Shasta Trout

There is no place like Home Water

Gone Creekin' I took a break from guiding today, spent the morning and early afternoon in the office and decided to give my friend Tom Chandler, author of the Trout Underground blog, a call to check out a local creek.  He was chained to his desk with a deadline so I went solo.  About a 30 minute drive from my door this little local gem reminds me of the creeks I fished when I was a kid learning the sport.  It also helps that this one also has the same name as one of the creeks I grew up fishing. I strung up my favorite new rod, a dark flamed seven foot C.T Robertson three weight and walked down to the creek to take a look. There was no sign anyone had yet fished the place this season.  It drizzled on and off today and the overcast might have helped the little Browns in the creek feel a bit less nervous as I hooked one on my third cast.  The tiny trout continued to be very willing so I had the opportunity to try a couple different small dries and they eagerly ate them all.  I even caught a few pushing ten inches.  I learned all over what a relaxing and soulful experience these little creeks offer.  I made a pledge to visit more local gems this season.

Guide Fly: Brown Drake (Ameletus?)

Upper Sacramento & McCloud River Dry Fly Springtime fly fishing on local streams has been outstanding recently so I was a bit bummed to get a late cancellation this week.  Rather than sitting around in my pajamas and eating bonbons I decided to go sample the fishing on my own.  I have been guiding on the Upper Sac and the Lower McCloud where hatches have been sparse but the bugs have arrived earlier than usual.  We have not seen  a great deal of top water feeding  but we've enjoyed fishing attractor style dries with droppers with considerable success. Before the stoneflies arrive, the go to bugs are usually the smaller ones, spring caddis, some Blue Wing Olives and March Browns, but we are always on the look out for the bigger Mayflies, Green Drakes and Brown Drakes that typically show when the weather turns warm but wet.   At best these hatches are sparse, not the main course, more like dessert, and in some years we may miss them entirely.  I typically fish a large Parachute Adams, which on a wet overcast day does a credible job.  I have learned to carry some cripple Green Drake patterns as a back up for fussy fish. This year has been different, as we have seen many Brown Drakes each and every trip, despite the generally bright skies we have been enjoying.  While several fish, including some nice ones have taken the Parachute Adams, more of them than I might have liked bumped it in refusal rises, so I took this gift of time to design a new pattern, tie a few up and try it out on my "off" days. The preliminary results are in and while it may be wishful thinking, the wild trout on the Upper Sac, Lower McCloud and Upper McCloud I have shown it to this week have taken it just as well or better than the Parachute Adams.  To paraphrase my favorite fly fishing author John Gierach, "There is nothing like discovering a hatch and designing and tying a fly to match it, using the fly to catch fish after fish, only to realize you were completely wrong but catching fish anyway!" Here is the recipe for the "Brown Drake" Bon Bon pictured above: Hook: Tiemco 100 size 10, Thread: Rust 6.0, Tail: 6-8 Dark Moose Hair, Body: Rust Superfine Dubbing, Rib: Yellow Silk Thread, Wing: Dark Dun Deer Hair, Hackle:  Furnace. PS: My best efforts to key the bug was a reference in Hafele & Hughes, Western Hatches for the Ameletus Mayfly.  The bugs I have captured have two dark brown split tails, 1 1/2 the body length, a rust colored abdomen and thorax with distinct yellowish/tan markings and a variegated dark dun wing.  H & H list no recommended Dun or Spinner patterns. They describe the habitat: "Ameletus are distributed through out the western states, but fishable numbers occur sporadically across the range...nymphs are commonly found in small, rapid streams, near but not in fast water...the same places inhabited by large trout."  Let me know if you have some thoughts about what species this fly might be representing?

