5 Rivers Challenge – as good of a Nor Cal report as you will get.

Photo by Mikey Wier

Last year when Cal Trout & Clearwater Lodge resurrected the 5 Rivers Challenge I really wanted to participate. Not for competitive aspect, but it just sounded like a great way to spend a few days. This year after attending I can confirm it is a blast. First, Clearwater Lodge is one of my favorite places to stay and...

Jon Baiocchi reports on 6.25.2017

On Monday the 12th we had extremely cold weather and snow, in fact at Frenchman’s Lake there was 2 inches on the ground. A week later and it’s been Africa hot, thank goodness it cools down at night. I’m seeing the effects from a wet winter all around in the mountains. There are so many wildflowers blooming right now that are providing a beautiful color spot...

Wildwaters Reports on 6.25.2017

The intense heat has changed the fishing on the McCloud. Its time to chase the shade as it goes through the canyon. The McCloud is less exposed to the sun than most of our rivers as it snakes it’s way through the deep canyon. The difference in the bite between the shade and sun is hard to deny when things go from sterile to game on. Speaking of bites and snakes. Its...

Nor Cal Fly Guides Reports on 6.25.2017

Well this report comes to you a bit late, its not because of the great weather we have been having, but the great fishing we are having, but its better late then never. With the longest spring we have seen in years, getting out on local water has been a bit tough. Over the past few months almost all of my trips have been on the Lower Sac with a few on Putah....

Bryce Tedford Reports on 6.25.2017

With water temperatures of 70+ degrees, Topwater Smallmouth is starting to happen! I turn my attention to these fish in the summer before returning to Stripers in the Fall. Delta Smallmouth Bass fishing is ideal for beginner Fly Fishing or just plain fun for the seasoned veteran! We primarily target Smallmouth with 4-5wt Rods & size 6 poppers in various colors. We...

Steve Santucci Reports on 6.25.2017

Delta fishing is good for Largemouth Bass. There are some Stripers to be found along the Sacramento River and Sherman Lake. The LMB can be caught on deer hair poppers or you can catch them below the surface in shallow weedy spots . Also rock walls are good especially when you can find reeds and mixed weeds close proximity. Also bring along a panfish rod and try...

Jim Stimson Reports on 6.24.2017

Happy summer! Be careful where you fish. There is wild, raging water everywhere. The West Walker River for example is screaming at nearly 4700 cfs. This is spectacular to witness, but I would wait on the fishing. Everything is flooded and at these levels the river hydraulics are substantial. If you insist on venturing in, always have an escape route or exit planned....

Matt Gilligan Koles Reports on 6.23.2017

Still not much change in flows on the Truckee River.

We’ve been hovering around 2,500 cfs here in the Hirsch. Better than 5,000 k, but still really big water.

Flows will drop on July 2’nd on the Truckee River. Looks like they will come down to about 800 cfs or so below Boca. That will be just about right. 7 months of big water.

For now we’re getting fish, and...

Hogan Brown Reports on 6.24.2017

Lower Sacramento River Stripers…last day I was on the water was June 17 - Family Vacation time….. Fishing was good as we are starting to get shots at bigger fish as the shad thin out. Flows are dropping due to irrigation and banks are coming down muddying up certain stretches of the river so knowing where the clarity is best is KEY. As the heat arrived I took the...

6.16.2017

Fishing is transitioning from the bay to the surf. This fish came this week on a low tide morning. Chartreuse and white is still the top producer.