Fall is here and the fishing in Northern California and Southern Oregon is really lighting up. There are too many great options this time of year to report on, but here’s an update on a few rivers our guides have been getting out on
The McCloud
Water clarity has improved dramatically on the McCloud. Visibility is up to 3 feet, which is more than enough to have success. Predicting what the water clarity will do is nearly impossible, but for the time being things look good. The fear of dirty water has kept the crowds away from the McCloud. Having the river nearly to yourself has been a common occurrence over the last couple of months. Our guides are having frequent encounters with lake run brown trout. If you have ever wanted to target these fish, now is the time. Dry fly-fishing opportunities are very limited at the moment, we have been having the most success fishing nymphs and streamers. We have a handful of mid-week dates still available, if you are interested in booking a guide feel free to reach out.
.
The Klamath
Again, water clarity is a major player on the Klamath right now. Due to mudslides the Klamath is still blown out between the Scott and the Salmon. However, sections of the river that are clear are showing some incredibly promising signs for this year. Our guides have been finding plenty of fish eager to eat the swung fly. We have just a couple of openings through November, reach out if you are interested in booking a trip.
Upper Sacramento
Fall time on the Upper sac means variety. From the pocket water fishing in Dunsmuir to the large pools in Lakehead, this river has something for everyone. We have been seeing some of the lake run fish starting to make their way through the system. As the water temperature continues to cool down, we will start to target these fish in the lower portion of the river. The October caddis will start to pop any day now and the dry fly fishing will really take off, particularly in the upper section of this river. Wild Water’s has some mid-week availability through the fall. Check back for an early winter report on this river. Although most people put the trout rods away once snow starts to fall, winter on the Upper Sac can be an outstanding time to target big fish.
Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sac is doing its thing. Lots of big fish, caddis, eggs, you get the idea.
Trinity
A few early outings to Trinity have showed some promising results. A couple of days on the upper river in early September showed a healthy number of Salmon around, as well as a few half pounder and adults mixed in. During a few days on the lower river, we were able to bump into a very solid push of fish. It’s been a while since we have put our eyes on this many anadromous fish moving through a river. These fish were happy to eat swung traditional flies on a dry line, or bugs dead drifted under an indicator. Given what we have seen so far, we are looking forward to spending some more time on this river through the fall and into the winter.
Upper Rogue
Although it’s not easy for us to drive past the Klamath, our guides have been venturing up to the Rouge this summer in search of the larger fish this river can offer. This time of year on the Upper Rogue is fly fishing only, and a great time to target these fish on the swing. Grinding out a handful of very early mornings and late evenings we were able to encounter a couple of summer steelhead. The number of salmon spawning, particularly above Shady Cove, is impressive.
Give us a call or send an email to book a trip or check in about conditions
Cheers,
Riley
info@wildwatersflyfishing.com
877-934-7466
Follow Us!