Winter 2018 Fishing Report

Hello Fellow Anglers

This fishing report is a bit overdue, however this was my busiest fall to date, with only 6 days off between Sept 20th and Nov 20th. So I didnt have much time to get a report out to you all, and Im not a big fan of rushing my reports either . So my apologies for not getting one out sooner, but better late than never.

Besides being the busiest fall to date, it was one of the better fishing seasons in the past few years as well, I hope you all were able to get out and enjoy the great fishing conditions. The water was higher than normal, colder than normal and the fish down right loved it. If you missed out this year with booking your trip with me, I highly recommend booking your fall trip now, dates are already filling up.

Now that we are finally getting some well needed rain, the fishing is really starting to heat up and our winter season is just starting. If you are looking to chase some big winter chrome now's the time to either get on the water and hammerdown or booking your trip while some prime dates remain.

TRINITY

The Trinity for quite some time was the place to be, up until early Nov, then we started seeing extremely cold temps, and with already low and clear water conditions and no rain, those water temps dropped to a bone chilling 38 degs, OUCH. But those willing to put in the time were rewarded on several trips, and as I always say "be the report dont believe the report." Now that we have rain, its brought new life to the Trinity and it is the HOT SPOT right now and if you want big winter chrome this will be the place to be for the next few months. Of course nymphing will get you on the numbers that most are looking for, however, swinging will produce some great fish this time of year and give you a new experience and view to steelhead fishing. If you want to try something new, give swinging a try. Dont forget about Feb and March when we are targeting these steelfaces with dry flies, swinging and nymphing too. Its Prime Time right now, dont miss out, prime dates are still available in Dec, Jan, Feb and March.

Nymphs: Stone, psycho princes, copper johns, worms, eggs, pts

Swinging: Hobo Speys, Andersons Euphoria, Bread Crust, Pimps, Rocks

FEATHER

As always this river never disappoints with quality and quantity. We had an epic early spawn season boosting some big numbers of fish, hooking 20-30 in a day. Current river conditions are good, 1800cfs, slight green hue to it, and there are some fresh winter fish in the system. We are still seeing some salmon spawning, but mostly in the Low Flow, were as the high flow is all about done. Fish are spread throughout, there are a few fish still eating eggs, but they are starting to go back to the usual Feather River flies. Swinging has been producing well lately and will continue as fresh winter fish show their faces. Those salmon eggs are about to pop, and swinging alevins is one I highly recommend. Jan and Feb are great for this tactic, and a great time to get into swinging. This will be one of my go to rivers for the next few months, but it doesnt stop there, with spring just around the corner it wont slow down. Lets try something new and swing up some chrome this year. As always if you are looking to book during the busy season Spring and Fall, I highly recommend booking well in advance.

Nymphs: eggs, caddis, copper johns, pts, princes, worms

Swinging: hobo speys, Andersons Euphoria, worms, sculpins, alevins

LOWER SAC

From what I have seen and heard, since I havent needed to fish it at all this fall, it has been fishing extremely well with plenty of big fish to go around. With flows at 4k, its fishing just like the Lower Sac is known for and will continue to be good for the next few months. Currently booking Spring trips as I type with several dates on the books already. Looking to fish on one of the best trout fisheries on the West Coast, look no further than the Lower Sac, especially in the Spring.

Nymphs: Stones, mays, caddis, dark lords

AMERICAN

This river has been quite a little jem this year with plenty of days yielding good to great numbers of steelhead on the swing. The fishing on the AR from Late August to Late October was something to remember as it hasnt been that good in several years. Recent rains have brought in big fresh winter fish and we are hooking them, landing them has been a bit more difficult. This time of year with weather and river conditions you can do better covering more water and swinging vs nymphing. These fish are on the move and are very eager to take a swung fly, so why not give them what they want. The conditions on the AR are ideal right now, get out and get some. Booking steelhead trips on the Ar for Jan Feb and March.

