Great to be back on the McCloud river. Another opening weekend blew by like the wind. Just a tease as we start the journey on yet another season in the one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Conditions were excellent and the fish were happy. Anthony, Carl, Jim, Andy, Chuck and John all came back with happy clients and stories of success. Thanks so much to the crew for your hard work and dedication. Were are more than honored to have you guys on our team and we always appreciate your help. Some awesome McCloud river photos here, if you want to get excited for one our favorite rivers, check em’ out.
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April 23, 2015 Fishing Report
Categories: Fishing Report
The McCloud River opens this coming Saturday May 25. A recent look see shows the river in purrrrfect shape. A fairly wet winter and a couple of VERY BIG storms scoured the river clean and flows are sweet. Just to put things in perspective the rain gauge at the McCloud dam is currently reading 52 inches of rain which is pretty close to normal. Creeks and springs are running now that were dry last year … the same holds true for the Upper Sac… great conditions! The silver lining here is that we do not have to put up with snow runoff thus giving everyone an early season of normal flows. The poison oak, Chaparall Iris and Dogwood are busting out and a nice little hatch of flying ants was observed (put on an ant pattern). Caution when wading there are still fresh redds (spawning beds) around!! The Upper Sac is fishing very good right now. A midday hatch of March Browns is occurring and the stones are starting to show in numbers as the afternoon progresses.
Chaparall Iris
Meet Mr. Poison Oak
Don’t Tread On Me
Flying Ant Hatch … Fish Love Them
Where’s Da Fish
Upper Sac Love
From A Trouts Eye View
Chasing Steelhead On The Olympic Peninsula
Categories: Fishing Report
Rick spent last week on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington on a steelhead safari with his pal Buster fishing the Sol Duc and Bogie.
April 16th, 2015. Fishing Report.
Categories: Fishing Report
This last week we have been focussing on walk and wade trips on the Upper Sacramento River and drift boat trips on the Lower Sacramento River. Spring time rainbows are becoming more aggressive to the fly with the afternoon bite becoming reliable. Water temperatures have been all over the place. Some recent snow in the hills melted quickly and the river has receded back to low and clear. Hatches of Beatis, PMD’s, March Browns, and some Caddis can entertain us dry fly fishermen but be on the look out for the monster of stoneflies, Pteronarcys aka Salmonflys. There have been reports of sightings. The Upper Sac offers quite the variety right now and however your pleasure of fishing for trout, it can accommodate. Meanwhile, down river… The Lower Sacramento river is still providing awesome fishing from Redding to Red Bluff and our drift boat guides are constantly bringing back happy clients. Some of our guides are still sniffing out large winter steelhead in Oregon. (its’ hard to quit) It is time to go fishing no matter whats your game, so come to Mt Shasta and get bent.
Guide Carl Mogerley has been finding his fish in all types of water.
10 foot 4 weight ready for anything on the Upper Sac.
Crystal clear water is so aesthetic to fish offering that wonderful moment of seeing the fish take your fly, but it requires a stealthy approach.
One last swing for the season. A nice bright Sandy river fish in April.
I drove up and met my friend Drew from California Trout (nice hat eh) in Portland and we went out to fish the Sandy river. Awesome float, beautiful canyon, and some quality steelhead to boot. Thanks so much Sam, steelhead outfitters for taking us out on your raft. Really cool trip down the river. Can’t believe we saw next to nobody all day.
What a way to end the winter season, already giddy for next year. Summer fish beware, your next….
But we can’t forget about the Lower Sac. Still a stronghold for great days of fishing. Hard to beat right now, the sun is out, the nets are out and I hope to see, you out.
Grand Slam Lodge in Punta Allen, Mexico.
Categories: Fishing Report
John and Anne had the pleasure of fishing Ascension Bay! Enjoy some fun photos of a great trip.
Ascension Bay flats.
