After weeks of rain and snow we are currently enjoying an excellent break in the weather. The much needed moisture has brought Shasta Lake levels up to its seasonal average and the snow pack on Shasta and surrounding mountains is in feets, lots of feets.

UPPER SACRAMENTO

Locally the Upper Sacramento River has been running high but continues to drop with the gauge today showing 1200cfs. Personally I love this big water this time of year. The opportunity is out there for hooking up with one of the fiesty  lake run rainbows which I like to refer to as freshwater steelies …. they fight like and look like steelhead, probably descendents from steelhead locked in the river when Shasta Dam was built.  They generally spawn in March and go back to their “ocean” at the lake to begin their migration back up into the river late summer  into winter. This last week has presented perfect conditions and success for the few who are venturing out. Shown below is a nice 22in. chromer I got into a few days ago. Figure on throwing nymphs for now until we get warmer weather and get the lead on, lots of it. Also, I suggest using legs and your favorite nymph dangled from it … oh and 2x and 3x tippet!! Give me a shout if chasing these guys interest you.

Rick Cox

KLAMATH RIVER

The Klamath continues to have a solid steelhead season. The rains have brought in a new push of fresh fish into the upper end above I-5 and with it the bigger winter fish. Our guides are reporting fish up to 10 lbs. coming to the net which for the Klamath is a very good fish. We have been taking fish drifting nymphs under a bobber and also out of the boat swinging through some the mellow lazy water. Pressure is nonexistent and excellent weather is forecast for the next week. Think about this river for your next steelhead adventure. The shop has a great assortment of steelhead flies, leader and tippet for this river so pop in and get your arsenal restocked. We also have excellent Klamath guides for this prime time, give us a shout.   

Rick Cox

877-934-7466        

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

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

Cheers

Rick Cox