Shasta area spring fly fishing report: Guide’s update

April 27-May 9th The opening weeks of the fly fishing season on streams in the shadow of Shasta have been silly good.  Conditions could not have been better, Dogwood trees, Indian Rhubarb, Shasta and Tiger Lilies are in full bloom (much earlier than usual) and local rivers are clear with flows we haven't seen this skinny and fishable in years. The weather has also cooperated with near perfect temps in the 70's and 80's last week.  The blue skies were disrupted by some showers and wind this past weekend as well as early this week but we fished through it all and the fishing (and catching) continues to be exceptional. Hatches have been showing early as well and with the weather forecast calling for more great weather, we recommend you plan a trip in the upcoming weeks as our biggest and best bugs of the year will be arriving soon! The Upper Sacramento River is in amazing condition all the way from the Box Canyon to Lake Shasta with extremely low, clear flows and hungry trout.  We experienced a very small bump in flows with showers this week but they have dropped right back down to summer type levels. Water temps have also climbed into the mid fifties which is ideal and the trout have been active and willing dance partners. Nymphing with big stonefly patterns accompanied by small (size 14-16) mayfly  and caddis patterns has worked best early in the day, while later we have been fishing with dries, on several occasions cutting off our droppers because the dries have been so productive.  We are seeing light hatches of Blue Wing Olives and springtime caddis along with some lingering March Browns and Brown Drakes.  Green Drakes, Grey Drakes, Salmonflies and Goldenstones will be taking stage next.  We expect these hatches to come early and with the river in this condition we expect a bonanza.  We still have some guide dates available in the coming weeks, drop us a line for the latest conditions or to schedule a great local guide.  Shasta Trout guides spend more time individually each season on the Upper Sac as our competitor's guides spend collectively. The McCloud River is fishing as well as we have ever seen it this time of the year.  Flows are exceptionally low and clear, 215 cfs at Ah Di Na, much like you will find in midsummer so the fishing can be technical.  Anglers intent on pounding typical runs with indicators along with everyone else are finding limited success while those in the know who are fishing dry flies, with and without droppers, in tucked away spots are enjoying an incredible bounty. Hatches have been sparse with some lingering Blue Wing Olives, March Browns, spring Caddis and Brown Drakes.  No Stoneflies yet as water temps are colder on the McCloud than it's sister rivers the Upper Sac and Pit River, where water temps are in the mid fifties and stoneflies are beginning to emerge.  Stealth is key as fish are podded together and presenting flies, hooking and playing fish away from the group rather than spooking one that can alert the pod improves success.  The word is out, Ash Camp has filled on weekends and Ah Di Na has been half to nearly full and all the tags at the Nature Conservancy have been put to use.  Best to visit midweek if you are able. The Lower Sacramento River continues to amaze us with some of the best spring time fishing we have ever seen.  This river tends to cycle and we are definitely on an upswing with many large fish hooked on each and every trip.  The bite has been most consistent on PMD's though few lingering March Browns are getting grabbed as well as rubberlegs. The river has been fishing well from Caldwell Park all the way to Red Bluff. Summer Caddis (Hydropsyche) hatches are building each afternoon and should help extend the good bite later into the day.  Flows were raised last week to 11,000 cfs which usually hampers the bite but we enjoyed banner days despite the increased flows and some windy conditions.  Flows this week increased to 12,000 and are holding steady, great for fishing from a driftboat but these flows limit wading to very few spots.  We have some guide availability in the coming weeks including access for anglers confined to wheelchairs.  Drop us a line for the latest. Hatches on the Fall River have been sparse and the dry fly fishing has been limited.  Fish are podded and once they are located, they have been taking nymphs and streamers well.  On most days fishing on the lower river has been better than the upper river where many Rainbows, particularly the larger ones are still likely on the spawn.  We expect hatches to build in the coming weeks and the dry fly fishing to take off and guide availability will become limited, we recommend scheduling a great local guide now. The Pit River has been fishing well though few anglers are visiting as the new flow regimen limits the pocket water fishing that made this river famous.  Those who have learned the new productive spots are enjoying success nymphing with rubberlegs and small mayfly and caddis droppers.  No exceptional dry fly fishing to report, yet.  We have not received a report from Hat Creek, stay tuned. Drop us a line if you are headed our way, we would enjoy sharing what we can about local conditions whether you are seeking a great local guide or not.  We hope to see you soon!  