Snookums
Northern California – Southern Oregon Fishing Report April 9, 2015
Categories: Fishing Report
The steelhead fishing is nearing its end right now but a few fish are around in the Upper Rogue and Upper Klamath. Anthony Carruesco one of Wild Waters guides reports … Lower Sac has continued to kick out some great fishing over the past week. Still, we have yet to see the bigger hatches that the spring usually gives up. There are some spring Caddis still around, PMDs, March Browns and a few Salmonflies, but not in great numbers yet. Probably a symptom of the low water and more silt covering the gravel than usual.. Despite the lack of big bugs hatching the fish are still very healthy and eating well … The river is starting to light up!
The Upper Sac continues to give up some nice fish as reported by Rick Cox. It is all about nymphing and getting your flies down this time of year. Both rivers will only continue to improve as Spring warms up.
Eric’s Nice Upper Sac Bow
Fish On Upper Sac !!
Upper Sac Daze
USac Kiss
Lower Sac courtesy of Anthony Carruesco
Lower Sac Courtesy of Anthony Carruesco
Lower Sac Courtesy of Anthony Carruesco
Lower Sac Courtesy of Anthony Carruesco
Northern California and Southern Oregon Fishing Report, April 2nd 2015.
Categories: Fishing Report
Just wrapping up what has been an epic steelhead season on the Klamath, Rogue, Trinity and coastal rivers. There is certainly still some fishing to be had for these special brutes. Up next we start segwaying into trout fishing on the Lower Sacramento and Upper Sacramento Rivers. Rick Cox of Wild Waters Fly Fishing is reporting good results on the Upper Sac running nymphs from Dunsmuir downstream to Lakehead. Hatches are not happening yet in any significant numbers but fish are looking up to BWO’s, caddis and March browns. The Lower Sac also is fishing well with nymph’s being the most productive, but some PMD and caddis dry fly action can be had. The upcoming spring weather makes this river an ideal place for you to spend a day or two or three. Reports from Anthony Carruesco, Jim Roberts, Chuck and John are all exciting and we look forward to a great spring.
The Fishermen’s Spot’s client Peter came up to catch some fish with us.
Carl Mogerley holding a nice Rogue River hatchery fish.
Another day at the office…
A short break from the fish and attempt on some lizards. Good to see you out James and Rachel nice treat running into you guys.
Rogue River kicking down some nice cutthroat
First for everything… at least that I’ve seen, these boys swam across the Lower Sac. Thats cold, and a long ass way to go. Water Polo players, those of you watching, don’t try this at home.
A steelhead season winding down. I’m strait up tired! Drive, fish, have fun, sleep, wake up do it again.
This is what happens when your sleeping on the river! Your buddy takes your picture then wakes you up for one of these. Its a good life and the spring is just starting.
Upper Sac Starting To Produce
Hooked Up On USac
Upper Sac Rainbow Love
Fishing Report March 26 2015
Categories: Fishing Report
It’s officially spring and we’re enjoying amazing days on the river. Fishing has been fabulous as we finish up our last few steelhead days of the season. What a treat to do a couple guide days in a rain jacket, we’ve been so used to low n’ clear conditions, high n’ brown seem foreign. As we leave our beloved steelhead rivers and start to focus on trout, it’s time to throw some dry flies. We will be sharing some secrets and techniques for the second year in a row at The Fishermen’s Spot in Southern California, April 11th & 12th. Come visit us at the http://flyfishingexpo.net. For those ready to dust off their trout rods, give us a shout and lets get out on the rivers. The Lower Sacramento is fishing wonderfully as is the Upper Sac. Check out these great pics from last week.
Bob Searle giving us a lesson on single hand swinging, aluminum prams, shooting heads and leaving the spey rod at home when on the small coastal streams and tiny steelhead rivers.
Swinging the single hand rod.
When you fall in the drink take a drink.
