Matt "Gilligan" Koles Reports on Nov. 10th, 2024

Truckee streamflow at Boca

Little Truckee streamflow above Boca

Truckee streamflow forecast

Hirschdale weather forecast

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

Matt Heron Reports on November 8th, 2024

Riley Rennick of Wildwaters Flyfishing reports on Nov 12th, 2024

Klamath 

The Klamath continues to move sediment that was trapped behind Iron Gate dam. Turbidity is improving and beginning to approach what I would consider fishable. The banks and boat launches have significant amounts of mud, which will limit access. It’s hard to say when exactly the Klamath will be fishable again, but I am still hopefully that I will catch a 2024 Klamath steelhead. Though water clarity has limited our ability to fish this river, the fish are moving through with no problem. Salmon numbers in Klamath tribs are decent this year, and fish have already made it past the former dam site.

McCloud

It’s no secret that the McCloud is having a strong year. There have been plenty of October Caddis around, and the tail end of October and into November is when the fish really key into them. The river has been fairly crowded, but as per usual if you are willing to hike you can find some solitude. The usual Mccloud setups are still producing: dry dropper and indicator rigs with chubbys, rubber legs, and size 14 or 16 mayfly and caddis nymphs. The Nature conservancy shuts down on November 15^th, though the rest of the river is now open to fishing year-round. During the winter, the road is not plowed past the reservoir boat launch. A storm is predicted to drop 3-7 inches of snow at 4,000 feet on 11/13; with more precip in the 10-day forecast. 

Rogue

With the Klamath out thus far this season, we have been venturing north more often than usual. The Rogue is having a fairly thin year, but both indicator fishing and swinging has produced some quality fish. For the indicator – just your typical fall time setup: stonefly and a 8mm or 10mm bead. For swinging, light sink tips with classic flys or small intruder style flys. The coming storm could stir things up and get fish going again.

The Coast

Rumor has it the salmon guys have been getting into them out on the coast. With last years nonstop rain and high water, we are even more excited than usual to get out and start chasing winter steelhead. We will start poking around in about a month – and be full steam ahead by the new year, check back for more.

 

Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing Guide Service reports on Nov. 8th, 2024

The first week of November came in cold. The highest of peaks have a fresh layer of snow. Been wearing a jacket more than I want to admit. Insect activity has been most active middle of the day and nymphing has been the most successful method to fool the trout. Midges, mayflies and caddis continue to hatch. Pulling streamers is a great way to catch a trophy trout in the fall.

Lower Owens River
Wild Trout Section: Flows are expected to lower starting the middle of November. For now flows in the 400 CFS range makes it unsafe to wade the river. Fly fishers fishing from the few bank accessible spots are catching a few trout on nymphs. Key to success is having enough weight on the leader to allow the nymphs to bounce on the substrate.

Hot Creek
Interpretive Site: Colder weather has slowed down the hatches. Blue wing olive mayflies are hatching middle of the morning. Use a size 20 blue wing olive parachute, size 20 olive sparkle dun and size 18 and 20 Adams parachutes. If you
have troubles seeing size 20 and smaller dry flies on the surface try fishing with a dry and dry rig. Use a bigger dry fly like a size 16 Parachute Adams, size 14 Stimulator or size 12 Chernobyl Ant as an indicator. Attach three feet of 5X or 6X monofilament with a clinch knot to the bend of the dry fly. This allows the fly fisher to catch surface feeding trout on very small dry flies.

Hot Creek
Canyon Section: This is a great time to be fly fishing with a dry and dropper rig. I like fishing with a size 16 Parachue Adams for the dry and a size 18 olive Quilldigon, size 18 bead head Flashback Pheasant Tail nymph and size 18 Zebra and Tiger Midges. Fishing this rig in the runs between the weed beds and in the deeper holes will produce
wild brown and rainbow trout. If you see rising fish use a size 20 Parachute BWO, size 20 olive Sparkle Dun and size 20 Parachute Adams.