Northern California fly fishing guides season preview

The General Trout Season opens this Saturday, April 27th! This weekend will be your first opportunity to sample the McCloud, Hat Creek and Fall River this season.  The National Weather Service is forecasting near perfect weather with daytime temps in the 70's.  Our year round rivers including the Lower Sac and Pit Rivers are fishing exceptionally well, with flows on the Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers unbelievably low, at levels and clarity we haven't seen until late June the past several seasons.  Backcountry skiers, rafters and kayakers are bummed, but fly fishers have good cause to celebrate these rare outstanding spring conditions when our best hatches of the year peak.  If you are headed to the shadow of Shasta, please drop us a line to schedule a guide or to check on the latest conditions!

Upper Sacramento River

Fishing Conditions Last week the fishing was epic with several fish in the upper teens and one over 20" to hand nymphing.  This was followed by dry fly fishing with March Browns and Brown Drakes that we usually only dream about. Flows are amazingly low for this time of year, making it very wadeable and fishable, particularly as anglers work upstream. This spring looks to be our best in many years as conditions will allow us to fish during the best hatches of the season. Hatches appear to be unfolding early this year as we've already seen the beginning of the Salmonfly and March Browns this week, with the peak of the hatches and the Goldenstones along with the big Mayflies of spring soon to follow. We'll also be seeing an abundance of smaller bugs, including PMD's and spring caddis in the coming weeks.The bite has been best on small caddis and mayflies nymphs with light midday hatches of March Browns and Brown Drakes getting the fish looking up. Big nymphs in sizes 4 to 10 have been productive particularly for the larger fish, though typically more fish come on the smaller offerings. There  are  spawning Wild Rainbows this time of year. If you spot fish in shallow water in groups or pairs enjoy the show but please avoid spooking or fishing to them as they are exceptionally vulnerable in the low water we are seeing this season. Shasta Trout's local guides are intimate with the river as we spend more time on the Upper Sac each season individually than our competitor's guides combined.  Consider this your invitation to get here now and fish it soon and often this spring. If you are seeking a guide drop us a line so we might help you to enjoy the bounty! Water Conditions Flows have dropped from 1,000 cfs to 800 this week with daily fluctuations related to air temps and passing storms.  The norm for this time of year is 2,000 cfs and we haven't see flows this low and fishable until the end of June for many seasons.   Water clarity is outstanding and with water temps in the mid to upper forties expect fish to be taking well. With a snow pack well below the average and warm weather in the forecast we expect these great conditions to continue into the coming weeks when our best hatches of the year peak. Flies Small nymphs produce more fish on average than the larger ones but the trophy fish have been taking the bigger flies. Fish Copper Johns, Micromays, Pheasant Tails, Iron Sallies and small caddis patterns in 14-18's in runs, slots, slicks and pocket water. Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs, dark and golden stone imitations are increasingly finding fish. Expect to see improving hatches of the big bugs and top water action in the weeks to come.