Nymphs: eggs, caddis, worms, pysco princes, trinity stones, copper johns

Swinging: hobo speys, pick-yr-pockets, Andersons Euphoria

YUBA

Despite the high water last year and this year, the Newba has fared very well, and has been pumping some good

 numbers of fish. With a decent salmon spawn this year, the egg bite was pretty good, definitely one that you could write home about. Now that the spawn is over, the trout are now back into their normal feeding habits and eating the usual bugs. Dont forget Dec 1st is the opener above the bridge, and those looking for an adventure, hike up a few miles and hammerdown. The winter months on the Yuba can be Epic, and with the skwala hatch just around the corner I hope you are all ready for some Yuba bows on dries. Swinging can also produce a good number of fish this time of year, its not a numbers game, but bring you fav trout spey and swing away, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Nymphs: Stones (skwalas soon), caddis, Mays

Swinging: Olive woolybuggers, Alevins, sculpins, stones

PUTAH

UNSPOKEN CLOSURE

Spawn is in full swing, please stay off the creek and fish other waters. Plenty of other waters to fish.

One more thing to add folks, the salmon are mostly done spawning, but that doesnt mean you can wade where ever you want. It takes 51 days for those eggs to hatch, and if you are out there wade fishing and walking all over the redds, you are crushing naturally spawned eggs. So please wade wisely and carefully. A few more fish are not worth crushing hundreds of salmon eggs. Dont be that angler

My Available Local Water Dates

Jan 15,16,17,18,19,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31

Feb 1-11,13,27,28

Please contact me for more available dates after Feb

My Available Trinity and Lower Sac Dates

Dec 16,21,30,31

Jan 1,2,3,4,6,7

Feb 18,19,20,21,24,25

March 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13

More dates available upon request

If you missed out on booking a trip with me this fall, please book with me ASAP for fall 2019, same goes for spring 2019. We are also starting to book dates for Shad on the Yuba starting May 1st, with my jet boat, all walk and wade fishing with single or 2 handed rods and swinging. A bonus that time of year is the striper fishing which can be really good. As always booking your trips well in advance with Nor Cal Fly Guides is highly recommended.

I hope to see you on the river soon,

Until then Happy Holidays 

and

Solid Grabs

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER
KEEP THOSE LINES TIGHT

Brian Clemens

NOR CAL FLY GUIDES
530-354-3740
WWW.NORCALFLYGUIDES.COM
Check us out on Facebook

July Summer Fishing Report

Hello Fellow Anglers

While the dog days of summer are biting at our heals, the fishing in Nor Cal is as good as it gets, and will continue for months to come.

Lets just get straight to the report:

Yuba

Flows Upper Lower Yuba 1700cfs

Flows Lower Lower Yuba 950cfs

Clarity Gin Clear

Fishing U.L Yuba Fair

Fishing L.L Yuba Good to Great

Above the Weir

Trout fishing has been fair, there are fish to be had, but you are having to work for them. I have only done one trip over the past month, and while we landed some quality fish, it was slower than what I expected. The river has changed a lot, and finding where those fish are holding will be challenging. With lower flows in the future the fishing should get better, and fishing a hopper dropping should work out great. If going out now, try nymphing the deeper runs, and throw dries in the tailouts, also throwing streamers is always a great idea.

Nymphs: Caddis, Stones (goldens, yellow sallys), mayflies

Streamers: Olive woolly buggers, tan soft hackles

Dries: Pink Alberts, Caddis, Hoppers

Below the Weir

What a site for sore eyes this year with the new boat. Up till this year I dreaded shad fishing on the American due to the crowds and lack of river etiquette. Also while striper fishing was fun on the AR, it can be crowded too and I wanted to offer more to my clients and now I can. The shad fishing on the Yuba was TOP NOTCH and there are still a few around that will take your fly. If you are looking to shad fish next year this river is for you, oh the boat ride is a blast as well. Book your 2019 Shad trips now starting May 1st 2019. Dates filled up extremely fast this year. Now that the shad fishing is almost over its time to target stripers, and once again the Yuba doesnt disappoint. While you may not get the 20lber that you could get elsewhere, you will consistently hooked 2-5lb fish all day long, plenty of shakers and the opportunity at fish from 5-10lbs is a very good possibility. The cool part about the Yuba is the fishing is strong all day long, no need to get on at O'dark30 just to get on the fish. Ditch the American and join me on one of the prettiest rivers in Nor Cal and watch these fish follow and eat your fly from bank to boat.

