Rob George Reports on November 12th, 2024

Trinity River Report

The fish are in!! We’ve had some seriously good days on the boat so far this season. There’s a good mix of adults and big half pounders in the river right now, which means a ton of opportunities to wrestle with a big adult steelhead. It’s all about finding the fish and getting your fly in front of their faces. They’ve been holding in shallow and deep sections and are scattered throughout the system so fish everything!!

Recommend flies:
Pats Rubber Legs
Duracell
Red copper John
Solitude Golden stone



Putah Creek

The flows on Putah dropped below 100cfs and it’s definitely turned down the volume on the bite. The fish will still eat your bugs, but we’re having to work for grabs. Locating the deeper pools on the creek is going to be your best shot at getting hook ups. The water is moving slower, the presentation of your bugs is the key to success. If you’re struggling on Putah, try switching to a smaller more realistic patterns.

Recommend flies:
(Nymphs)
Barr Emerger
WD-40
WD-50
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail
Zebra Midge
San Juan Worm
S&M Nymph


Thank You,

Robert George
The Bend Company Fly Fishing
707-812-4671
thebendcoflyfishing.com
Instagram: @thebendco

John Feaster reports on Nov. 13th, 2024

As the season winds down and the closure draws near, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary year it's been on Putah Creek. From the season opener on March 1st, to the upcoming closure this November, this creek has continued to surprise me, offering countless memories, personal bests and a deeper appreciation for just how special this fishery truly is. In fact, I would go so far as to say this has been one of the best years I've ever witnessed here on the creek.

The current flows are low, ranging between 60-100 cfs, making the fish more wary. Stealth is the key--approach carefully. As the trout begin to pair up, don't forget to give your end drift a chance to swing. Red and black Zebra Midges, along with some micro mayflies, are working well. A size 16 Flashback Theasant tail is also a good choice.

As Clayton Ono wisely says, "A drag-free drift catches fish.

Why Does Putah Creek Keep Improving?

The answer is simple, yet crucial: responsible angling. More and more, I've seen the creek thrive because of anglers taking the initiative to protect it--whether that means putting down the rod during crucial times of the year or simply respecting the creek's delicate balance. It's not just about the fish we catch, but ensuring future generations have the same opportunities to experience this incredible fishery as we do.

Putah Creek may be small in size, but it offers abundant opportunities for both trout and anglers alike. The creek supports trout throughout their entire life cycle, especially from December 1st through March 1st, when they undergo spawning activities. During this period, the trout can be found in various stages--pre-spawn, actively spawning, or post-spawn. As anglers, it's important to respect these critical phases and give the fish the space they need to thrive. Without this care and consideration, we risk jeopardizing what makes this place so unique and sock.

The Importance of the Closure

As a local guide, I've seen firsthand the positive impact that the annual closure has had on the creek. When the closure is in place, the fish are in a safe environment with low flows, and they can spawn in clear, untouched beds. During this period, there's far less disturbance from anglers and fish can go about their natural processes without added stress. The beds, often overlooked by waders or anglers, are given a chance to stabilize, allowing for the next generation to grow. However, this year has also been a reminder of the challenges the creek faces.

However, with lower water flows and increased sedimentation, fewer spawning redds have been visible, meaning more fish are compacted into smaller areas. This makes them vulnerable to predators like otters and osprey, as well as careless anglers who may unintentionally disrupt spawning areas. That's why the closure isn't just a matter of protecting the fish, it's about ensuring the long-term health of Putah Creek.

A Day on the Creek is My Favorite Day 

When people ask me about my favorite guide day on the creek, I can honestly say that every day I get to be out here is my favorite. Whether it's fishing on my own or sharing the experience with someone else, each day on Putah Creek offers something new. It's not just about catching fish; it's about the ups, the downs, the accomplishments, and yes, even the heartbreaks that come with fly fishing. 

Putah Creek is more than a fishing spot; it's a community, and fly fishing is truly an international language. No matter where someone comes from, there's a shared passion for this creek that transcends barriers. Every person who walks the banks of Putah shares in the joy of the cast, the thrill of the hook, and the appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. 