McCloud River

Reopens Saturday, April 27th. Fishing Conditions We could not be more excited about the opener on the McCloud this season as we experienced some challenging high water early seasons that past several years during the time hatches on the river were at their best.  The McCloud River below McCloud Reservoir looks to be in superb shape with flows on the lower river at summer release levels, well below the norm with good clarity. The McCloud's sister rivers, the Upper Sac and Pit have been excellent lately and we expect much of the same for the opener on the McCloud. Flows on the Upper McCloud above the reservoir are at the seasonal norm but much higher than the trickle we see in summer.  The first couple weeks after the opener can be quite crowded on the Upper McCloud River as folks look to fill their creels with hatchery fish as well as the wild rainbows trying to spawn. To enjoy the McCloud's full splendor we recommend you schedule a day with one of our local guides.  We spend as much time on the McCloud River each season as our competitor's guides spend collectively. Water Conditions Flows below McCloud Reservoir have been decreasing down to 457 cfs at Lake Shasta and are steady at 225 cfs at Ah Di Na with fair to good clarity. With a low water year in store, it is unlikely PG&E will dump water and dampen the opener so we expect fishing to be excellent.  Flows on the Upper McCloud above the McCloud Reservoir are a bit high ranging from 800-900 cfs but below the norm and will likely remain so for the coming weeks. Quite unusual for this time in the year, there will be many places to cross on the Lower McCloud, similar to midsummer conditions with lots of pocket water and many runs that rarely see early season anglers.  With the Upper Sac, Pit River and small creeks running lower that usual, we hope and expect the Lower McCloud will avoid becoming the McCrowded this spring. Flies The opening of the season is most often a nymphing affair but look for opportunities for dry fly action midday and towards evening. Big bugs will become increasingly important, a few Salmonflies and Brown Drakes have been spotted, probably a sign that hatches will come off earlier than usual this season? Be prepared with small flies as well as large. We like to offer one of each when nymphing and tie droppers off our big dries. Try Stimis in orange or yellow #6-10, hanging Copper Johns, Iron Sallies, PT's, Micromays and your favorite caddis pupa in #14-18 off the bend. Use these small nymphs in combination with Poxyback Goldenstones, Rubberlegs, and Princes when exploring with an indicator or high stick nymphing.

Lower Sacramento River

Fishing Conditions Recent fishing for trophy Rainbows has been phenomenal.  Last week fished as well as we have ever seen it in any season, particularly for larger fish.  Flows have been a bit below the norm which has concentrated the large trophy 'bows and provided an opportunity for the fish of a lifetime.  Flows increased this week with larger increases on the way in late May and June as irrigation demands in the central valley grow.  This will spread the fish out a bit and local knowledge will be key in locating the fresh lies. The PMD's have arrived in full force, with some lingering March Browns, Blue Winged Olives, and spring caddis along with some summer caddis beginning to show as the bite gets grabbier. Some Salmonflies are also hatching on the lower drifts where the fish have been taking stonefly nymphs with abandon.  We continue to have great success side drifting small nymphs & rubberlegs while the dry fly fishing has been spotty and technical if, when, and where you find it.   Water clarity continues to be outstanding with  the river fishing well from the Posse Ground all the way to Bend.  Spring showers can still impact clarity downsteam of side streams during and a few days after storms. Drop us a line to schedule a friendly local guide during this prime time, most of us have grown up on the banks of the Lower Sacramento River and know it intimately having fished it our entire lives. Water Conditions Releases at Keswick increased from 5,500 cfs on April 21st to 9,000 cfs on the 24th which is above the norm of 8,000 but still superb for fly fishing.   Flows at Bend Bridge are at 9600 cfs, a bit below the median for this time of year of 10,000 cfs, having increased with the Keswick bump. Water clarity is excellent through out but can be impacted by showers (none in the forecast) on lower stretches below tributaries.  Walk and wade opportunities are much more limited with the flow increase. Flies Small nymphs below rubberleg patterns are the norm. Your favorite PMD nymphs, various Pheasant tails and Micromays in #14 - 18"s will likely get the most attention but those trying Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns, Ironsallies, Fox Poopahs & Birdsnests are also finding fish. For two and three fly rigs try adding a Super Floss Rubberleg or Microspawn. There are still some Rainbows on the spawn, please do not target fish podded up in shallow gravel beds.