Crowley Lake
Whiskey Bay: I like pulling streamers from the banks of Whiskey Bay when the marina closes the last Sunday of October. The lake closes to fishing on November 15 th, 2024. I fish olive or black size 6 or 10 Wooly Buggers, Slumpbusters and size 10 perch colored Balanced Leeches. I tie in a size 16 Prince nymph, size 14 bead head Flashback Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear and size 14 bead head callibaetis nymph about 20 inches above the streamer. Using an indicator with midges and Balanced Leeches will produce fish for fly fishers who do not want to pull streamers.

Upper Owens River
Above Benton Crossing Bridge: There is an increase in trophy trout in the upper Owens River, but they are still not in the river system in big concentration. I like to fish the deep holes, deep runs and cut banks where the trout are resting and feeding on their migration up river. My preferred method of fly fishing for the trophy trout is to Euro nymph with size 12 stoner nymphs, size 12 green/gold wire Prince nymphs and size 18 olive Quilldigons. Throwing steamers is a great way to cover lots of water looking for those few trophy trout in the river. I fish streamers downstream and only make four to six casts through each water type before moving on to find the next place to pull my streamers through. Fish with olive or black size 6 or 10 Wooly Buggers and Slumpbusters. Size 18 bead head Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs, size 16 bead head Flashback Gold Ribbed Hares Ears, size 18 Tiger, Zebra and blood midges on the substrate and size 20 Parachute BWO is producing non trophy trout from 3 to 12 inches.

Bishop Creek Canal
Behind Bishop Veterinary Hospital: Low water levels and spooky trout await fly fishers casting flies into Bishop Creek Canal. To keep from spooking trout I’m fishing with a dry fly as the indicator because it does not spook the trout like a foam style indicator will. For the dry fly use a size 14 Stimulator or a size 16 Parachute Adams. For the nymphs use size 18 olive Quilldigons, size 18 bead head Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs, size16 bead head Flashback Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear and size 18 blood, Zebra and Tiger midges.

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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 

 

LCO Team Takes a Trip to the Trinity River on November 10th

Fall on the Trinity River is incredibly special — the colorful foliage, cooler temperatures, and a healthy return of steelhead make it a bucket list destination for many California anglers. This past weekend, I headed up to the Trinity with my colleague and good buddy Morgan. We had one noble yet difficult goal: hooking and landing an adult steelhead on the swing. 

We crashed in Arcata at a buddy’s place on Saturday night and had a great bonfire on the beach. Everyone involved stayed up too late, but that is customary for the evening before a highly anticipated trip. Campfire beers help kill the pre-trip jitters. 

On Sunday morning, we met Sammy MacDonnell of 530 Outfitters at a small put in and prepared for a day of swinging flies. Being a professional and experienced guide, Sammy made sure to remind us to set reasonable expectations for the day. He explained, “We have to remember that we are attempting to do one of the harder things in fly fishing, and that people call these things the fish of 1,000 casts for a reason.” 

To my surprise, I got a grab on the third cast of the day. It was absolutely beginner’s luck, but hooking a half pounder that leaped into the air felt great. I lost the fish, but got grabbed by another one fifteen or twenty minutes later. This time, the grab visibly jolted my scandi head. I resisted the temptation of setting the hook, but the pressure quickly faded signaling that the fish had dropped the fly or turned without getting hooked. We opined that it must have been an adult, and continued on our float down river.  

In the next run, Sammy set Morgan up on a soft inside corner that looked incredible. On Morgan’s first cast, he hooked a fish that immediately started peeling the line off the reel. His 12 foot 6wt was corked over, and the fish was slowly getting closer to the bank. Just as Sammy and Morgan put eyes on the fish, it made a turn and shook the fly loose. Sammy’s arms went up in disappointment, and Morgan may have let a few expletives fly. That was the fish we were looking for, and it had to have been around 7lbs. Even though we didn’t get Morgan’s fish to hand, we all accepted that the day was already successful. We encountered the animal we had set out to find, and it won. 

As the sun got a bit higher and we all shedded our down jackets, we floated down river, meticulously swinging Sammy’s favorite runs. Morgan and I hooked a dozen or so half-pounders and even doubled-up twice. The river kept getting prettier as we descended through canyons and gorges, and before we knew it, we were running out of light. 