As we near the closure, I encourage everyone to reflect on their role in preserving this incredible fishery. Take a moment to think about future generations-our kids, grandkids, and beyond and what we can do to ensure they have the same opportunities we've had to experience Putah Creek at its finest. It's a privilege to guide here, and a privilege to share this creek with others. Here's to a successful close to the season, and to the continued health of Putah Creek for years to come.

If you see me on the Creek, don't forget to say hi! 

Tight lines, 

Your local Guide on Putah Creek 

Johnny Feaster 

Website: feasterfishing.com
Instagram: @feasterfishing
Email: feasterfishing@gmail.com
Phone: (707) 685-4647 

 

North Valley Fly Fishing: Clayton Ono

Flows have increased to summer levels with the hot weather coming on strong this year, and they are running around 500-600+ cfs. They will stay in that range until late summer or early fall. Some days are better than others, as the fish are spreading out. More water means more places for fish to hide. Focus on a stealthy approach to the soft edges at first, then go heavy and deep through the faster deep runs.

Cover water to find fish and make sure to wade carefully this time of year. I like to keep a San Juan worm as the top fly to get their attention and cycle through various small Midges, Mayfliess, and Caddis patterns on the bottom until you start getting action. A drag free drift remains the key to success out here. Be ready to throw long casts, stack line upstream, and be ready to set the hook and strip line at the worst possible time. Hooking these summer fish is only a quarter of the battle, keeping them on a small hook when they’re in prime shape with high flows is the real challenge. Fishing the mornings and evenings will be the most comfortable for us anglers, but water temps will remain consistent in the high 50s and low 60s all summer long, providing for safe trout angling. 

 Nor Cal Trout Fishing - July 2023

Truckee River:

The Truckee has been fishing consistently throughout the summer! Both water color and temperature have been stellar. Flows were a little high earlier in the month due to run-off from the big winter snowpack, but now the river is in perfect shape for a trip!

Classic summer dry-fly opportunities can be had, however the Truckee fishes best with a variety of nymphs. Fish are also gorging themselves on crayfish this time of year, so streamer fishing can be a blast! It's pretty hot up there, so don't work too hard and beat the heat while wet-wading! Come through the shop to get those indicator or Euro nymphing rigs dialed in!

Flies: Golden Stones/Sallies- sz 10/16,  Caddis Larvae/Pupa (green/tan)- sz 16/18, Baetis- sz 18/20, PMDs- sz 16, March Browns- sz 14. Plenty of fish can also be had on a variety of streamers, as well as crawfish, worm, and egg patterns! It’s be a shame to skip out on the Truckee this summer, watch those flow gauges and get out there!

Matt Heron

Matt Koles

Yuba River:

In the last few weeks flows have dropped significantly to around 3,300 cfs meaning the Yuba is running cold and clean at a very fishable level!

The Rundown: Summer Hopper fishing is upon us! Dry droppers with big bugs and simple Grasshopper rigs should work great up through August. Fish are consistently holding tight to the bank, be observant and fish smart, risers are around! Drive up for some epic morning and evening fishing and try to beat the heat!

Tons of very healthy rainbows are feeding all throughout the system. There remains a potential to run into a Spring-run steelhead! A few fish from the spring have remained in the river due to the staunch excess of cold water! Try your luck at running into some valley chrome!

Flies: Chubby Chernobyl (yellow, tan, purple)- sz 8,10,12; Morris’s Hopper-sz 8,10,12,14, Plenty of other Hopper patters will also do the trick, Caddis are also hatching, try some Elk Hair Caddis or Mercer’s Missing Link-sz 14-18; Nymphs for dry dropper rigs: Caddis Pupa, PMDs-sz 14-18; Golden Stones 8-16, Duracell-sz 14-20

Captain Ben Thompson

Website: https://www.benthompsonoutdoors.com/

Phone: (916) 743-8290

Email: bthompson30@gmail.com

Feather River:

Summer isn’t necessarily prime time for the Feather, however, with the state having such a huge water year, things are a little funky! A number of Adult Spring-Run Steelhead remain present throughout the system, this winter’s surplus has provided comfortable holding water for these fish. Go try to test your luck! These fish are probably in a mostly trout-like state of mind after remaining in the river for so long, you can’t catch them from the couch, go see what the river has to offer!

