches. Cypress Street Bridge boat passage at the overpass is open as flows are below 7,000 though a good deal of care and skill is required.
Water Conditions
Releases at Keswick have dropped to 3200 and are steady. This is half the norm. These low flows stack up the fish and make wade fishing much more productive and attractive. Unfortunately with fish concentrated fishing pressure has a greater impact making the first few passes through a run the most productive and subsequent passes much less so. Flows downstream at Bend Bridge are running below 5,000 cfs, nearly half the norm.
Walk and wade opportunities are great. Boat passage at
Cypress Street Bridge is open while flows are below 7,000 though care and skill are required for safe passage.
Flies
BWO's are the most important bug but don't leave home without a few Caddis particularly on warm sunny days. The big LSac 'bows have become selective compared to seasons past so plan on changing patterns and sizes to find the ONE they want. Hang your favorite BWO's or Caddis Pupa off the bend of an egg or Rubberlegs which offers a big bite and a large hook to land the fish that might make your day. Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns and the like will also find fish.
Pit River
Fishing Conditions
ShastaTrout friends and guides have been fishing other destinations of late (they've been so great) and we have very few reports on the Pit. The folks we have talked to have found some fish midday nymphing Rubberlegs and tiny nymphs. We hope that means it is rested and ready for you to give it a go as it is open year round and can be superb! Be forewarned however that similar to the McCloud last season, construction has caused flow and clarity issues at times resulting in poor fishing and even a few anglers stuck on the wrong side of river needing to swim back across! Check back we will post a reliable report at our earliest opportunity.
Water Conditions
Flies
Fall River
Season Reopens April 24th, 2010.
Contact us to schedule prime dates.
Hat Creek
Season Reopens April 24th, 2010.
Northern California Fishing Report – the season that never ends 11/16
The ShastaTrout fishing report features the most recent information obtained from the very finest local guides. All of our guides are seasoned professionals who in most cases spend as much time individually on the rivers they guide as our biggest competitor’s guides spend collectively. We hope you find our report informative and useful in planning your next adventure in the Shadow of Shasta.
Klamath River
Fishing Conditions
The Klamath has been alternating between great and our favorite condition, silly good. More big fish are arriving in the upper river most every day. Reports from downstream, particularly regarding numbers of sizable adult Steelhead are encouraging. The bulk of the hatchery adult run has yet to arrive. November and December are prime time on the Klamath particularly for swinging flies. There may be no better place to learn steelheading than on this legendary river. Schedule your fall Steelhead trip now particularly if you are interested in swinging flies, we still have a few dates available.
Water Conditions
Flows have been steady at 1300 cfs since October 1st and visibility is normal, about four feet. Water temps have dropped into the lower fifties and more Steelhead are arriving daily. November and December are prime time for Steelhead on this legendary stream and the fishing will remain good through March if we have a dry or normal water year. We recommend scheduling your trip now.
Flies
Swing leeches and classic wets on a
sink tip add a small dropper to increase the grab but expect some small fish as a result. Nymphing has been out producing swing fishing at least two to one. Look for fish to begin moving from the shallows into deeper resting lies as water temps drop. Fishing eggs and legs or nymphs behind the remaining Salmon will also find fish.
Upper Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
The October Caddis continue to pop and the fish are on them but are getting a bit fussier about pattern and presentation. We are probably past the peak but expect to continue to see these bugs well into winter on the warmest days. With cooler weather the Blue Wing Olive hatches are moving to the forefront with small caddis popping in fishable numbers on the warmest sunny days. Nymphing with small caddis patterns along with small and tiny mayflies produces best during the early hours with October Caddis taking stage later in the day. Try hanging small and tiny emergers off big caddis dries late in the day for more action.
Water Conditions
Flows are a bit below 300 cfs at Delta and steady. The river remains at low summer like flows making it very wadable and fishable but also quite technical. Water temps have dropped into the lower fifties with superb water clarity, perhaps a bit too clear to be ideal, particularly for less seasoned anglers.
