Hello Fellow Anglers,
What a spring and into summer we have been having on our local and northern waters. We actually have water, a bit to much at one point, water temps have been great and the weather, wow how can you complain to actually having springtime temps. Despite the water being on the high side for most of spring, flows are slowly coming down but fishing has not slowed down one bit. With that being said, we are seeing some great fishing opportunities right now and we are even getting into multi-species on any given day.
7500cfs
Clarity - 15ft clear
This is where I have been spending most of my time chasing the "poor mans tarpon" aka SHAD!!!!! We are getting into great numbers despite the water being high and on the colder side. We still havent hit peak run yet, which we should see in the next week or two and will make fishing only that much better. 6 and 7wt Spey rods have been the trick for wade fishing, fishing in the boat we have been using 7wt single handed rods. Any given day we are swinging up shad, striper, trout and even steelhead while swinging for shad, how cool is that. Currently my full day trips are fully
booked up, but I am booking a few half day evening trips here and there for those still looking to get out. If you arent able to get out with me this shad season, Im already booking dates for the 2024 season. Hwy20 down is still extremely high to successfully fish, wait for this to get under 4k before heading out.
Swinging for shad is the name of the game and striping for stripers has been producing as well.
High Flow 4000cfs
Clarity - 8-12ft steelhead green
If we arent chasing shad on the Yuba or American we are on the Feather chasing more of our anadromous friends. The Feather has finally come into shape after a long period of sub par fishing. BIG fish are throughout the system with a few fish in the mid 20s being hooked every day, but landing these fish is another story. Pound for pound they are the hottest fish in the valley putting even the most experienced anglers to the test. The feather is one of the only valley tailwaters where you can chase spring and summer steelhead with confidence from May, June and beyond and right now we are seeing both spring and summer run steelhead. With the higher flows the fish have come running back and we are picking up healthy hatchery and wild fish throughout the system. If you haven't fished the Feather in a while or want to feel the strength of some reel steel while everyone else is shad fishing then give us a ring! The Feather does not disappoint and will continue to fish great well into late summer and fall. Swinging and bobber fishing has been producing great numbers of steelhead and occasionally a few shad. There are areas to anchor up and target shad as well, including a few wading spots too. If you are lucky you could even strip clousers for striper as well.
8000cfs
Clarity - 8-12ft steelhead green
Flows are on the high side, but the river is finally full of big schools of shad! Find the soft water and find the fish! Swinging from the boat anchored up as well as indicator fishing are bringing good numbers of shad to the boat. There's also a good chance at some stripers during the drift if you like to strip clousers on 7/8wt rods. Shad should fish well throughout June and even into July and stripers well into Sept maybe even Oct. Not only can you get into shad and stripers, but there are some steelhead around as well. Half, full and split days available.
Clarity - 8ft steelhead green
As a guide who loves technical nymphing, I love the challenge of Putah Creek. This scenic tailwater is full of big, picky trout that love to refuse presentations that aren't just right. She's a tad overgrown right now, but with a little bushwacking you can get to some great runs and tailouts and sight fish to exceptional rainbows. This is the perfect time to explore the creek as the fish are hungry after a long winter, the weather is great, and all of the accesses are fishing well. If you're new to Putah or just want to find one of those 20+ inch bows and hone your technical nymphing skills this is the place to be. A day out with Nor Cal Fly Guides will give you the tips and tricks to build your confidence when fishing this little gem of a tailwater. Half and full days available.
Bobber fishing as well as high stick/euro nymphing is what we do on Putah Creek.
9000cfs on 6/6
Clarity 8-12ft steelhead green
Fishing is off the charts and thats all we have to say about that. If you are looking to do some trout fishing, this is the trout factory for you. Lots of hatches going on giving these fish a plethora of choices like pmds, beatis and caddis, oh so many caddis, of all sorts even the hydropsyche caddis.
Bobber fishing from the boat is best, if you are lucky maybe some dry fly or dry dropper fishing. Swinging has been producing some fish as well. Lots to do and lots of willing fish to eat your well presented fly. Dont forget about the upper opener on August 1st
I hope you enjoyed this short and sweet Nor Cal summer fishing report. Fishing is on fire right now and if you are looking to get out in the near future just choose your species, choose your location, or let us choose, either way we have you covered for the rest.
If you are looking to book a trip in the fall, my dates are becoming a bit limited. However, my other guides have a bit more availability than I do.
Here is my availability for the fall
Aug - 15 16 22 23
Sept fully booked
Oct - 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 - Yuba Feather Lower Sac American
Nov - 4 5 10 11 - Trinity Lower Sac
Nov - 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 - Yuba Feather Lower Sac American
Dec - 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 - Trinity Lower Sac
Dec - 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 - Yuba Feather Lower Sac American
Fish On!
We hope to see you on the water soon
Solid Grabs
Brian and the NCFG Crew
