What an interesting spring, one minute the faucet wouldnt turn off, then we started to see those nice spring days, and then out of nowhere she dipped back down to late winter early spring temps. Its like our typical spring weather kept seeing its own shadow, crazy. Well now that the weather has settled, its truly time to get out and chase some fish.
SHAD, STRIPER and Trout ohhhhh myyyyyy.
YUBA
Flows 2700cfs Upper Lower Yuba
Flows 2000cfs Lower Lower Yuba
Clarity Gin Clear
Fishing Good to Great
The Yuba is fishing really well right now above the weir. Plenty of fish being taken on dries, the swing and nymphing too. The caddis are definitely out and about, the fish looking up, and the eat has been very aggressive as of late. Oh and dont forget out you noses eating those hatches of mayflies, nothing cooler than that. Swinging has been a ton of fun and only getting better. If all else fails the trusty nymph stick is getting some quality fish as well, but only when needed, hahahaha. The Yuba is going to continue to fish well for the next few months, and if your looking for some quality fishing but dont want to drive up to Redding the Yuba is the place. You want get the big fish like the Lower Sac, but we are seeing good numbers of smaller fish and of course no crowds. Book now while the weather and river are in perfect shape.
Nymphs: Rubberlegs, Caddis, mayflies, copper johns
Dries: caddis, mayflies
Swinging olive woolly buggers, sculpins, tan soft hackles
Guides Tip get out there now if you looking for something different and a ton of fun
SHAD and STRIPER ON THE YUBA HELL YA
It is ON FIRE!!!!! Need I say more. Over the past 2 weeks the fishing has only gotten better and both species are out and about grabbing the flies like mad. If your in the right spot 30 shad in a half day and 60 shad in a full day are not uncommon. With the right fly and presentation we are seeing good to great numbers of stripers up to 10lbs. If you want something truly different than what you have done before, book a day on the Lower Lower Yuba for shad, striper even trout and take a jet boat ride with me on a river that reminds me a lot like a small Alaska river. Its a blast. Book now as dates are filling up fast.
Stripers: stay hungry streamer, Tobys Teaser, Clousers
Shad: Bloody Marie, Orange or Pink shad darts
3 anglers for shad trips are possible depending on the experience of anglers. There is an additional charge for the 3rd angler.
American
Flow 1750cfs
Clarity 10ft viz
Fishing Good to Great
The striper fishing is really heating up, and we are hooking fish from 3-8lbs on regular daily basis, with to many fish from 16-22" all day long. These fish are hitting hard and fighting even harder, so bring your a game and a strong 7-8wt rod and hold on. The right fly and a good presentation is what its taking to get these bigger fish to eat, but we will have you dialed in no time for that big fish opportunity. The shad fishing is stupid with to many fish to count. The are spread throughout the river, but the best fishing is from Rosemore to Sunrise. The down side is that the crowds are out in full force and sometimes its hard to find a spot to fish. One reason why I love the Yuba. But if you can only swing a half day and live close by to the American, there is no better time than now. The striper fishing should stay good to great for the next several months, and the shad for the next month or so. If your thinking local, and your thinking big fish or lots of fish, the American is the place for you. Whether you are looking at a traditional float trip or a fun Jet boat trip, we have the American dialed. Time is now.
Stripers: Stay hungry streamers, Tobys Teaser, Clousers
Shad: Bloody Marie, Wet Pinkies,
Feather:
Low Flow 850cfs
High Flow 1050cfs
Clarity Low Flow 8-10ft viz
High Flow 10-12ft viz
Fishing Good
I have been spending a good amount of time on the Feather up until the shad and striper started showing up, but also because the Feather started slowing down. But since then, a push of big grease lightning springers have shown up and reeking havoc on our flies. Swinging has been darn good, and of course nymphing is kicking butt, and if you are out late enough the dry fly fishing is pretty darn good too. Dont know how long this will last, but now is the time to experience this late run. The coolest thing is depending on the day, cloud cover and hatches, swinging is out producing the bobber, how cool is that. This should fish good for another few weeks, and then slow down till the salmon season opens on July 15th, then its salmon time.
Nymphs Princes, Caddis, Worms, Sucker Spawns, Mays, CJs, PTS
Swinging Andersons Euphoria, Thalkens Tiny Dancer, Princes, tan soft hackles, tan caddis
Guides Tip Place to be right now for your steelhead fix
SALMON ON THE FEATHER
Starting this year I will be guiding the Feather River for salmon. We will be using conventional tackle to hook into these bruisers which on average weight 10-25lbs, with many fish over 25lbs. These trips will be the same as I do now, no charters with 6-10 anglers, the normal 2 anglers and myself, however a 3rd angler can be added with an additional charge. 3 anglers, is not something I normally do, but there will be plenty of room for 3 on the new boat. The Salmon season starts July 15th and ends Oct 15th, personally July to the end of Sept are the best months to get these fish for eating. If you are interested in booking your Salmon Trip, book now while dates are still open.
