Latest California Fly Fishing Reports
Klamath River Report Jan 30, 2012
From Shasta Trout: Fly Fishing the Klamath River January 27th Ed Filice, a maker of fine wine from Paso Robles and owner of La Filice Winery returned for another season on the Klamath River with local guide Craig Nielsen and enjoyed his best day ever! He was joined by his son Nick who also works in the wine [...] Read more
Winter Flies: Five guide recipes for successful fly fishing on Northern California Rivers Jan 24, 2012
From Shasta Trout: First published in the January/February 2011 Issue of California Fly Fisher Magazine by Craig Nielsen I am not a believer in silver bullets when it comes to fly patterns. I currently spend roughly 250 days a year on the water, yet seldom have I found a particular fly pattern to be the sure-bet solution to [...] Read more
Sacramento River Report Jan 17, 2012
From Shasta Trout: Shasta Trout presents @ International Sportsmen’s Expo January 19-22nd, Cal Expo, Sacramento Shasta Trout will be exhibiting again this year at the 2012 International Sportsman’s Expo at Cal Expo in Sacramento. If you are in the area, please stop by our booth and say hello and register for a free trip! Craig Nielsen, owner and [...] Read more
Mccloud River Report Jan 12, 2012
From Shasta Trout: Sierra Fly Fishers, Saturday, January 14th @ 7pm at the Kernville Chamber of Commerce. Craig Nielsen, owner of Shasta Trout, has been fly fishing Northern California for over fifty years and has guided the McCloud River, Upper Sacramento River and Pit Rivers for two decades. He will be presenting a program “Fly Fishing Freestones” at [...] Read more
Klamath River Report Jan 11, 2012
From Shasta Trout: Thursday, January 12th @ 6:30 – 8:30, Santa Lucia Fly Fishers Craig will be presenting a program on fly fishing the Klamath River called ” Seasons of the Klamath” at a monthly meeting of the Santa Lucia Fly Fishing Club at Margie’s Diner, 1575 Calle Joaquin in San Luis Obispo. The presentation features proven techniques [...] Read more
Trinity River Report Jan 3, 2012
From Shasta Trout: Steelhead Fly Fishing on the Trinity River has been as good as we’ve seen since the epic 2007 season. Our great local guides Gabe Duran, Kevin Price, Jim Andras and George Durand are averaging several hook ups a day with some hard work, with 6-8 adult hook ups a day about average, with some double [...] Read more
Trinity River Report Jan 3, 2012
From Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters Blog: Fly Fishing on Christmas By: George RevelLocation: Trinity River Conditions: Frigid My family tradition dictates that my Dad, My brother and I head out on a fishing trip every year on Christmas. It would be like any other day but this one day takes work. Basically we must argue, beg, defy, haggle and then catch hell form our ladies (moms, wives, girlfriends.. and the list goes on.) Like every year past we headed up to the Trinity River. The past few years have been different though... Using "the benefits" of working at Leland provides my brother and dad the latest and greatest gear before we head to the ice locker. The purpose of this is two fold; I get honest feedback from my dad and brother and they get sweet gear.This years Gifts:Patagonia Bulkley River Fleece Pants (Dad and Bro):I chose these because they are the warmest fleece around. They are light yet provide excellent loft keep lots of warm air around your legs. By far the best fleece pants I have come across. They have a zippered pocket that keeps will keep my dads wallet on him. My brother and I always seem to lose our wallets when its time to buy chili at the Douglas City gas station. They make pretty solid sitting by the fire pants too.Patagonia Bar Boots (Dad)I got a pair as well to test form Patagonia. I figured my pops tail bone could benefit from some more metal on his feet. My dad was skeptical of the "Fancy Boots" he was strapping on his feet, but we both were amazed at how normal the boots felt. As soon as he laced them up and began walking around as if he was trying to find something wrong with them; he said "lets go fishin'." Over icy boulder and frozen banks the boot performed great. Nether of us could recall slipping once at the end of the day. The fit was large on the boot. I recommend getting your true size and not going one size up. They we very easy to take off; as soon as the laces are undone the boots fall right off you feet. This eliminated the need for my brother or I to tug the boots off my dads feet reminiscent of pulling off his cowboy boot when we were kids.Simms Boot Socks 2 Pack (Dad and Bro)Benefit #1 a