Flies
Small to tiny nymphs produce best. Try October Caddis imitations and attractor dries with small beadhead droppers including Copper Johns, Micromays, Pheasant Tails and small Caddis patterns in 14-18's. Try both high stick and indicator nymphing with the same flies. Hang droppers off your #16 & 18 BWO dries for the midday hatch as fishing are getting selective. Add emergers and Soft Hackles #16-20 for the fussiest risers.
Lower Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
The fishing continues to be good but not all days are great. Some very nice sized fish on average with a few that can make your day. The big ones are getting more challenging to find and land as the egg bite is waning. The Salmon run on the Lower Sac continues to be in crises this season with only a small fraction of the usual run returning. BWO's hatches on cool and drippy days and even on some sunny afternoons has been good, though dry fly fishing is quite limited. Caddis continue to show, particularly on warmer days and are the go to bug as the fish take them aggressively. Some action continues on Rubberleg Stones as well though and is producing more large fish as the egg bite slows. We've found some steelhead in the upper reaches though the bite continues better downstream. Cypress Street Bridge boat passage at the overpass is open as flows are below 7,000 though a good deal of care and skill is required.
Excellent access for wading opportunities though fishing from a boat is nearly always more productive.
Water Conditions
Releases at Keswick have dropped from 5300 on the 11th and are schedule to be down to 4,600 cfs by the 17th. These low flows stack up the fish and make wading much more reasonable. On the other with fish concentrated fishing pressure has a greater impact. Flows downstream at Bend Bridge are running below 5,830 cfs, nearly 1,000 below the norm.
Walk and wade opportunities are great. Boat passage at
Cypress Street Bridge is open while flows are below 7,000 though care and skill are required for safe passage.
Flies
BWO's will increasing dominate but look for opportunities to fish Caddis particularly on warm sunny days. The big LSac 'bows have become selective compared to seasons past so plan on changing patterns and sizes to find one they want. Hang your favorite BWO's or Caddis Pupa off the bend of a Rubberlegs which offers a big bite and a large hook to land the fish that will make your day. Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns and the like will also find fish.
Still some opportunities to toss eggs.
Pit River
Fishing Conditions
ShastaTrout friends and guides have been fishing other destinations of late (they've been so great) and we have no recent reports from the Pit. We hope that means it is rested and ready for you to give it a go as it is open year round and can be superb! Be forewarned however that similar to the McCloud last season, construction has caused flow and clarity issues at times resulting in poor fishing and even a few anglers stuck on the wrong side of river needing to swim back across! Check back we will post a reliable report at our earliest opportunity.
Water Conditions
Flies
Fall River
Season Reopens April 24th, 2010.
Contact us to schedule prime dates.
Hat Creek
Season Reopens April 24th, 2010.
Northern California Fly Fishing – Local Guides’ Report 10/15
The ShastaTrout fishing report features the most recent information obtained from the very finest local guides. All of our guides are seasoned professionals who in most cases spend as much time individually on the rivers they guide as our biggest competitor’s guides spend collectively. We hope you find our report informative and useful in planning your next adventure in the Shadow of Shasta.
Upper Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
The October Caddis are popping and the fish have been on them! More will start showing in the next few weeks. With the cool weather bug activity has increased including the tail end of the Tricos and PED's with the Blue Wing Olive hatches building . Cooler temps have improved nymphing during the day as well, particularly on the Lower River with several sizable 'bows hooked and some landed. The river came up with the big storm that blew through but is clear, fishable and rapidly dropping. Nymphing with small caddis patterns along with small and tiny mayflies produce during the day. Try hanging small and tiny emergers off big caddis dries late in the day.
Water Conditions
Flows increased to over 2000 cfs and have dropped to just above 600 cfs at Delta which is very wadable and fishable. Water temps have dropped well into the fifties which will help stimulate the bite.
Water clarity has dropped making angling much less technical.