Striper Flies: Tobys Shad Teaser sz2, 2/0, 4/0, Thalkens Shad Cruiser 2/0, anything shad in color

Feather

Flows Low Flow 1400cfs

Clarity 8ft Clear

Flows High Flow 3000cfs

Clarity 10ft slight green

Fishing Good to Great

All I can say is this has been my secret little gem as of late, "Be The Report, Dont believe the Report". While most think the Feather is done till the fall, I say not the case at all. We have been having great success chasing summer run steelhead, ranging from 14-18" and an occasional 18-22" fish as well. Nymphing of course is the best option for the most fish, however, we have been having a great time swinging small switch and spey rods for these fish as well, with good numbers to hand. The low flow is cold and flowing at 1400cfs, cant ask for anything better than that. There of course is a bonus this time of year too, stripers. While you wont get the numbers like you see on the Yuba, the fish on the Feather are much much bigger, averaging 5-10lbs and some pushing 20lbs are around and chomping at the bit to eat your fly. If you want to chase steelhead and stripers with good to great success look no further than the Feather. 

Nymphs: Caddis, Prince Nymphs, Mayflies, Worms

Swinging: Tan Soft Hackles, olive woolly buggers, U name its, olive sculpins, caddis

Stripers: Tobys Teasers All Colors All Sizes, Thalkens Cruiser All Sizes All Colors, Stay Hungry Streamers All Colors All Sizes

If you book your trips with me in the fall on the Feather for the Egg Bite, booking well in advance is highly recommended. I already have dates booked, and dates are becoming limited for this great time of year to fish for steelhead.

Feather River Salmon

Dont forget that the opener for Salmon on the Feather is July 16th and I am currently booking Salmon trips starting July 24th with open prime dates throughout July, August and Sept. These trips will be done with the aid of my jet boat and with conventional gear, you can either keep your catch or release your catch the choice is yours. It will be booked like a normal trip for up to 2 anglers, additional anglers are welcome, up to 3 total, there is an additional charge for 3rd angler. There will be NO CHARTER TRIPS with 4-8 anglers, just you and me for the day. We will target salmon until you have your fix or fish, after that we can then target steelhead or striper for the rest of the day, or if you choose to we can call it a day and head on home. 

Look forward to offering these trips this year.

American River

Flows 5000cfs

Clarity 12ft Clear

Fishing Shad Good

Fishing Striper Fair

Fishing Trout Steelhead Good

The AR had a great push of shad this year and the fishing was pretty darn good. Currently the fishing continues and while you can get out and hook a good number of them, it is on the down hill slope. I expect the shad fishing to hold out for another 2 maybe 3 weeks and then it will be over. The striper fishing has been up and down, very inconsistent, good one day horrible the next. The flows are all over the place, and now at 5000cfs it makes for some tougher conditions. When the flows come back down, I expect the fishing to get better for stripers. The trout and steelhead fishing has been pretty good with a nice push of summer steelhead, average fish 14-18" but again fish up to 22" have been hooked and landed. Nymphing is best at these flows, but prior to the big bump, we had some good success swinging. Right now, I would wait for the flows to drop then get out and give um hell. If you are looking for trout give the Yuba or even better the sierras a shot while the flows and temps up there are good.

Shad: Bloody Maria, Wet Pinkies

Stripers: Tobys Teaser, White chartuse clousers, white and gray clousers

Trout Steelhead: Caddis, Mays, Worms, Caddis, Caddis

My Available Dates

July 9,22,24,27,28,29,30

August 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,20,21,23,24,25

Sept 7,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,20,26,28,29

Please contact me for available dates after August

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 29,30,31, 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 9,10

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.

Nov 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

There you have it folks, your July Summer fishing report. Its a great time to be on the water, whether for a half day or full day, the fishing is top notch. We will be chasing striper, trout, steelhead and salmon for the next few months, dont miss out on some solid Nor Cal Fishing. If you are looking for something new, take a jet boat right up the Lower Lower Yuba and strip for stripers.