Captain Ben Thompson

Website: https://www.benthompsonoutdoors.com/

Phone: (916) 743-8290

Email: bthompson30@gmail.com

Lower Sacramento:

The Lower Sacramento is sticking to its long-held reputation of an extremely consistent fishery all year round! Even with almost unbearably scorching temperatures throughout the Central Valley and North State, the Lower Sac is flowing cold and strong! It’s a perfect time to ditch the waders and cool off for the day!

All tributaries to the Lower Sac are pumping out cold, clean water, allowing 100% of the trout water in the main river to clean itself up! Great fishing can be had from Redding in-town all the way down to Red Bluff, get out there!

Currently the fish are shifting toward an almost completely Caddis-centered diet. Hydropsyche Caddis in all stages and sizes are showing up everywhere, and the fish are eager to take them. PMD and Stoneflies have also been productive. Like always, nymphing is going to be the most consistent method for picking up fish, but plenty of dry-fly opportunities can be had in riffles and tail outs during caddis hatches!

The Lower River is fishing exceptionally well for Striped Bass. Throw around a big Adachi Clouser and turn a hungry Striper, you’ll be into backing in a flash! Some very large fish have been caught down low this summer.

Fishing on the Lower Sacramento can definitely be done through the DIY Walk-and-Wade method, but for the full experience we highly recommend booking a guided trip through Capt. Ben Thompson or our friends at AC Fly Fishing!

Flies:

Nymphs: Caddis Larvae/Pupa (tan)- sz 12-16; Peaches ‘n Cream/TNT PMD- sz 14/16; Sweet Pea/Hogan’s S&M 14-18

Dries: EC Caddis, Mercer’s Missing Link, Elk Hair Caddis, PMDs- sz.12-16

Captain Ben Thompson

Website: https://www.benthompsonoutdoors.com/

Phone: (916) 743-8290

Email: bthompson30@gmail.com

AC Fly Fishing-

Website:https://acflyfishing.com/ 

Phone: (800) 201-5047 or

Email: info@acflyfishing.com

Upper Sacramento:

The Upper Sacramento is fishing great right now. While daytime temperatures are consistently exceeding 90 degrees, getting down to the canyon bottom with wet-wading equipment can be a perfect way to beat the heat!

Golden Stones have come and gone but there should be steady PMD and Caddis hatches in the evenings. Nymphing should be productive all day long, while fishing dries early and late in the day for eager risers can be a blast.

All the water from Simms campground and up has been excellent!

Flies:

Nymphs: Pats Rubberlegs/Poxyback Stones- sz 8-18; Peaches ‘n Cream/TNT PMD- sz 14/16; Sweet Pea/ Hogan’s S&M/Micro May- sz 14-18

Dries: Parachute Adams/Purple Haze- sz 14-18; EC Caddis, Mercer’s Missing Link, Elk Hair Caddis- sz.12-16

Chuck Volkhausen

Phone: (530) 859-3474

John Rickard

Phone: (877) 934-7466

McCloud River:

The McCloud has been somewhat unpredictable this season; dense snowpack from this year’s winter has brought about sporadic run-off events which have pushed sediment and large volumes of water into the lower river. These conditions can remain for a week or two before things start to clear up which makes pulling the trigger on a trip difficult. The road into Ah-Di-Nah Campground and the Nature Conservancy had a blowout earlier in the summer but has since been repaired and deemed safe to travel.

While the conditions haven’t been consistently optimal, the fish haven’t left the river! Fishing remains on the scale of Fair-Great depending on the day and water clarity! When the water has some decent color, the fish move into the shallower areas (riffles, shallow tailouts) to feed! Dry fly fishing can be a blast when fish are shallow!

