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Fishing Report

Lost Coast Outfitters Fishing Report 12/14/22

Lost Coast Outfitters Fishing Report 12/14/22

Upper Sacramento: It’s winter, who knew?! Access is tough on upper river just due to snow. If you’re sniffing around the Upper Sac, stay below Conant for less snow and easier parking/walking. Anglers fishing the McCartle area have reported decent catching. Stick to small mayfly nymphs #16-18, Rubber Legs #8-10 and small yellow egg patterns to boot. Nothing unusual to report, fair fishing if you are willing to put in some time. The water is a little lower than normal, but that’s largely due to the cold temps and no snowmelt/rain.

Pop in or Call Ted Fay Fly Shop for up to the minute reports. 

Lower Sacramento: Fishing well, as it often does in winter. Strong BWO hatches and good nymphing, S&M, Psycho May. Small Pheasant Tails #16-18 mayflies, anything olive baetis looking. Attach a bobber, and just add water. While strong hatches don’t always translate to good dry fly fishing on the Lower Sac, it’s certainly possible and it pays to keep an eye out for heads sipping adult mayflies. Releases out of the dam are on the low side for this time of year hover around 3000cfs.

Call Dustin Revel for a day on the Lower Sac: 530-921-1563

Putah Creek: We are under a voluntary spawning closure right now. It runs December 1 st through March 1 st every year. Yes, the creek is technically open to fish, but please give these wild trout a break and venture elsewhere. If you want to watch some spawning activity, take a walk along the trails next to the creek and look for big fish in pairs or pods over clean gravel in moving water. Super cool and educational.

The Delta: Beautiful conditions post storm. Clean water through much of the Delta, but a fairly tough bite. It’s between season out there, and the fishing is marginal as expected. Water temperatures are below 50 degrees and fish are in their winter pattern. Look for flats where the water will warm a bit through the day. Sometimes it only takes a couple degrees to turn on the bite. 10-20 fish/day for the boat is a good day right now and you need work for them. This isn’t big fish time, but still some decent fish reported, in the 5 pound range. Nothing to get super excited about currently, but well worth fishing on decent weather days. Not much pressure out there either, so if you want to have a pleasant day without any competition winter is where it’s at!

Call Bryce Tedford for trips on the Delta year-round: 206-696-2437

The Bay/Beach: It’s perch time on the Bay Area beaches. In between storms, look for calm days without a big swell. Sinking lines with an array of small brown/tan/orange crab patterns will net you a few of our palm sized native beach dwellers. Stop by the shop and pick up a couple of our custom perch patterns and we’ll line you out on a good stretch of beach to check out.

Eastern Sierra:

The East Walker is closed for the season. Opens again on the last Saturday in April.

Upper Owens: Snow and more snow on the upper river. This is good, but makes access tough. The river is accessible by snowmobile, skis or walking in on snow machine tracks. The water and conditions are COLD. However, it’s worth the effort, because trophy trout swim up from Crowley Lake in winter and hang in the river. The drought has affected the river as it enters the lake and made it tough for fish to get up into the river, but the fish want to get out of the lake as it freezes over and they will make it up eventually. The big fish are parked in the deeper pools and cut banks. To find them you need to be systematic and fish each spot thoroughly. They won’t move far to eat a fly. They are lethargic due to cold temps, but just keep casting and you’ll find them. San Juan worm in pink and red is the number one pattern. Eggs, tiny Pheasant Tails and other small mayfly nymphs under a small indicator are the way to go. Be patient, fish hard.

Lower Owens: The lower river, near Bishop, is much warmer and fishing well. Bonus: no snow on the ground. Air temps are in the 50’s and water temps only a little lower. BWO’s are showing in the late morning and the window is short, but if you want to get fish on dry flies in December, this is one of your best opportunities. Fish a #18 parachute BWO, Quigley Cripple or Sparkle Flag on a long leader. Drift the foam lines, the fish are there. On the nymphing side, fish the deeper buckets with #16-20 Pheasant Tails, midges, Hares Ears and other standard nymphs under a bobber or tightline.

Report From Jim Stimson

Truckee:

As expected, the water is low and cold. Anywhere on the California side is hard to access right now just due to snow. Much-needed recent storms have dumped feet of powder on the Tahoe region and most of the locals are skiing. However, if you cruise on down to the NV side, east past Sparks, you’ll find no snow and some decent fishing (remember to buy a Nevada fishing license). The Nature Conservancy section is a good option, with more flow and access. Not much in the dry fly category right now, but streamers and nymphs will put you in the money. If you’re chucking streamers, concentrate on the slower water and pools and throw standard patterns, like black leeches and various Bugger patterns. Nymphing with Zebra Midges and egg patterns under a bobber is the ticket if you want to go that route. Or, do both, and fish all the water. Find yourself a two-footer for Christmas.