Pit River

Fishing Conditions The fishing as well as the catching has been superb!  Flows are a bit high which with the revised flow regime has become the new norm.   Water clarity is fair and improving making dry fly fishing possible. We are finding fish nymphing classic runs and slots prospecting with two fly rigs but attractor dries with droppers in pocket water and caddis in the evening have also brought some very fine fish to hand. Small patterns have been out fishing large ones but the larger specimens have preferred the bigger bites. Might consider trying a streamer? This is an early season gem as spring hatches are terrific and come off sooner here than local sister rivers. All reaches are fishable, Pit 3 is probably the best as well as some reaches on Pit 4. Pit 5 can be particularly difficult at these flows.  With the new flow regimen crowds are a thing of the past, but with the limited access, weekdays can fish better.  The Pit is an excellent venue to round out  your opening week successfully!   We recommend scheduling one of our great local guides who know the river intimately as they have spent as much time on it as our biggest competitor's guides spend collectively. Water Conditions Flows are a bit above optimum, at the norm for the new flows and are reasonably clear.  Storms can muddy tribs though in these conditions they should clear quickly.  All reaches have been fishing though most anglers who have sampled the Pit recently had their best success on Pit 3 and Pit 4. Flies Standard prospecting with nymphs has produced the best. Prince Nymphs, PT's, Birdsnests, Rubberleg Stones, Golden Stones, Copper Johns and Yellow Sallies.   Try mixing and matching, one large, one small, one dark, one light. Dry flies and droppers? Try large attractors with droppers fished in runs and slots then switch to small caddis or mayfly dries when the hatches get going and fish show.  Pull a large streamer in olive or black and hang on.  Might be a good plan to start your season here before the weekend opener!

Fall River

Reopens Saturday, April 27th. Fishing Conditions Early scouting on the Fall River is finding very similar conditions to last year with very low and clear flows and minimal early season weed growth.   The flow is steady and the river is clear with perfect conditions.   The bugs have been sparse so dry fly fishing will likely be spotty but nymphing and pulling streamers will always find fish.  With fair weather in the forecast  we expect the opening weekend to be the usual social event as anglers make their annual pilgrimage. Fishing weekdays can be more enjoyable and productive if you are able.  Shasta Trout owners Craig & Jerri Nielsen have been sampling the Fall on opening weekend for over twenty five years and plan to return again this season. Expect predominately a mix of Blue Wing Olives and Pale Morning Duns along with some springtime caddis.  Before and after hatches plan on nymphing or swinging flies to fish that are active and willing.   Locating pods of feeders and technical, stealthy presentations will be key.  Flows and clarity are currently ideal, and with little snow at lower elevations, melt from tribs on years like we are having is unlikely to cloud the water and spoil the dry fly fishing.  We recommend scheduling one of our great local guides,  all of them have been fishing and guiding the Fall River longer than our biggest competitor's guides have been collectively. Water Conditions The steady primary flows from this giant spring creek bubble out of the ground from the aquifer.  The few small tributaries that contribute flows and can silt the river making fishing less productive, particularly the dry fly fishing are also low and clear.  Some adult fish this time of year have moved into tribs and the  upper river preparing to spawn or are spawned out and heading back out.  Please do not actively fish over pods of wild Rainbows on spawning beds. Flies Small dries are the norm during hatches.  We prefer low floating imitations that provide good profiles such as Parachute PMD's and BWO's, Hacklestackers, Sparkle Duns and the like.  Having Emerger and Cripple patterns is always  a good bet as well.  Try nymphing with or without a tiny indicator with small mayfly patterns such as Pheasant Tails, Hunch Back Infrequens, Poxyback PMD's, and Micromays as well as your favorite caddis pupa patterns.   We most enjoy swinging small streamers and nymphs before and after hatch periods.