Another underlying plus of the McCloud’s unpredictability this season has been a lacking of the usual summer crowds. With people wondering about a possibly washed-out road and high/dirty river, many folks have decided to stay away from the McCloud. This has allowed for a practically wide-open river to anyone who chooses to go! Walk-in tags at the Nature Conservancy should be easier to get than in past years, but you never know! If you want to get in there, it’s better to be early!

The Upper McCloud (above McCloud Reservoir) has also been fishing very well! The McCloud’s own species, the Native Redband trout, are found thriving in plentiful numbers in this isolated section of the upper watershed. The upper river is a spectacular place to bring the family for a summer camping trip and take a little adventure for some really cool fish!

Flies:

Nymphs: Pats Rubberlegs (Black/Brown)- sz 8-12; Poxyback Stone- sz 12; Sweet Pea, Hogan’s S&M, Micro May, Copper John, sz 14-16; Prince Nymph, Gordon’s Prince, sz 14-16

Dries: Parachute Adams/Purple Haze- sz 12-18; Mercer’s Missing Link, EC Caddis, PMDs-sz 14-18; Potentially Salmonfly/Golden Stone action- sz 10-14

Streamers: Dolly Lamma 06-02, Sculpin Patterns

Chuck Volkhausen

Phone: (530) 859-3474

John Rickard

Phone: (877) 934-7466

Pit River:

Good-Great

The Pit (Pit 3&4) has been fishing very consistently this season. As many know, a trip to the Pit is not for the faint of heart. Wading among the slick boulders and swift current that the Pit possesses can be difficult and, in some cases, outright dangerous. So, make sure your boots are in tip-top shape (both rubber condition and cleat installation), bring along a wading staff for some extra stability in the water, and most importantly, know your body’s limits.

Down to the nitty gritty- the Pit has had a good year. You can expect productive days using mostly nymphing techniques. Per usual, pocket water fishing is everywhere on the Pit, sift through a section with a Euro, Indicator, or Dry-Dropper Rig and see what you pick up!

Flies: Small Stoneflies- sz 12-16; Mayfly patterns (Sweet Pea, S&M, Perdigon)- sz 16-20; Caddis Pupa/Larvae sz 14-18

Chuck Volkhausen

Phone: (530) 859-3474

John Rickard

Phone: (877) 934-7466

Putah Creek

Our local creek is fishing well given the high flows. Flows have been bouncing between 500 and 600 cfs the last few weeks. As a reminder, Putah is used as an irrigational canal used to feed water down into the farmland near Winters, Davis Woodland. 

The standard flies are doing the trick. Flies such as S&M Nymphs, Caddis Poopah and Zebra Midges are doing well! If you'd like to spice things up try tossing Rainbow Warriors, Two Bit Hookers, and Jujubees!

The challenge with these high flows has been keeping the grass and weeds off the hooks, consider bringing the Euro rod out to maintain a much tighter connection and drifting the bugs below the grasses!

Great opportunity to toss Streamers as well. Sculpzillas, Small Peanut Envys and sparsely tied leaches are crushing at the moment! Fish these flies on an  intermediate line swung. Or on a fast sink line above the buckets and pools on the creek.

Reach out to Robert George 707-812-4671 or Clayton Ono 707-365-9012 for trips and availability.

Lost Coast Outfitters Fishing Report 4/15/23

Spring Fishing has begun! We are stoked to have the report back up and running. We are now working with additional independent guides throughout Northern California as well. Ready to provide a consistent source of up-to-date information for all of of our local waterways and beyond.

The Bay/Beach: The beaches are on the edge of turning on. The bulk of our beach adventures have had to occur further away from home.. areas such as Monterey and Santa Cruz have found schools of striped willing to take a fly. As the bay clears up and water temps begin to rise slightly, more fish will become readily available off of Ocean, Baker and Crissy!

Take a look at our Local Surf Clinics or Call the shop for more info!