solid savings of $14.95 over buying just the single pack. Benefit #2 They are some of the comfiest sock on the planetSimms Down Under Merino Wool (Dad and Bro)We are all big fans of wool. My dad likes it because it last and long time and its warm. While, my brother and I are fans because of the uncanny amount of time you can wear it without it stinking. The cut is great (We are 6 ft and range from 155-185) we all took a medium. Simms did a great job on this piece! This garment features tag-less markings, Raglan sleeves for unimpeded range of motion, tapered sleeves to prevent sleeve creep, very slim well placed seems, and sheep technology. Redington Sonic Pro Waders (Bro)-He really liked the waders. He was in awe how comfortable and well designed they were. He had the the front pouch filled up as his mobile steelhead command center before we left the truck. The barbed hemostat holder is on of the most impressive feature on a wader flip out of any on the market. Now my brother is penny pincher.. (mainly on account of him being a broke college student/Steelhead bum) I could see him doing the math on how many dollars he would save by not having to replace his hemostats once a month... If you have this problem click here:The real benefit to the seamless construction is the way they were able place the panels allowing for maximum range of motion. He gave them 5 stars but couldn't really say until the end of steelhead season. My brother is a the classic hiker fisherman. We hike miles up stream just to see whats up there and fish our way back generally getting to the truck hours after the sun has gone down. One time we hiked 3 miles down a few 1000 ft ravine, cut over years by a raging mountain stream. the first flat mile was on out hands and knees with our rods broken down crawling under bushes. the next two were spent climbing, jumping, and falling over giant redwood log jams. Lowing each other down 20 ft water falls.. both of fixated on how good the fishing was going to be and not how we would get back up. So, you can see why think he is worthy to test these waders for me.Patagonia Down Sweater (To me from my lady)Yup, I am very luck guy! This jacket rocks! Honestly, I am never going to take this thing off. It is 1 am in the box and its warm thanks to my down sweater. I recommend black because it absorbs light therefore making you warmer. You need this jacket!The fishing was good... but that was not the point... if nothing else this is a list of gear that passed the test of the most cynical assholes I know.Tight Lines,George Revel Read more
Klamath River Report Dec 31, 2011
From Shasta Trout: Craig had the good fortune to spend a delightful day with Marty fly fishing on the Klamath River on December 7th and we were saddened to hear of his passing on December 28th. Marty was a champion conservationist, fearless in taking on the tough battles to protect, preserve and improve fisheries in the the Northstate. [...] Read more
Sacramento River Report Dec 30, 2011
From Shasta Trout: One could make a case that winter is the most interesting season to fly fish the Upper Sacramento River. This season has been especially so. Flows have been exceptionally low and clear, less than half the norm, much like one might expect at the end of a very dry summer. The clear cold weather also [...] Read more
Upper Sacramento River Report Dec 22, 2011
From Shasta Trout: 20% Discount on Holiday Gift Certificates, 2012 Guide dates for only $315 Happy Holidays! We would like to thank you for helping to make 2011 far and away our most successful season ever, particularly during these challenging times. As a token of our appreciation we are offering a holiday special. Gift certificates can be purchased [...] Read more
Klamath River Report Dec 22, 2011
From Shasta Trout: December 2011 Steelhead fly fishing on the Klamath River this month continues to be exceptional with fair weather in Northern California and perfect water conditions. Fresh fish continue to trickle in sparking the bite, despite the lack of weather. All of our guests have enjoyed multiple fish days, including several adult fish showing in the [...] Read more
Klamath River Report Dec 16, 2011
From Shasta Trout: Klamath River December 9, 2011 Three good friends, Sean, Riaz & Thad took a whirlwind guided steelhead tour, traveling from the Bay Area and fishing the Trinity, Rogue and Klamath over a long weekend getaway. They opted to enjoy each other’s company in one boat with guide Craig Nielsen, and managed it exceptionally well. They [...] Read more
Klamath River Report Dec 14, 2011
