Shasta Trout

Craig Nielsen is the owner and operator of Shasta Trout. A Northern California native, he has been chasing trout with a fly rod for over 45 years and guiding professionally since 1992. Having fished all across the west, B.C. and Alaska he especially appreciates the angling diversity Mt. Shasta offers. From presenting tiny dries to selective Fall River Rainbows, swinging streamers with switchrods for the Klamath’s fabled steelhead, dry fly fishing on the McCloud, or nymphing the Upper and Lower Sac for trophy ‘bows, Craig enjoys it all. Everyone appreciates his patience, angling versatility and local knowledge. A certified casting instructor, he has taught at Mel Krieger’s school and was one of the first authors on switchrods. Craig has been a featured guide for Fish First, Flywater Travel, The Ashland Flyshop, Leland, Ted Fay, The Clearwater House and The Flyshop. He holds a Teaching Credential and a Master’s degree from Chico State where he worked as an Instructor, Administrator and Counselor before following his passion to guide full time.

Jerri Nielsen is co owner and assists in the operation of Shasta Trout. She has been flyfishing since arriving in the northstate 25 years ago and teaches in our clinics and trips for women only. A graduate of the Clearwater Guide School, she was a featured guide in their women’s clinics. Jerri is a versatile angler and the undisputed stillwater expert in the family. She most enjoys chasing high country cruisers from her float tube. Her easy manner, attentiveness and good humor are appreciated by all. Jerri enjoys motherhood and operates her own Aesthetics business in Mt. Shasta. Her fresh baked cookies are famous with family & friends alike.

Alan Blankenship is affectionately known locally as the “Pit Pirate” for his love of the Pit River and it’s trophy rainbows. As a local, he spends as many days guiding and fishing each season on the Pit as anyone and his knowledge of its hatches and fish behavior is unsurpassed. He has been guiding since 1994 and is an enthusiastic, articulate and patient teacher with a sixth sense for locating fish. When not plying the Pit Alan chases trophy Rainbows on the Upper Sac and McCloud and has seen more than his share of outrageous McCloud Browns in his net. In fall and winter Alan specializes in steelhead on the Trinity and Klamath Rivers where he has developed a devoted following.

Rick Cox has lived and guided in the shadow of Shasta since he arrived in 1990. The headwaters of the McCloud are literally in his backyard. He has worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the flows of the McCloud for it’s precious trout. His guiding is focused on wading the historical McCloud River for Trophy Rainbows and Browns, along with eager Upper Sacramento River Rainbows. In winter his guiding features local steelhead. Rick has over thirty years of fly fishing experience which enables him to utilize classic techniques along with newer ones developed specifically for local rivers. He freely shares his local knowledge of hatches and fish behavior and offers savvy tips appreciated by novices and seasoned anglers alike. Rick’s relaxed patient manner and friendly teaching style makes for a fun and relaxing day.

Chuck Volckhausen moved to Mt. Shasta in 2002 drawn by the magic of the McCloud and within a year was guiding at the Nature Conservancy, Bolliboka and the McCloud River Club. He grew up in Colorado where he honed his impressive technical skills on the Roaring Fork, Crystal River, Frying Pan, Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. His father is an avid angler and shared his knowledge as Chuck quickly developed a passion for fishing and the pursuit of wild trout and steelhead. Chuck now guides not only the McCloud but also features walk and wade adventures on the Upper Sac and driftboat trips for trophy trout on Lower Sacramento, along with steelhead on the Klamath, and Trinity rivers. When he is not guiding he spends a good deal of his free time testing techniques, tactics and flies on local waters. He has quickly gained a reputation as a very savvy and hard working guide and has developed a loyal following. His infectious sense of humor and relaxed manner are appreciated by all.

Wayne Eng knows the nooks and crannies of the Upper Sac as well as anyone as he resides in Dunsmuir right on its banks.  His relaxed, observant, contemplative temperament and patience has made teaching beginners his specialty. He is a renowned fly designer having created the “Eng Theng” and “Licorice Fly” among others.  He is the consummate streamsmith, reading the water, approaching with stealth and presenting flies to catch trout by intent rather than pure luck.  A day on the river with Wayne leaves anglers confident in new skills and abilities often well beyond their expectations.

Fred Gordon is locally known as the dean of the Upper Sac.  He lives right next to the river in Dunsmuir and has been guiding full time for over 25 years.  He developed and taught fly fishing programs at Sierra College and CSU Sacramento.  He is an award winning artist whose sculptures and paintings have been exhibited throughout the western states for over 30 years.  His famed ceramic fish sculptures reflect his interest in riparian habitats and love of fly fishing.  He regularly snorkels the river and knows where the big ones live.  He is a trout hunter, a resourceful angler able to adjust his techniques and tactics in the pursuit of his prey.

Gabe Duran is our most traveled local guide.  Growing up on the banks of the Lower Sac he developed fishing as a passion early in life. Attending college in Montana, Gabe fished and guided in the Rocky Mountains and Alaska before returning home to establish himself as a top guide on the Lower Sac, Fall River and Trinity.  There is no substitute for his intimate local knowledge on these fisheries. Gabe is the consummate pro whose fish savvy, sociable personality and enthusiasm make a day in his drift boat both fun and exceptionally productive.  His most recent travels include fishing and guiding in Chile.

Jim Andras‘ passion for fly fishing has led him to guide wild rivers throughout Patagonia, Alaska, Kamchatka, and Mongolia after getting started guiding for the Telluride Angler in Southwestern Colorado over fifteen years ago.   In the fall of 1999, he moved to Redding, California and has been guiding the legendary rivers in the shadow of Shasta ever since.  His specialties are driftboat trips on the Klamath, Lower Sacramento, and Trinity Rivers.  In the summer of 2005, Jim moved over the California border into Southern Oregon and has a few special places just over the hill to share on occasion as well.  Everyone enjoys Jim’s relaxed easy going manner and friendly, patient instruction.  We’re certain you will too!

Tom Peppas has been guiding for over thirty years in the Northstate and few if any can match his knowledge and experience. Having grown up fishing Northern California, his knowledge of local hatches and fish behavior is encyclopedic, and he has likely forgotten more than most of us will ever know. A family friend, he treated Jerri and Craig to their first guided trip over twenty five years ago. He has managed the Clearwater House and served as their original lead guide since it’s humble beginnings over a quarter a century ago. He features the Fall River from his comfortable pram as well as walk and wade angling on the Pit River, Hat Creek & the McCloud. He also has a few little known local creeks and stillwaters he shares with a few special clients. We are sure you will enjoy his gentle soul, wry humor and his willingness to share insights gained over a lifetime of fishing and guiding local legendary rivers. Be certain to schedule Tom well in advance, his discerning loyal following reschedules each season.