Flies
Small to tiny nymphs produce best. Try October Caddis imitations and attractor dries with small beadhead droppers including Copper Johns, Micromays, Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges and small Caddis patterns in 14-18's. Try both high stick and indicator nymphing with the same flies. Hang emergers off your #16 & 18 BWO dries for the evening hatch as fishing are getting selective. Add some Rusty Spinners #14-18"s, Soft Hackles #16-20 for fussy risers.
McCloud River
Fishing Conditions
The Lower McCloud is our favorite place to fish this time of year and it has been outstanding. Though with the weather change flows increased and it was tough for a couple days. . We've enjoyed the fall beauty in near solitude and have found some larger fish including some nice Browns recently. We expect increased traffic until the season ends November 15th, particularly on weekends. Nymphing during the day in the deep water of runs and pocket water continues to produce. Dries with droppers in the late afternoon and early evening is get some attention as hatches are developing. The Upper McCloud continues to be a dry fly and dropper zone for small natives and hatchery clones with angling pressure from campers dropping dramatically.
Water Conditions
Flows are quickly dropping and are a bit over 400 cfs at Ah-Di-Nah down from 1,100. Downriver at the Shasta Lake Gage flows are over 1,500 cfs but are currently dropping 100 cfs per hour. The river has clouded a bit after being unusually clear all summer making approaches and presentations easier. Water temps are dropping to the lower fifties and upper 40's and the fish are starting to binge. The Upper River at Fowler's is at fall flows and is stocked, with the cool weather the campgrounds have emptied.
Flies
Small and smaller bugs is the name of the game this time of year. We like to offer a Caddis and a May or Midge when nymphing and tie similar small droppers off our attractor dries. For the late afternoon and early evening it is BWO's, small and micro Caddis and spinners. Our favorite early fall flies include Gordon Princes #14-18, Micromays #16-18, Midge nymphs #18-22, Birdsnests #14-18, PT's #14-18 and the like. For dries bring your favorite October Caddis imitations and hang droppers, add some Mayfly dries #14-18 along with emergers and a few softhackles. A few spinners #16-20 can sometimes make your evening. For those so inclined streamers will find fish including the occasional outrageous Brown that shows up this time of year.
Pit River
Fishing Conditions
Conditions on the Pit have improved dramatically with the cooler weather, and dropping water temps. Though similar to the McCloud last season, construction has caused flow and clarity issues at times resulting in poor fishing and even a few anglers stuck on the wrong side of river needing to swim back across! When the river flows are normal and clear and access opens it has been epic as there has been limited fishing pressure. We are finding fish nymphing the fastest water during the day though October Caddis dries with droppers will increasingly get grabbed. High stick the pockets and toss on an indicator as needed for the larger runs. Ideal for streamer fishing if you prefer bigger fish and are willing to fore-go numbers.
Water Conditions
Flows are currently at the norm for the season. Water clarity has fluctuated with construction. Pit 4 & 5 are fishing best though 1 & 3 are improving daily.
PG& E has a road closure at the Pit 4 dam reducing access, and some closures on Pit 3 and the Pit 4 powerhouse which have been difficult to predict at times.
Flies
Prospect with two nymph rigs in the fastest water with or without an indicator. Prince Nymphs, PT's, Birdsnests, Caddis Pupa and Copper Johns. October Caddis dries with droppers in the afternoons and evenings are producing and will get better. Pull streamers in olive, black, yellow or white.
Lower Sacramento River
Fishing Conditions
BLOWN OUT 10/14/09
Prior to blowing out the fishing continued to get better daily as Salmon kept pouring into the upper river and the egg bite was on! When it clears again, it likely will take days if not weeks, expect BWO's on cool and drippy days and on sunny afternoons Caddis are the go to bug. Some action continues on Rubberleg Stones as well though taking off an egg pattern is a tough call. We've found a couple summer steelhead in the upper reaches though the bite is much better downstream. Cypress Street Bridge boat passage at the overpass is open as flows are below 7,000.
A fair amount of access for wading opportunities.