Lower Feather River-

The Lower Feather River flows just dropped to around 1100 in the low flow but it still around 9k in the high flow. We have been catching fish in both. There are a lot of fresh spring steelhead in the system and April and May are some of my favorite months to be out there. I was out there three days ago and fishing was great, lots of suckerfish are stacked up and getting their black stripes on the sides in their normal haunts, putting the steelhead on the chow. Go to flies have been sucker spawn and alevins as well as red headed step childs and caddis. Similar to the Yuba's current big water state, soft seams and slower runs will often be the best producers. The spring is the best time of year out there to swing a fly out there and they eat it aggressively. 

Call Ben Thompson to get out on the Lower Sacramento Or Feather River: 916-743-8290

Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta

Delta is still challenging to fish, been managing around 10 fish or so over the past week. Finding cleaner water can be difficult as silt is floating around with the tides. Water temperatures are around 60 degrees but clarity is only around 2’ or so. The Steve Adachi Black with grizzly hackle Clouser has been doing the trick in dirty water! On a positive note, each day this past week we’ve had shots at a 10+ lb fish, a few solid 3-5# fish & some shakers in the mix. Hopefully the waters continue to clear up & more fish show up for the Spring Spawn!

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

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

The lake is nearly full, water falls are flowing, and timber is flooding. Fish are on the feed during the morning and afternoon with a bit of a slowdown from 11am-1pm. Fishing the float n' fly is catching the most fish but fish are shallow enough that a popper dropper or streamer rig is also getting fish. Fishing should remain good through April into June

Ryan Williams Reports Lake Oroville- 

The prime spring season is slowly shaping up. Water temps are still cold at 52-56. Once the temps hit 60 the action will really turn on. When this happens the 50-100+ fish days will start on the main lake. Still waiting on the topwater & streamer bite to begin. Should begin around the 60 degree mark or even a bit less. For the time being it's all float n fly. Going anywhere from 6'-9' leaders. Currently we're getting about 20-40 fish per day between two anglers. Lots of really nice bass being caught lately, hard to find small ones. Big full bellies getting ready to spawn in the next month or so. The bite is going all day. Mornings and evenings have been best, but we are catching fish throughout the afternoons. Some afternoons have really shaped up to fish really well, producing bigger fish. As far as structures go, we have been fishing lately on points, tributaries, and shade in various canyons.

If you are itching to try Float and Fly Fishing with a fly rod The Cal Bass Union can get you Dialed in! 

 

Putah Creek

Slow start to our Putah Creek Fishing Season. The rains kept us at bay due to limited visibility. Current conditions are challenging as Hwy 128 is currently CLOSED. This is a note pulled off of The Cal Trans Website:

[IN THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]
IS CLOSED FROM THE SOLANO/YOLO CO LINE TO 4.6 MI EAST OF THE SOLANO/YOLO CO LINE /AT PLEASANT VALLEY RD/ - DUE TO A SLIDE - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

Join us Wednesday April 26th from 5:30pm and on at the Shop for our

Putah Creek *Shop Talk* 

6.21.2019

Putah Creek flows have been steadily rising for the past two weeks. This hopefully cut down on the number of people fishing this small creek. Fishing will be tough as fish find their high water lies. You will need to use a little more weight to get your flies in the zone and focus on the pools as fish start to get adjusted. For flies use your favorite midge pattern and think outside the zebra midge. For a fun day on the water try swinging leaches on the upper stretch of the creek. 

Richard Loft reports on 6.14.19 

The Grass is always Greener
It seems like every summer mid-day fishing slows down; temps spike and the new underwater grass growth make doing any serous nymphing problematic as flows ramp up. On the good side, the days are so much longer and that means that much longer time to seek and catch beautiful rainbow trout. On the tougher side, you need more and more weight with longer leaders and then, of course, I start picking up tons of new growth grass. So, in these summer months, I sometimes start my fishing sessions later in the day while fish are relatively active or and using a balanced amount of weight to lessen dragging the bottom and getting all that grass. I see this every year. As a guide I am obligated to fish under conditions that aren't always optimum but by persevering I still usually find a fish or two willing to play ball regardless of temps, flows and other adverse conditions including heavy fishing pressure but all these can and do affect the bite so I am starting to bring different rods and a good selection of heavier flys to get into sections of pocket water not easily fished with an indicator. Not that I don't bring my usual rod I do but it pays to have a few tactics and a willingness to fish in spite of the current heat and higher flows, 500 cfs as of today.