From Shasta Trout: Lower Sacramento River: December 13, 2011 On his first visit with Shasta Trout on a guided trip with Craig, Larry decided to skip a second day of steelheading on the Klamath for a warm sunny day on the Lower Sacramento River chasing trophy trout. It also conveniently put him closer to his home for the [...] Read more
Sacramento River Report Dec 12, 2011
From Shasta Trout: Great local guides, Gabe Duran, George Duran, Kevin Price and Anthony Carruesco, featured by Shasta Trout, have hosted a number of guests recently on the Lower Sacramento River. Guides report that the Lower Sac is fishing well, depending on where you are. Most guides have been targeting the lower floats from Anderson to Jelly’s Ferry [...] Read more
Trinity River Report Dec 11, 2011
From Shasta Trout: Click here to read CalTrout’s North Coast manager Darren Mierau’s insightful piece on the Trinity’s recent history and (maybe) comeback. The Trinity River is enjoying a renaissance with California’s steelhead fishermen, and while steelhead populations seem to be prospering, salmon populations remain a bigger question. Cal Trout Trinity River photo of our good friend Shanan [...] Read more
Klamath River Report Dec 4, 2011
From Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters Blog: BALANCED OUTFITS _ Loop Opti 8107-4 SwitchBy George Revel First off, I would like to say I become more impressed with loop gear every time I cast one of there rods. I would happily wander north with this setup a spool of 12 pound maxima... A solid selection of flies, and my gps. You might not every hear from me again.... Sadley chained to my desk with the increase in order I am relegated to balancing outfits for my customers... Don't worry when December 25th rolls I am outta here!The Switch Rod: The Loop Opti Switch 8107-4The Reel: Loop Opti RunnerThe Running line: Rio Powerflex Core Running Line .030Summer and Fall Line:This line is your “Dry Fly Line” if you will. Delicate perfect for mudlers (pictured), Assasins, Burlaps (Flies you fish on the Klamath River in the Fall.) SKF390PM > 390 Grain Airflo Rage Spey Line - This line has nearly the power of the Airflo Compact Skagit and the Finesse of the Airflo Scandi CompactI like to balance this out with a Airflo 10 ft polyleader.For Winter Fishing (you are swinging big flies like the Squidro)12777> Airflo Skagit Switch 450-480 Grains. I like the 480 a little better.Ideally the tip system is the Rio Skagit MOW Tips because of how much they simplify everything. They are spendy. I can build you some custom tip for 1/3 rd the price. Indicator Fishing:The Rio Switch Line 7/8 Line Is the best choice.This would be a complete balanced set up. 1 reel has the indicator line on it. The other reel would have my Running line and whichever head was seasonally appropriate.Ben's Video: Read more
Upper Sacramento River Report Nov 28, 2011
From Shasta Trout: 20% Discount on Holiday Gift Certificates, 2012 Guide dates for only $315 Happy Holidays! We would like to thank you for helping to make 2011 far and away our most successful season ever, particularly during these challenging times. As a token of our appreciation we are offering a holiday special. Gift certificates can be purchased [...] Read more
Sacramento River Report Nov 28, 2011
From Shasta Trout: The weather on the Lower Sacramento River has been spectacular, sunny and warm with the fall colors peaking. While fishing remains superb, the catching continues to be fair to good. Our guests have enjoyed numerous hook ups each day and some of the best dry fly fishing of the season. The weather forecast is calling [...] Read more
Klamath River Report Nov 24, 2011
From Shasta Trout: November 20th Hank, an eleven year old fly fisher, landed a trophy Klamath River Steelhead while on a fishing trip with his father, brother and both his grandfathers at the Klamathon Lodge. Hank also landed a steelhead on a dry fly while visiting the Klamathon Lodge for the Salmonfly hatch in June which was his [...] Read more
Klamath River Report Nov 19, 2011
From Shasta Trout: November 16, Klamath River Dave, a Shasta Trout guest on his first steelhead trip ever, caught a trophy Klamath River wild hen steelhead on his very first cast. What are the odds of catching a steelhead on your very first cast, your first cast ever for a steelhead? Pretty tall! Talk about a quick study, [...] Read more
Popular Rivers | All Rivers
- American River 1,640 CFS
- Mccloud River 204 CFS
- Pit River 450 CFS
- Putah Creek 115 CFS
- Sacramento River 3,600 CFS
- Stanislaus River 420 CFS
- Trinity River 307 CFS
- Truckee River 390 CFS
- Upper Sacramento River 588 CFS
- Yuba River 764 CFS