Archive | April, 2018

Quick Opener Update

Categories: Fishing Report

Upper Sacramento River

The river is in fantastic shape, the best we have seen it in a number of years. Recent trips and reports are indicating good to very good fishing. We are seeing some very nice fish bending rods from Ney Springs down to Delta. Flows and conditions will spoil you, it’s been quite some time since we have seen this great river in such excellent shape for early season. May should be outstanding, as the warmer weather settles into the canyon the hatches will continue to increase and as we all know around here May and June are the best dry fly fishing with multiple hatches of Golden Stones and a variety of Mayflies and Caddis. Get on up here, enjoy the fun and give us a call.

McCLOUD RIVER

The McCloud River like the Upper Sacramento is in excellent shape and should remain so due to the lack of a big snowpack. A recon trip was made recently down to Ah Di Nah and I am happy to report the road is open. Beware though there are a few narrow but passable slides….as usual though the road sucks and the crawl is still there. The campground is fine, looked great but the water had not been turned on yet thus no toilets. Check with the McCloud Ranger Station for the latest on the camp water. Fishing here too should be stellar for you early birds.

 

 

 

 

WILD WATERS FLY FISHING

Just a note here, the Wild Waters team has just received the Orvis 2018 Outfitter Of  The Year Award. If you are looking for an enjoyable day on the river think about hiring one of our excellent local guides, we have a team of them that are the best that NorCal can offer. Give us a shout, we can accommodate any ones wishes for a fun day. Novices to expert, single angler to large groups, we can help you out……… Rick Cox 877-934-7466

 

RECOMMENDED BUGS…. Nymphs

  • Jimmy Legs #4-10
  • Gordon Prince #14-16
  • Prince Nymph #10-16
  • Possie Bugger #8-10
  • Copper John (red & copper) #14-16
  • Soft Hackles #12-16
  • Swimming PT #16
  • Mega Prince #8
  • Birds Nest #12-16
  • Golden Stone #8-12

Dries

  • X-Caddis #16
  • EC Caddis #16
  • Parachute Adams #12-16
  • Split Wing #12-14
  • Stimulator #8-14

If you have any further questions please call the shop and when you are in the area stop in and bug Bob.

Cheers

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

 

 

 

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

 

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by John Rickard

Photo by John Rickard

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April 19th, 2018 Fishing Report

Categories: Fishing Report

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Photos by Carl Mogerley

The Lower Sacramento River

We have been experiencing some dramatic shifts in the weather from warm and sunny to cold, wet and windy. It makes for a challenge but also keeps the fish from becoming stale. They have been switching their diets around depending upon the weather from Beatis, PMD’s, Caddis, Stones, and the Sucker Spawn egg. If one is not working try one of the other. We’ve seen the best bite mid day. Dry Fly Fisherman are able to rise a few fish a day mostly during a PMD hatch. However, the majority of the fish are being caught side drifting with deep nymphs and Jaydecators. 

The 10 day forecast looks like the warm weather we’ve been waiting for. We have talented guides available to take you and your fishing buddy on a “must do” float trip down this amazing river. Give us a call. 877-934-7466.

 

 

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

photos by Rick Cox

The Upper Sacramento River

The Upper Sac has seen some radical changes this last few weeks. From snow to rain, to hot days with snowmelt. We’ve seen this river fluctuate in flows and turbidity. However, I am pleased to say this blue water trout stream is now in fantastic spring shape and fishing well. We have seen some quality fish up and down this 40 mile system. Fish from 10” to 16’’ and bigger are being caught on the dry as well as the nymph. It is certainly not a numbers game but a quality spring day can make any angler smile. If you like fishing the big bug, we have seen those prehistoric Salmonflies flying over the river. There are always a couple pig rainbows looking for that big bug, be the angler that shows em a sample. Despite that big meal available, most of the fish are being caught on mayflies. A favorite technique is swinging soft-hackles through the tail-outs. You’ll see us doing plenty of walk n wade trips as well as floating the lower section is one of our rafts give us a wave, or a call.

 

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The McCloud River

She slept well this winter with very few high flows and no devastating flushes. As I walk her banks now I can see spring emerging, the dogwoods are blooming, redbud is popping and the green of fresh growth is hard to ignore. Opening day is Sat the 26th. Not one of these trout have seen a fly for five months. The McCloud is our specialty and we have guides available. Lets get you out.

 

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The Coast

Wether you just can’t give up swinging the spey rod, chasing steelhead or just love fishing on the coast, the Smith River is your bet. The river closes at the end of the month and is dropping into perfect shape for her last days of the season. Flows will be around 3000 this weekend. Still… chrome bright fish enter from the sea and charge upstream to spawn. Some anglers swear the biggest of the year come at this time. We have guides who love this place and one who lives on her banks.

Spring Fishing Update

Categories: Fishing Report

Coastal Steelhead
Coastal Steelhead fishing is coming to an end, but it’s not over yet.  It’s Spring, we’ve been fishing in T-shirts and been fishing in Snow.  Last couple of weeks we spent days on the Smith, the Rogue system and the Umpqua rivers.  Some upriver fish are still being caught but the end is near. It’s been a very good year for us on the coast, looking forward to chasing some Sea Run Cutthroats soon.
Chuck 2018 Coast (3)
 Chuck 2018 Coast
 
The Lower Sacramento River
The Lower Sacramento is always a Spring highlight.  The river remains low and is constricted so consequently the fish are stacking up in the juicy riffles and runs.  The weather has been a mix of blue bird days sprinkled in with April showers.The fishing is good to excellent and we’re having fun out there.  Flies of all kinds are hatching and folks are catching fish on quite a few different patterns.  The upper section of the river (up from the 44 bridge) closed on the first of April, but don’t sweat it, the fish are very happy down river to see you all. This currently is our top pick for NorCal fishing right now.
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The Klamath River
The Klamath River is going to be left alone by us for a little bit.  There are some fish to be caught but this is not a highlighted time on this river.  We will be back later in the Spring and early summer for some Salmon Flies.  Check back around June.
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The Upper Sacramento River
The Upper Sacramento is in its roller coaster mode for spring fishing.  Snow melt and rain have produced extra water running from the tributaries but forecast are showing a break soon. The water is clear and the fish can be anywhere.  Try stonefly nymphs and mayflies and don’t be shy of the dry fly. We have been seeing Salmonflies midday along with March Browns …. either imitation can raise a fish even if you don’t see any noses poking up. This river at higher flows can fish well, so no worries, put it on your list now and beat the soon to arrive crowds.
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The McCloud River
The McCloud River opens on the 28th of this month and we will be out there. A recent recon shows conditions and flows looking with very reasonable. This lucky guy has been out catching fish but you are can be next in line!
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Cheers
Rick Cox