Water Conditions
The river BLEW OUT on October 14th with water clarity down to a few inches. Expect it to take several days or weeks to again become fishable.
Releases at Keswick have dropped to 6,000 cfs which is below the norm and ideal otherwide . Flows downstream at Bend Bridge are running below 8,000 cfs, below the norm.
Walk and wade opportunities are good at 6,000 cfs. Boat passage at
Cypress Street Bridge is open as flows are below 7,000.
Flies
Do not arrive without your favorite egg patterns. Trout have become selective compared to seasons past so plan on changing colors and sizes to find one they want. Hang your favorite Caddis Pupa such as Fox Poopahs & Birdsnests off the bend in the afternoon and early in the day go with various Pheasant Tails and Micromays in #14 - 18"s. Prince Nymphs, Rubberlegs, Copper Johns & Ironsallies also find fish.
Elk Hair Caddis, E/C Caddis & Mayfly crips for the evening hatch.
Fall River
Fishing Conditions
Our guides report fishing on the Fall River has been exceptional and getting better. The fish are fat and feisty and full of fight. Conditions are perfect and there may be no better place to practice or learn your match the hatch & delicate presentation game on the west coast. Hatches of PMD's & BWO's have offered some dry fly opportunities with some of the larger fall species beginning to show. Some trophy 'bows have shown while swinging leeches and nymphing. Callibaetis are still popping in fishable numbers in the lower river as well.
Early fall is prime time on this sterling spring creek and we have added some exceptional veteran new guides for the Fall River this season.
Water Conditions
Flows are clear and steady, conditions could not be better.
Flies
Bring your box of finest dries and cripples to match the hatch of PMD's, BWO's, Callibaetis and afternoon Caddis.
For nymphing Micromays, PT's, HBI's, Caddis Pupa and Birdsnests. Try swinging and stripping leeches, damsel & dragonfly imitations.
Hat Creek
Fishing Conditions
Fishing has been fair but improving on the Hat. The October Caddis hatch should pick things up even more. Some morning Tricos on the wane with Blue Wing Olives building but it is still quite technical for most anglers and a couple of fish in a session is considered good. When hatches aren't popping finding fish willing to grab nymphs under an indicator is becoming a bit more productive. The Hat is in great condition, the best we've seen in a few seasons but has been inconsistent of late?
Water Conditions
Hat Creek, being low gradient with spring creek conditions does not receive the runoff other local streams experience. It is one of the few rivers that can be fishable even during big storms. If you want to avoid the circus on the Powerhouse Riffle, fish other access points, seek out other area waters and/or have a go midweek.
Flies
Your most likely top water action will come in the late afternoons and early evenings on drippy days. Look for the BWO's to turn on. We like to hang an emerger off our high floating dries. Nymphing the fast riffles can provide some action during non hatch periods. Bring your favorite BWO dries and emergers. Try small nymphs, Birdsnests, Caddis Pupa, PT's, Princes, Iron Sallies, Micromays and Midges for the riffs.
Klamath River
Fishing Conditions
Recent rains will push more fish upriver and October, November and December are prime time on the Klamath particularly for swinging flies. There may be no better place to learn steelheading than on this legendary river. Steelhead have arrived in the upper river and cooler temps and increased flows will have them continue to pour in over the next few weeks. Salmon anglers are plying the deep holes so don't expect solitude on popular drifts. Reports from downstream, particularly regarding numbers and size of adult Steelhead are encouraging. Schedule your fall Steelhead trip now particularly if you are interested in swinging flies as the best dates fill early.
Water Conditions
Flows increased to 1300 cfs on October 1st and visibility is normal. Water temps have dropped into the fifties and more Steelhead are arriving daily. October is the beginning of the Steelhead season on this legendary stream and fishing remains good through March in dry and normal water years. We recommend you schedule your trip now.
Flies
Swing dries, muddlers and classic wets with us the fall!
Go with a sink tip midday if you feel the need. Fishing eggs and legs or nymphs behind Salmon will also find fish.