As always, if you book any trips with me in the fall, 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

June Fishing Report.......SHAD & STRIPERS

Hello fellow anglers,

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

Brian Clemens

NOR CAL FLY GUIDES
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.*

Spring Fishing Report and a bit more....

Hello Everyone

Finally the weather is looking up after the crazy Miracle March we experienced, but now with this steady weather we are having the fishing has really picked up for the better. Rivers are clearing up, fish are showing up and there have been many bent rods in the air to boot. Now's the time to get out and enjoy the fishing in Nor Cal.

Before I get to the report, there are a few new additions to the Nor Cal Fly Guides services that I will be providing this year and years to come. Some of you know some of you don't, so here we go. Starting July 15th I will be offering Salmon trips on the Feather for catch and keep, it wont be your normal charter trip that you see out there, still the same trips as I am doing now, but on these trips you will be able to keep the fish. Starting this Shad season I will be targeting them on different rivers, not just the American. The will include the well known Yuba River, Feather River and Lower Sac. Shad season is just around the corner, so book those trips ASAP. Lastly I will be adding/covering several new bodies of water this year which will include and not limited to, the Sac below Red Bluff, all of the American, Yuba and Feather Rivers as well as Local Lakes and a few other unnamed fisheries. You may be thinking how will I go about doing this, well it has finally happened after many years of talking about it, a new boat. On Jan 31st 2018 I purchased 18'x54" Power Drifter from Chandler Custom Fab called the Super Drifter with a 90/60 Evinrude Etec Jet. Still some things to add to it, but it is one sweet ride. With plenty or room to spare, it will fit spey rods with ease and multiple anglers for group trips. This will be my go to boat for Striper, Shad, Swing and Lake trips, trips where rowing wont be the main way of travel. As far as the bodies of water More info coming soon. 

Here is your Spring Fishing Report with a bit more info about the above mentioned

Feather:

Low Flow 800cfs

High Flow 3000cfs

Clarity Low Flow 4-5ft milky green

High Flow Steelhead Green PERFECT

Fishing Good to Great

As always I have been spending a good amount of time on the Feather and for good reason, SPRING RUN STEELHEAD. The fishing on the Feather was a bit slow the start of the season but with the last huge rain fall in March, and now the higher releases in the high flow, those steelhead are in and on the grab. We are seeing good numbers of fish from 16-20" with multiple fish a day that are 20"+. While nymphing is always the better producer of numbers, dont think swinging wont get you into fish. Its the complete opposite, swinging has been producing quite well. With great steady weather to come this will be my go to river for the next few months, pretty much well into Salmon season starting July 15th.

Dates in April are very limited May and June are a bit more open.

Nymphs Princes, Caddis, Worms, Sucker Spawns, Mays, CJs, PTS

Swinging Andersons Euphoria, Thalkins Tiny Dancer, Hobo Speys, Princes

Guides Tip Place to be right now for your steelhead fix

SALMON ON THE FEATHER

Starting this year I will start guiding the Feather River for salmon trips that are for catch and keep. 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 as well with an additiional charge. Not something I normally do, but there will be plenty of room for 3 anglers 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 book you Salmon Trip now while dates are still open. 

Lower Sac

Flows 3000cfs, super low, but extremely fishable

Clarity Typically Lower Sac Green Ideal

Fishing ON FIRE

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 Sucker Spawns, Rubberlegs, Mays, Caddis, Red headed Step Childs

Guides tip Dont miss out on the great fishing while the temps are perfect. 

Yuba

Flows 4700cfs

Clarity Milky Green

Fishing Fair to good

The Yuba was PRIME TIME up until the river blew out. Right now Englebright is still cresting and will continue to for a while, with that flows are at 4700 and slowly dropping. At these flows, wading is not recommended, but if you are careful it can be done, PLEASE Wade Carefully. Personally at these flows its all about a boat to float. Despite the flows, fishing under an indicator will get you into a good number of fish. Stick to the edges and hold on. As these flows come down the fishing will only get better, the caddis should be popping of any day now and if the fish attack the caddis like they did the skwalas its going to be some epic dry fly fishing.