Call Matt “Gilligan” Koles to fish the Truckee, year-round: 775-351-6665

Lower Yuba: The last storm blew out Deer Creek, and therefore most of the lower river. Good news is it’s already clearing up and fishable. It will keep dropping and clearing as conditions dry out. Anytime you see a high water event, strap on a Rubberlegs and a worm and throw it under a bobber. That’s a foolproof recipe. You may still see a few salmon spawning and various egg patterns are still in the mix. Mostly the trout are keyed on small baetis and midges, as is standard for winter. Small Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges, S&M BWO or anything small and olive/brown will take fish. Anglers are catching a few steelhead here and there so stay cool if you set the hook on something substantial that rips some line off your reel. Dry fly action is possible 365 days a year on the Lower Yuba. It’s a little inconsistent right now but if you’re patient and keep your eyes open you’ll find fish sipping BWO’s here and there. Tie on a #18 Parachute Adams on a long leader and make an accurate cast. Streamer fishing produces throughout the winter too. Buggers, Zonkers, soft hackles will all produce, stripped or swung.

Call Ben Thompson to get out on the Lower Yuba: 916-743-8290

Trinity River: Good days and tough days mixed in. When a good rain storm hits and freshens up the water, anglers are getting good numbers of fish, but when it’s cold and dry most folks are only getting a handful of hook-ups a day. Still, 2-4 fish a day doesn’t suck and if you play your calendar right with the water conditions, you can hook triple that number. Still a few spawning salmon around so a glo bug or bead will take fish. Most folks have been fishing smaller nymphs like Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Dark Lord and of course stoneflies like black/brown Rubber Legs. Flows out of the dam are spot on normal for this time of year at 297cfs.

Call Dustin Revel for year-round trips on the Trinity: 530-921-1563

Klamath River: Fishing is fair to good depending on the day and time of day. The upper 30 miles are sporting excellent water conditions, albeit a bit low compared to the long-term median flow. All the recent precipitation has come in the form of snow, so the water clarity is good and stable. Water temps are solid, in the high 40s to low 50s. The bite is kind of tough mid-day just because of cold weather. Both swinging and nymphing are producing fish. If you’re swinging think sink tip and smaller wet flies. If you’re nymphing stick to stoneflies and egg patterns. Fish the water appropriately, meaning, swing the riffles and runs and nymph the seams and pockets. Cover all the holding water you can find and you’ll find fish.

Call Chuck at Wild Waters Fly Fishing for Klamath River trips: 530-859-3474

Napa River: Clean water mid 50s temps with good fishing before the before the rain blew it out and muddied up the water. The Napa is often off-color, but if it’s too brown it can be unfishable. As soon as we get a few dry days in a row it will be game on. Watch the tides and don’t get stuck in the mud.

Call Patrick Mackinzie year-round for guided trips on the Napa River: 707-721-6700

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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Captain Bryce Tedford Reports on 3.31.20

Spring Striper season is in the air with these warm valley days, water temperature are climbing upwards towards 55 degrees. I have been finding a fair amount of fish & prime Spring Striper Fishing is just around the corner. Delta Stripers will continue to ramp up as we get into Spring, April & May are prime Striper months & I am excited for a strong season. April is all but booked but I still have some prime Striper dates remaining in May. For June-September I will turn my focus to Topwater Largemouth
& Smallmouth trips, then I will finish out Oct.-Dec. with Striper Trips. Remaining Spring Striper dates won’t last long so book your adventure soon or get out there & enjoy the CA Delta!

 

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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Bryce Tedford Reports on 10.22.2020

Well, Fall was in the air but has been put on a bit of standby with 90 degree late Summer weather. Amazing weather but Striper fishing has been on hold a bit. Water temperature are still hovering around 70 degrees so fishing has been good in the am but challenging in PM. Cooler Fall weather is finally arriving on the Delta over the next week & change is in the air. There are currently plenty of Stripers in the system but finding size can be a challenge. That said, if a person is willing to work for them & run around, then quality fish are there to be found. Stripers will continue to ramp up as we get into Fall, November & December are prime Striper months & I am excited to finish out the year strong. October & November are booked up but I still have some Striper dates available in Dec. Remaining dates won’t last long so book your adventure soon or get out there & enjoy the amazing California Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta!

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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Steve Santucci Reports on 10.15.2020

We  experienced some nice fishing on the Delta this week.  We caught good numbers of hard fighting schoolie Stirpers.  We also experienced some very enjoyable wind and weather conditions.  I am looking forward to my next outing.

