After a very moist winter chasing steelhead all up and down the coast, our guides are looking forward to throwing some dry flies in the sunshine. Local streams are starting to shape up for what should be a good spring.
The Lower Sacramento was running at a massive 40k cfs, but has since dropped down to the mid 20’s. These flows should produce some productive fishing so long as it doesn’t get much bigger. Spring is a great time to get out on the Lower Sac, usually bugs are hatching by mid March and the river doesn’t get too crowded. The Upper Sacramento is still running well over 2,000 cfs and will likely be too big to fish for at least a couple more weeks. Finally, the McCloud has continued to stay clear throughout the winter and at excellent flows. There has been very little snow accumulation at low elevations, so barring any late season cold storms, access should remain good. Also, after many years of being closed, the road to Ash camp has finally been reopened.
Our favorite time of year to be on the water is just around
the corner. As temperatures drop, our fishing options start to open up.
The McCloud
Water Clarity continues to be an issue on the McCloud. The river
was fishing great for most of the summer, but August rainstorms have once again
brought dirty water. This river has had a mind of its own recently, and predicting
water clarity isn’t easy. However, over the last few days the water color has
been trending in the right direction.
With all of that being said… historically, big drought killing winters have led to high numbers of migratory brown trout in the river. This year appears to be following that trend. Our guides have been encountering these fish frequently, as early as June. When the river does eventually clear up, we could be in for some of the best brown trout fishing we have seen in a long time. We are eager to get back out there as soon as the water clears up, check back for updates.
The Upper Sacramento
The Upper Sac has been a much more reliable fishery than the McCloud just over the hill. It has continued to fish well throughout the summer, particularly in the upper stretches where the water stays cooler. Water temperatures have started to drop quickly. This allows us to fish some of the lower stretches of the river, which often hold larger fish. Once the October Caddis start to hatch, this river will really start to light up.
The Klamath
The Klamath dam removal is well underway, and this fall will be the last time we fish this river in its current dammed state. Iron Gate reservoir drawdown will begin on January 1st, which will likely blow the river out for some time. Early reports at the mouth seem to indicate good numbers of fish already entering the system. More fish should keep coming in with fall flow bumps and dropping water temperatures. Also, this year California closed commercial and recreational salmon fishing. This means that steelhead will be less pressured as they make their way up the river, and finding solitude on the river will be easier than ever. Starting mid-September, we plan on chasing these fish everywhere from Orleans to Hornbrook. Klamath Fish readily take a swung fly, making it a good choice for both the beginner and advanced Spey angler – particularly early in the season. Indicator fishing is effective throughout the season. The Klamath has had an outstanding couple of years, and we can’t wait to see what it brings this year.
Coastal Steelhead
Lucky For us, just as the Klamath season with be coming to an end with the reservoir draw down on Jan 1st, the coastal steelhead season will just be getting kicked off. Our guides can’t wait to get out to the coast and chase these elusive fish. We will be primarily focusing on the Smith River, but as is always the case with coastal steelhead fishing, flexibility is key.
Lower Sac and more
Of course, the Lower Sac, Hat, Pit, Baum Lake, and too many more to list are all great fall options. Give us a call or shoot us an email if you are interested in booking a trip.
Its fall again on the Lower Sac. This fishery is a tough one to beat this time of year. These trout are just so healthy. Big hard fighting bows that beat even the best of fisherman and women.
Its not the only river we’ve been fishing lately, but its consistently kicking down some great fishing days. The McCloud is keeping John and Chuck pretty busy but some of our good guides are still awaiting your call.
The caddis are thick and we saw Salmon starting to dig in the gravel. Some good fishing took place today, we should see more of that over the next month. Be ready Lower Sac fans!
Andy helped me run some errands down in Redding. Including new wires for the drift boat trailer lights, new cup holders and new straps and tie downs all around. Oh right, and a couple of hours of fishing at the Posse grounds.
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