Nymphs Sucker Spawns, Rubberlegs, Caddis, Worms

Guides Tip give it another week or two for the flows to come down and give it a shot

SHAD ON THE YUBA

Ill be guiding for shad on the Yuba this year, and with the water we are having right now, its going to be another epic year on the Yuba. Swinging up 30-60 fish in a trip is not uncommon and the cool part is if you get tired of the shad you have stripers and trout to hunt down as well. We will start targeting the Shad the minute they come in to the last second that they leave, and this typically starts in early May, May 20th seems to be the start of the Shad season. If you are interested in getting out and swinging for the "Poor Mans Tarpon", give me a call, shoot me an email and book your trip. Again this will be your typically trip up to two anglers, however a third angler can be added at an addinonal charge. These trips will also take place in the new boat. There is no boat access to the Yuba River to fish for these shad unless you have a drift boat, join me on a fun boat ride and hook a ton of fish while doing it. 

American

Flow 8000cfs

Clarity Milky Green

Fishing Fair

Well if you fished at all this year on the American besides the opener then you know it was a pretty crappy season. Between the lack of fish and the Sea Lions, it was just a tough year for the fish. However, I will say we are seeing a few bluebacks in the river, but with 8kcfs coming down, they are very very tough to fine, better to fish the feather for steelhead right now, no crowds on the American though, hahaha. The good news is Stripers, we are only a week or 2 away from being able to get on the water and target them. With these flows it will bring them in quick and thick and Im really looking forward to stripers on the American this year. Look for end of April to mid June to be prime time. Book your striper trip now while dates remain and before the shad show up.

Putah Creek

Flow 200cfs

Clarity Putah Creek

Fishing Good to Great

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

My Available Dates

April 5,8,9,10,11,13,14,15,23,29

May 1,2,6,8,10,11,12,13,14,18-31

Please contact me for available dates after May

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

Oct 7-14

Nov 4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14

Dec 15-22

More dates available upon request and availability

There you have it folks, your Spring Fishing Report from Nor Cal Fly Guides. The fishing right now is the best we have seen it almost all year and its only going to get better. I will be adding more waters to fish this year as well as species. If you are looking for something new, I will have a few tricks up my sleeve. Im definitely looking forward to taking you fishing for Salmon on the Feather, Shad on the Yuba and Stripers throughout Nor Cal. Some see whats new with NCFG and lets get bent.

Thank you all for reading the report

And look forward to seeing you soon

January 2018 Fishing Report

Happy New Years Everyone,

What a crazy end of 2017 with the driest December on record and then to start the 2018 season out with a bang on the American, Yuba, Feather and Trinity Rivers. With spats of rain here and there things are slowly getting better, and with more rain in the near future fishing will only get better. Personally Im really looking forward to late winter early spring.

Trinity

Fishing: Winter steelhead fishing

Clarity: clear

Flows: Lewiston 300, DC 400, JC 530, Del Loma 930 flows on the drop

Despite the lack of rain there is still some fishing be had. The fall fish are still swimming around, and are taking a bit longer than normal to make their way to the hatchery, while this is going on, the winter fish are slowly trickling in as well. We are seeing a few more wild winter fish over the last week, which is a site for sore eyes and with more rain over the next few weeks, they will continue to be in. The fishing is tough, hooking 2-5 fish a day, but this is your typical winter steelhead fishing conditions, but if you willing to work hard you will be rewarded with a few very nice wild winter fish. I still have a few date remaining in Jan and Feb if you are looking to get out and chase these beautiful winter fish. We are even getting those feisty half pounders and a few bigger fish on dries, what a way to go.

Nymphs: Dark and Golden stones, hares ears, pts, psycho princes, copper johns

Swinging: hobo speys, pimps, rocks, bread crumbs, your go to winter swing flies

Dries: BWOs, March Browns

I am already booking fall trips, and lodging is filling up fast, so if you are looking to book a fall steelhead trip on the Trinity, now is the time to book.