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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Steve Santucci Reports on 10.7.20

Delta Stripers showed a glimmer of what's to come.  Some new fish have entered the system as fishing has been a little slow for me the last couple of weeks.  We have been catching mostly smaller Stripers but fly fisherman are starting to experience some fresh fish entering the system..  We have experience some weather changes and we have some cooler temperatures and maybe some precipitation coming this Friday and Saturday. .  However, warmer temperatures are going to return Monday and Tuesday..
I am looking forward to Fall,, cooler temperatures and hard fighting Stripers in the upcoming weeks.  Contact me if you want to give it a go.
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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Bryce Tedford Reports on 10.7.20

Fall is finally arriving on the Delta & change is in the air! Water temperatures are beginning to drop below 70 degrees & this will bring the bigger Stripers in! There are currently plenty of Stripers in the system but finding size can be a challenge. That said, if a person is willing to work for it & run around a bit then quality fish are there to be found.

Stripers will continue to ramp up as we get into Fall, October through December is prime Striper time & I am excited to finish out the year strong. I still have some prime Striper dates available in Oct.(next week), November is booked but Dec. dates are open as well. Remaining dates won’t last long so book your adventure soon

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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Bryce Tedford Reports on 9.19.20

We are just seeing the first hints of Fall on the Delta & change is in the air! This is an interesting time on the Delta where it can be tough to decide what to do; Stripers, Largemouth & Smallmouth are all on the table right now.

That said, as the water cools the Largemouth & Smallmouth Topwater will begin to taper off & the Stripers will ramp up into Fall. October through December is prime Striper time & I am excited to finish out the year strong. I still have some prime Striper dates available Oct.-Dec but dates won’t last long so book your adventure soon!

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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Steve Santucci Reports on 9.19.20

Delta  Striper fishing is just getting underway.  Water temps have been steady around the 70 degree mark a were starting to see  some low wind days. Fish   are scattered  thru out the whole system.  It's time to plan a few outings as we are about a week away from October.

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Delta Fly Fishing Report

Delta Fly Fishing Report

Capt Bryce Tedford Reports on 9.4.2020

Topwater Largemouth & Smallmouth trips have been the name of game the last few months! Smallmouth season has been very consistent the last few weeks on the Delta. I have been finding many eager fish on Topwater poppers. Most of the fish are smaller but some larger fish are mixed in. It is such a pleasure to get newer anglers into the sport or watch seasoned anglers enjoy the Topwater action! Many guests have been bringing their kids & getting them into their first fish on a fly, what a treat for all in the boat! I will be focused on Smallmouth/Largemouth through August & the return my focus to Stripers come fall.

In addition to the Smallmouth I have made more of a focus on Largemouth & have been pleasantly surprised! I have been finding some eager Topwater fish & some larger fish on subsurface Streamers as well. Although Largemouth are more challenging than smallmouth they are very rewarding when you succeed & generally bigger as well! 

Largemouth 1/2 day trips offer Topwater fishing with heavy rods such as 8 or 9wt. We cast large poppers such as frog patterns to ideal holes in the weeds until a largemouth explodes on the fly! 

Smallmouth 1/2 day trips offer Topwater fishing with light rods such as 4 or 5wts. We cast small poppers towards rock banks & eagerly awaiting Smallmouth. This fishery is a great way to introduce beginners to the sport & fun for seasoned anglers who like Topwater poppers on light rods. 

I will likely do Largemouth & Smallmouth trips for 1-2 weeks more & then it’s time to turn the attention to Stripers! Stripers will start up mid-September & last until Christmas. Fall is a great time to get out & chase these amazing fish. I still have a fair amount of availability Oct.-Dec but dates won’t last long so book your adventure soon! 

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California Delta Fly Fishing Report

California Delta Fly Fishing Report

Mark Pinto Reports on 7.12.20

Top-Water Largemouth time!  I never thought I'd utter those words.... When I first started guiding the Delta in 1992, Stripers were all I really targeted, I must admit to saying," Oh, it's just a Largemouth" , how shortsighted I was being in retrospect...About 10 yrs. ago, I really came to love the whole top-water Bass game for many of the same reasons most anglers love dry fly fishing. 

For me, casting is fun, especially when having a very specific target, you see the spot, get your fly there and anticipate the take. Actually ,"Blow -Up" is a more appropriate term when describing the Largemouth take, although many of the larger fish take with a fairly subtle swirl or gulp. So often, when we fish, we are nymphing with little or no line on the water, my guiding career was founded on short-line techniques in 1984 and still is used very often on my rivers. Many anglers fish for years without really doing much casting, especially at distance. The Delta Bass are a great way to work on your casting skills, after a day on the water with me, you WILL be a better caster.
A great tune-up or primer for saltwater trips is a day or 2 on the Delta. You will learn casting, both forward and the ever useful backcast as well as line-control, stripping and hook setting skills. Why waste valuable fishing time when travelling to more exotic and expensive destinations to learn basic skills when you can get your game dialed in close to home? This was and still is the main premise for my," Home Waters Guide Service".... 
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