Hat Creek

Reopens Saturday, April 27th. Fishing Conditions The Hat is typically in good condition and should fish well during the first weeks of the season. The opening weekend on Hat Creek can be a community affair, particularly at the Powerhouse 2 riffle. With other rivers in the area experiencing low water conditions, Hat Creek will likely see less pressure this season but a good many anglers will still make their annual pilgrimage. Spring hatches are the reason. The fish have had a break from angling pressure and larger bugs make it easier on the angler, particularly those of us with aging eyes. Water Conditions Hat Creek, being low gradient with spring creek conditions does not receive the runoff other local streams experience. In high water years it is one of the few rivers that fish consistently well early. This year  flows on area streams are currently well below average and will be for the coming weeks.  Still Hat Creek can be a circus at Powerhouse #2 riffle so seek out stretches midriver and below or other area waters for the opening weekend and perhaps give Hat Creek a go midweek. Flies The attraction here is the big bugs of spring, Salmonflies, Goldenstones, Green Drakes, Flavs, and Mahoganies but your most likely top water action will come on PMD's and spring caddis. Nymphing the fast riffles downsteam can provide some relief from the crowds and is generally more productive than prospecting with dries during nonhatch periods. Parachute and Paradun PMD's, emergers and cripples #14-16, plan on changing flies often for rising fish than can be selective. EC Caddis & Elk Hair Caddis #14-16 consider adding a pupa as a dropper. Not a bad idea to have a few ants and beetles tucked in the box just in case.

Klamath River

  Fishing Conditions Flows on the Klamath continue to be exceptionally low, around 1000 cfs with the norm for this time of year is 2,400 cfs.  We are hope and expect very fishable flows in the coming weeks in time for the epic Salmonfly hatch which we typically experience in late May and early June.  Drop us a line for the latest on conditions as ShastaTrout guides fish the Upper Klamath more days individually than our competitor's guides fish it collectively.

Trinity River

Fishing Conditions Flows on the Trinity have increase to 2000 cfs at Lewiston and the river is very high and dangerous to wade.   We will be returning for steelhead fishing in the fall. The majority of our guests reschedule early so availability for the best guides is limited.  Drop us a line for the latest on conditions as ShastaTrout guides are locals, many of us having grown up fishing this river.

Good fly fishing forecast for the Upper and Lower Sacramento Rivers

It must be Monday because I awoke with snow on the ground again this morning.  To see snow last Monday was a bit of a surprise but after a week of relatively mild spring weather it came as a real shock today.  Fortunately this appears to be the end of the cold weather for a while as this week's forecast has Mount Shasta back in to the 60's on Wednesday and the 70's on Friday, with Redding windy the next few days then nearly perfect with temps in the 70's through next weekend. We expect the fishing to continue to be excellent.  The catching was pretty good last week as well.  Water conditions on the Lower Sacramento River are ideal with clear, steady flows from Keswick @ 5,500 cfs and no scheduled changes.  Hatches have been good on most days, sparse on others with Pale Morning Duns being the main feast.  There are still a few lingering March Browns, Blue Wing Olives and spring caddis with large Stoneflies and summer caddis starting to show.  Most fish prefer eating the small nymphs but of course our land rate is higher when they eat our large rubberleg patterns as nearly all the bow's we've seen have been big and hot! Flows at Delta on the Upper Sacramento River have dropped below 1,000 cfs, about half the norm and are clear and dropping.  Flows upstream are nearly at early summer levels with some crossings opening.  We enjoyed several successful Upper Sac trips this week with the vast majority of fish in the upper teens, real trophies on this river. We hope to find that illusive twenty incher in our net soon as this is the time of year we get a shot at the biggest fish in the river while enjoying some solitude, as there are few if any other anglers around. The Upper Sac has been mostly a nymphing affair with a Rubberleg and small nymph combo.  Similar to the Lower Sac, most fish are eating the small Mayfly and Caddis offerings but our land rate on the bigger bug is better, particularly on the largest fish.  Dry fly fishing is just around the corner, we saw our first Salmonfly of the season and the big Mayfly Drakes are on the way as well.  With the low flows,  we hope and expect this spring to be the best one we've seen in several seasons and recommend scheduling your spring dates on our local freestones, the Pit, McCloud and Upper Sacramento River soon!  The Upper Sac and Pit are open year round, McCloud and Fall Rivers as well as Hat Creek open April 27th.  Look for our preseason preview post and newsletter in the coming days. Drop us a line if you are headed our way.  We are always pleased to set you up with the finest local guides or send you in a direction you can enjoy on your own.  We hope to see you soon, until then we wish you tight lines and singing reels!