Feather

Fishing: fair to good

Clarity: 3ft off color

Flows: Low 1000, High 1800

The upper stretch is finally open and is fishing very well but has been extremely crowded, below that has been very quiet with crowds and enough fish to get you steelhead fix. I do have a few tricks up my sleeve this time of year and it has been paying off for those willing to hang with me and not be in the crowds. We are hooking 6-10 fish daily and seeing the typical feather river steelhead 18-22" with some nice winter fish in the mix, with almost no fishing pressure from bankies or boats. Cant beat that. Nymphing has been working very well, but swinging has been producing too. Look for this place to light up any day now, and if you like to swing hold on the alevin bite is just around the corner.

Nymphs: princes, bwos, copper johns, alevins, worms

Swinging: alevins, hobo speys, olive streamers

American

Fishing: Fair

Clarity: 6ft slight color

Flows: 3000

The opener was phenomenal, I didnt take my boat out, to much of a hassle so just decided to wade fish, I fished 1 spot for a few hours and stuck 10 fish landing 5 of them. Mostly the smaller Coleman strain fish ranging from 20-22" and a mix of hatchery and wild fish. I did manage to hook 1 big winter fish, 8-10lbs, but broke it off due to another boat, long story. The fishing has slowed down since the opener, nymphing is the man producer, did have a 6 angler swing session out there last week, and only hooked 1 fish, which was a salmon, no steelhead to hand. We are seeing 5-10 fish when nymphing and there are some hot fish in the system so be ready. Rain will only help, and at some point those winter fish will be here. The AR should only continue to get better as more winter fish show and those bad as bluebacks come in early spring, really looking forward to that. Dont forget about the alevin bite, thats about 2 months out. 

Nymphs: eggs, caddis, copper johns, mays, princes, 

Swinging: just get out there and try something

Yuba

Fishing: Good

Clarity: Slightly off color, great

Flows: 10000

The Yuba has been fishing very well, with plenty of top water action to go around with the skwalas coming out. Didnt think it was going to happen with last years scour fest, but the Yuba always pulls through and in surprising fashion. The fish are not very big, but those Yuba trout pull hard no matter their size, but hey your throwing dries so who cares. We do see an occasional fish over 16, but most are 8-14". The only issue we are having right now is with boat floats, we can not take out at Sycamore as they are doing some repairs, so its walk and wade trips right now, but I think thats great, changes things up a little bit, and honestly most of us dont have boats, so you get to learn where and how to fish it on foot. The Yuba will continue to fish good for the next few months, and if dry fly fishing is your thing, its happening right now.

Nymphs: Stones, mays, worms, eggs

Dries: Skwalas, pmds, baetis

Swinging: soft hackles, olive streamers, alevins

Lower Sac

Fishing: Fair to good depending on the day

Clarity: Clear

Flows: 3500

The fishing on the Lower Sac has been hit or miss, some days are super good, other days struggle to get a few fish to hand. The lack of salmon definitely did a number on the river and how it fished this fall. There are still fishing to be had, and the best fishing on the Lower Sac is just around the corner. If you looking to fish the Lower Sac Feb March April May is some of the hottest fishing of the season. 

Nymphs: rubberlegs, worms, mays, redheaded step childs

There you have it folks, the first report of the season with many more to come. Fishing is slowly picking up, and spring is just around the corner. Whether you are looking to get out in the next week or so, or next few months, there are and will be plenty of options, however dates may not be. March April May is the busiest time of the year for me, so book ahead while dates remain.

My Local Availability

Jan 23rd

Feb 1,2,4, 11,12,13,16-28

March/April mostly open

My Trinity Availability

Jan 29,30

Feb 5,8,9,10

March 3,4,5,9,10,11

As always I hope you enjoyed the fishing report, there are some fish to be had right now, and as I always say "Be the report, dont believe the report".

Lastly, Id like to thank you all for making the 2017 season a successful one. Despite the large amount of water flows down our rivers well into summer, the fishing was pretty darn good and we had some fun times. 

Heres to a great 2018 season and many bent rods.

Look forward to seeing you on the water