While we pulled the boat out of the water, I realized how special the day had been. I had the opportunity to float a gorgeous river with great company, learn a lot from a phenomenal guide, and see Morgan hook a large adult steelhead. Overall, the day was a pleasant reminder that fishing is more than catching fish — good people, wild scenery, and elusive animals make each day on the water a true blessing.

Owen Murray's Idaho Trip: August 9th-12th

Late summer in Idaho can be one of my favorite trout fishing opportunities — big foam flies imitating hoppers or mutant stones, streamers thrown against shallow rocks, and caddis hatches at sunset are all hard to beat. On the South Fork of the Snake, anglers get the chance to experience all of those subgenres of trout fishing in one day. 

Even though striped bass fishing at home had been heating up, I traveled to Idaho to scratch the trout fishing itch and see some good buddies on August 9th. We first floated the Teton to find some cutthroat eating caddis and small PMDs during the last few hours of sunset. Long casts with delicate presentations proved to be the ticket, and in just a few hours of floating we landed some solid fish. The fly of the night was the brown CDC Bubble Back Caddis in size 16.

The following day, we floated Section 1 of the South Fork. Streamer fishing and hopper dropper rigs with a pink size 8 Morrish Hopper and a 14 Duracell yielded fish during the mid-morning and afternoon. Once the sun started getting lower, we focused our efforts on fishing riffles with small caddis emergers and PMD dries. The Hackle Stacker PMD in size 16 worked best for our group, and it claimed a few nice cutts. 

The grand finale of my time in Idaho was the Canyon Section of the South Fork. On our final day, we put the boat in at sunrise to capitalize on a mutant stone hatch and some low-light streamer fishing. I fished some of my articulated streamers in the morning and moved some big, wary brown trout out from under rocks. Unfortunately, those fish spooked at the boat. They are still occupying real estate in my mind. 

While I streamer fished or rowed, my buddies fished everything from a size 8 Chubby to similarly-sized golden and mutant stones. He caught quite a few large cutts on top and broke a big brown off. As the sun got higher, we transitioned to indicator nymphing Pat's Rubber Legs with size 16 Duracells, and that worked great.

In terms of rods, reels, and line, I primarily fished my 10 foot 4 weight Sage R8 paired with a Galvan Torque 5 and a WF5F Rio Gold. This proved to be a great riffle rod for small dries, and when I threw my WF5F Rio Single Hand Spey line on it, the setup was phenomenal for indicator nymphing with long drifts and big mends.  

For the heavy duty applications, I gravitated to a 6 and 7 weight. The 6 fished hopper dropper rigs well with a Rio Grand, and the 7 worked great for bigger streamers. If you are gearing up for some late summer trout fishing, make sure to give us a call — we'd love to help you out. 

In the last 2 months I have managed to catch my 2 best striper on Ocean Beach! 

The LCO team has been fishing like maniacs. Infact, on Sunday the entire team was fishing. I was on the Trinity, Jose and Brett were on the bay, Owen was in Idaho trout fishing, and Jake was on Stinson. It's pretty rad how much our team gets out to fish!

Striper fishing has been good! Jose and Brett went out with Captain Gregg Holand on the bay and caught some nice fish in the usual spots Red Rock and Angel Island. The delta fished well for me last week, but it's been really windy out west, Sherm and I casted in 25 MPH winds with 3/0 adachi rattle clousers and found a few quality fish up to maybe 10lbs.

The birds have been all over Ocean Beach and I found a couple of fish early in the week and then a few skunk days to remind me its Ocean Beach. Rising morning tides this week so thats cool!

A great time to be thinking about chrisy feild. 

Saturday/Sunday Trinity River to skate some dries with Tom Mahan at Swingwater guide service. Fish were starting to show up! I boiled a few in the evening. The recent rains should do well to get the fish moving around! Tom was fired up and great guide if you are looking to swing flies on the Trinity River. 

I managed to head back for a few days of work then spent a day with Capt. Ben Thompson on the Sac fishing for striper. A similar story to the delta we fished hard looking for the grande's. We caught some quality fish up to maybe 8 or 9lbs. Ben is an excellent capatian and I highly reccomend booking in on the Sac, Yuba, or Feather for striper or trout. 

Owen hopped on the airplane and touched down in ID for a trout trip with some of his college buddies fishing the Teton and South Fork Snake.