I've included a picture of one of the fish of my clients hooked and landed and was caught around 3 pm in the afternoon during the hottest time of the day so that just goes to show a great example of those surprises that I love about fly-fishing.

The grass is here to stay as long as we have spring and summer it actually helps the fish by providing cover for fish habitat for bugs and is just part of a healthy river and ecosystem; furthermore, it forces me to explore sections of the river I would otherwise pass over.

If you want to get out there, feel free to give me a call or email

Putah has been flowing at 360 CFS and fishing great. As expected it has been crowded if you want to get the guide hole you need to get there early. Remember its light at 5:30 right now!

Richard Loft reports on 5.27.19

Spring Putah Report

Hey everyone, I want to report my latest intel over the last few months. Starting in March, Winter flood waters started to come down and flows fluctuated in the 600 cfs to 400 cfs range. The side channels did not disappoint me or clients; after a few attempts, we found a few really nice 15 inch Rainbows willing to play two days in a row both days on a midge pattern but not under an indicator, instead of utilizing high sticking techniques.  <*)()(>< On one of my days, we missed seeing an 18 before I could tempt it with a fly and it moved away, sensing our presence and became unwilling to play so it pays to really slow down and scan the shallow edges of any run.  I am continually reminded how elusive and on guard these wild Putah fish can be--remember they are a prey species and food for many other animals so they are really good at spotting threats sneaking up on them from the sides or from behind especially in shallow water riffles.

Being sneaky is the rule when working your way up to head of a run and having a second rod for high- sticking pocket water really helps by not adding an indicator to the mix but high-sticking has its limitations as well; covering distance being the biggest ones so don't get rid of your indicators yet. While I'm talking about indicators, they can spook fish and if not set properly create a delay fish can exploit and you may not ever see the take so I carry several different sizes and colors to match conditions like glare from the sun or them being pulled under by hydraulics, either way, they have a few pros and cons.

April and May brought much lower flows and one of the nice side channels became a great spot to spend a few hours and I was pleased when a few clients landed some decent fish; also with the lower flows a lot more of the river opened up and fish became much easier to locate in one 4 to 5-hour session we hooked 12 or 13 fish  all but one were directly in the main stem on an indicator  and one just upstream high sticking All OF THOSE FISH WERE IN THE 16 TO 17 INCH RANGE .. so keep in mind you will get better results as you fish different spots.

 If you want to find a spot to fish you might need to get an early or very late start as the pressure is fairly heavy so be prepared to fish water you need to spend time finding a way into; after eleven years I am still seeing sections I have never fished but want to fish. Lastly, Late May brought much lower flows so the side channel just below the resort is almost dry now and the fish have moved on to another hole.

So if you've been waiting to book a trip for yourself or a family member, now is the time; give me a call/email and let's get you out on the water!

Fish on!

Richard Loft 707-294-4738

Rob Russell reports on 05.23.19

     Putah Creek is fishing well this Spring. High water finally subsided in April and fishing has been consistently good.

It seems as if it may be the year of the pig! Putah trout are extremely healthy this year, and as fat, as I've seen wild trout anywhere

High praise for such a small creek perhaps, but Putah is a true gem. A resource to be enjoyed just an hour north of the city (SF), a more interesting trout fishery you may not find. Biased yes, but the opportunity for world-class trout fishing exists here at Putah Creek!

     If you would like to learn more about Putah Creek, or are interested in a guided trip, please call 707-888-2571. Cheers! 

 -Rob

Rob Russell Fly Fishing

Santa Rosa, CA

russellrob5@gmail.com 

Instagram... @robrussellflyfishing