Fishing Report March 12th 2015
Categories: Fishing Report
March has arrived here in Northern California/Southern Oregon and we are seeing the continuation of great steelhead fishing and the uptick in trout fishing on the Lower and Upper Sacramento Rivers. Blooming flowers and trees are offering a color show after their winter hibernation along with mild warmer days. Winter steelhead are continuing to reward those chasing them on the Klamath, Trinity, Rogue and various other streams feeding into the Pacific. Steelhead fishing will continue to be solid through the month. The Lower Sac is really beginning to light up and March signals the caddis hatch there. The Upper Sac has recently dropped into shape and is offering up some good sized trout hungry after their long winter. Dust off that gear and get with it is myrecommendation!
Ah yes, a 2 handed flask for 2 handed fish
Dusty, making sure everything goes right.
Oh Boy! Literally the most exciting fight from this fish. We covered 3 different Oregon and California rivers in almost as many days. Sometimes chasing chrome means playing the conditions and were forced to break rule #1. We leave fish to find fish. Lots of miles on the truck and lots of miles in the drift boat. Sometimes Winter steelhead fishing gets pretty intense and we have to give love to those who help make it happen. Awesome camaraderie is the real reason we get out there. Heres to sleeping next to the water in the winter.
Anthony strait up guided me into this one. Thanks Bud! What a great trip with you and Hunter. I’ll never forget this one.
The Ron Jeremy of steelhead!
Hunter Hutchinson guides for red fish in Louisiana, and hooked up with Anthony up in Alaska. Great dude! Check him out, today the color is chrome.
Pretty fun stuff, thought it was the bottom for the first few seconds. Then the bottom started to move, fast.
Sunshine and winter fish, that pretty much sums it up for the last few weeks.
John gets a nice one while we explore some new places.
All smiles after this battle
We helped out Jim and Rachel Andras, Andras Outfitters, with some Rogue river work. Gotta support the habit a bit in the winter. Thanks Guys we are always stoked to work with you!
The view from my window for a few nights in Netarts, OR. Adam thanks so much for setting us up! Really fun hanging out with everyone.
Sometimes its so pretty you have to stop for a photo. Sunrise Mt. Shasta, and were going fishing
Me and the ocean getting a selfie from the truck
Jumper
Back to work. The Lower Sac has been great so far and should be nothing but fun for the upcoming spring. Yes its time to start thinking about trout again.
Anthony putting the crew in the spot. Crushing it! Thanks so much for the trip on this one Anthony. Always a great pleasure to work with you man.
Well I know a guy who gets them in clear water
Klamath Fishing Report
Categories: Fishing Report
As most of California’s and Southern Oregon rivers blew out last week from the big storm, the Klamath not only remained fishable but some nice fresh fish were around. The days are getting chilly, the water is colored and cold, but the smiles were big and bright. The boats are having awesome days on the Iron Gate stretch, side-drifting nymphs. Our spey guides are still putting fish on the line, but the days of dry-lining are over. Big flies down deep and slow. Much of the river below the tribs is still too high and colored but they will drop and clear soon, its best to be down there when they do. There are many possibilities coming up for some great Winter Steelheading.
Klamath River Fishing Report
Categories: Fishing Report
The Klamath River remains one of California’s best choice for steelhead fishing. The run was big this year and continual pushes of fresh fish keep showing up! The silly numbers of half-pounders have diminished and these days most of the fish caught are adults. The drift boats have been putting some nice fish in the nets but the numbers of adults caught on the swing these last few days is impressive. The days of our beautiful Scandi casting are temporarily over, the last few outing have been about getting deep and swinging slow. We are sitting this storm out, as it’s howling outside but we’ll be right back out there this weekend. It’s almost winter so expect to start seeing some big ones.
The final Fall days on the Klamath River
Categories: Fishing Report
Well… the word got out and it seems like the Klamath River is all the buzz. It has been a phenomenal steelhead run with the vast majority being wild fish! We were busy busy busy busy and it seemed every trip was more than a success. Indeed the fish matter but a look at all the smiles will show that our idea of a successful trip is that they were FUN. As Klamath veterans know, the big ones come in December so we still have so much to look forward to.
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