Lower Sac
Flows 9000cfs, a bit high, but extremely fishable
Clarity Perfect
Fishing ON FIRE
Not much has changed since my last report, honestly its only gotten better, bigger fish and more fish is the norm right now. So not going to change much from my old report. ON FIRE, need I say more. The Lower Sac is firing on all cylinders and if you are not up there fishing you are truly missing out. Fish of 16-20" is the norm and is pretty much an all day thing, and some bruisers are always cruising and could be the next drift. Bring you A game and a strong hook set and be ready for a day of a lifetime. The river above 299 is now closed so please be aware, but don't fear, still plenty of fish from the bridge down to go around. NOW'S THE TIME
Nymphs: Rubberlegs, Mays, Caddis, Red headed Step Childs, PMDs
Guides tip Dont miss out on the great fishing while the temps are perfect.
Putah Creek
Flow 380cfs
Clarity Putah Creek
Fishing Good to Great
Again nothing has changed since my last report except for the flow bump, so same report as last month.
Another fishery that is fishing extremely well, but you have to have your A game to get these fish into the net. On average we are seeing 5-8 fish to the net with a few fish hooked in the upper teens and lower 20s on each trip. Getting those bruisers to the net however is a whole other story, with small flies and light tippet it isnt easy, but patience does pay off. If you want to learn how to fish one of the most technical fisheries in California, then come join me on Putah Creek and see what its all about. Want to become a better angler, Putah will put your current skills to the test and will only make you better after every visit.
Nymphs Midges, Caddis, Mays, Birdsnest, PTs
Guides tip fish flies from sz18 to 24s, adust weight and depth till you start ticking the bottom, gotta get down
My Available Dates
June 2,3,5,10,11,12,13,15-21,23-30
July 1-10,21-31
Please contact me for available dates after July
Oct and Nov at starting to fill up fast, get your Fall Egg Bite dates in ASAP
Trinity Dates
We are already booking Trinity dates for the Fall season. If you are interested in booking dates, Id highly recommend booking well in advance
August 31, Sept 1,4,5
Great early season swinging for half pounders, tweenies and some early adults. Skating is king, with tips being used if needed. Some dry fly action can be had throughout the day, especially in the evenings with caddis. Nymphing can be done, but no need to. The least busiest time of year to be up here.
Oct 7,8,9,10,13,14
Last chance fishing before the flows drop on Oct 15th from 450 to 300cfs. Swinging is in full effect. Skating at its finest, and tips used when needed. Good numbers of halfies and tweenies, but also a good number of adults. Some of the best swinging is done in Oct, and this is the time. Nymphing can be done, but why bother. Starting to see a few more boats, but still nothing like November.
Oct 31, Nov 1,2,3,9,10,13,14
PRIME TIME for swinging and nymphing. Best time of year, but the busiest time of year. Still finding fish on the swing and many adults to be had no matter the float. PRIME PRIME PRIME
Dec 15-22
Winter fish are starting to show, winter fishing at its finest. Fish are spread throughout the system from top to bottom, and if water temps are still warm enough, swinging them up is very possible.
More dates available upon request and availability
So there is your early Summer fishing report, and its a great time to be out on the water and chasing what ever species you would like. From shad to striper, from trout to steelhead, even shad, striper and trout, Nor Cal has it all and the fishing is darn good. If you are looking for something new, give the Lower Lower Yuba Jet Boat trip a try for shad and striper, and shoot lets go hit some trout as well, its a trip you will never forget. Im really looking forward to showing you some new water, guiding you for Shad and Striper on the Yuba, Salmon on the Feather, and some other new water throughout Nor Cal. Come see whats new with NCFG and lets get bent.
FYI, if your thinking of booking fall trips on any of the rivers I guide, I highly recommend booking well in advance, as I book up early and fast, and want to make sure I can accommodate your dates and get you on the water.
Thank you all for reading the report
And look forward to seeing you soon
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER
KEEP THOSE LINES TIGHT
KEEP THOSE LINES TIGHT
Brian Clemens
NOR CAL FLY GUIDES
530-354-3740
WWW.NORCALFLYGUIDES.COM
Check us out on Facebook
530-354-3740
WWW.NORCALFLYGUIDES.COM
Check us out on Facebook
*Due to the high volume of bookings, Nor Cal Fly Guides is unable to hold a date(s) for more than 24hrs unless a specific agreement is made. All bookings are done on a first come first serve basis. Your date is reserved once my contact email is sent to you, No Exceptions.*
