Happy New Years Everybody
I hope that everyone had a fun and safe New Years as well as a very Merry Christmas.
With the recent Xmas and New Years rains, they have brought new life to our Nor Cal rivers and the winter fishing is something to write home about, and its only gonna get better on each and everyone of them.
Before we get into the fishing report, Id like to let everyone know that I will be at the ISE Show on Thursday and Saturday, and will be hanging out at the Fly Fishing Specialties booth in Building C. If you are deciding to go, come in and say hi. Ill also be offering a show special for anyone looking to book a trip, or several at the show with me. Book at the show and receive $50 off on any full day guided trip. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Trinity River
Flows: 300cfs Lewiston, 400cfs Steelhead Bridge, 475 DC, 700 JC
River Clarity: 8ft very slight green
Fishing: Good to great
I have been spending a good amount of time here over the past 2 months and for good reason, the fishing is good on all fronts. The rains have hit the river perfectly and with each "natural" AF (atmospheric flow), its pumping in new fresh fish. Despite the low river temps 38-42 degs, depending on the day, recent trips have yielded good numbers of swung fish and of course nymphing is producing as always. Who says you cant swing fish up with river temps under 40degs, you just gotta get out there and try. Not only are we getting nice chrome on the swing as of late, we have have also been hooking browns on a regular basis too, which is always a treat. With more rains in the forecast, it will only set this river up for more winter steelhead success for the remaining month of Jan as well as Feb and March. Nows the time to enjoy some big winter fish on Trinity, or if you are looking for a bit warmer temps you can look forward to the dry fly fishing and swing sessions in Feb and March.
Booking these dates in advance is highly recommended.
Nymphs: Rubberlegs, Copper Johns, Golden Stone, Drakes, Psycho Princes,
Swinging: Hobo Speys, Obsidian Johnsons, Thalkens Dancers, Andersons Euphoria
Book your next Trinity River Steelhead Adventure and receive 15% off your reservatoin at Indian Creek Lodge. Ask me for further details
Feather River
Flows: 940cfs Low Flow, 1800cfs High Flow
Clarity: 4ft milky green
Fishing: Fair to good
The upper stretch has opened up and for those that ventured out on the 1st above the 70 bridge you were in for a crowded experience with a good number of fish to hand. If you arent into crowds dont worry, theres still some good water out there. The recent rains have pulled in a new batch of fish here as well, and the fishing is pretty good and of course will only get better. Swinging again as been producing a good number of fish and of course nymphing has been good as well. The alevins are out and about, and the fish are really keying in on them. Been seeing good numbers of beatis, and on those warmer days we had we did see a few of caddis. The typical winter bugs have been producing as usual. Fishing is good now and only gonna get better, nows the time to be out there. My busiest time of year is just around the corner, if you enjoy fishing the Feather March, April and May, please book your dates well in advance.
Nymphs: Princes, Worms, Caddis, BWOs, PTs, Tobys Alevin, Eggs
Swinging: Andersons Euphoria, Tobys Alevin, Hobo Speys, Silver Hilton
Yuba River
Flow: 1000cfs, out of Englebright
Clarity: 8ft steelhead green PERFECT
Fishing: Great
WOW, you need to be out here asap, the fishing couldnt be better, even though it will get better, but we are seeing some extremely large trout and steelhead some pushing mid to upper 20" on the Yuba that we havent seen in years. With a few Skwalas shucks already on the banks, these guys will be showing up any day now, and when they do its going to be lights out on top throwing drys all day. Right now these fish are eating just about anything you throw at them, on top, under and bobber and even swinging. Personally, if you want to fish a place thats close to home and experience one of the last wild rivers in the state, come experience the Yuba River with me, its the place to be. The river is no longer blown out and its time to get out there and have some fun. With prime dates available for the skwala hatch in late Jan and Feb, booking now is highly recommended. The fishing doesnt stop in Feb as the March browns start showing up late Feb, and spring time caddis in late March. The Yuba is going to be the place to be for months to come. Book your dates now while prime dates remain.
Nymphs:Stones, Eggs, Worms, BWOs, PMDs, PTs
Swinging: Stones, Andersons Euphoria, Alevins, Soft hackles, olive streamers
Drys: PMDs, BWOs, Pinkys, Stones
Book now for some of the best fishing we have seen in years with some of the biggest fish we havent seen in over a decade.
American River
Flow: 1760cfs
Clarity: 8ft clearish green
Fishing: Fair to good
The opener has now past us and while the water is lower than we have seen in the past few years, the fishing is decent. Good numbers of 2-4lb fish are in the system and those elusive Eel River strain are in and around as well. Pressure isnt as bad as I have seen in recent years which is interesting, but still the best time to be on the water is mid week. Swinging can produce this time of year if you can find a run to swing effectively, however nymphing is always the tried and true this time of year. If you are looking to get into some nice steelhead and not travel very far, look no further than the American. With recent rains, fresh fish are showing up in the lower river, where swinging can be really good, in a few weeks these same fish will be in the upper stretch of the AR, so fishing will continue to be good for the next few months.
Nymphs: Eggs, Copper Johns, Hares Ear, Caddis, Worms
Swinging: Hobo Speys, Andersons Euphoria, Pick yer pocket, Thalkens Crusier
Lower Sac
I havent been on the Lower Sac for sometime now, so a up to date report I can not and will not give as I am unsure on how its fishing. I have heard from reliable sources that its been a bit tougher than usual, and I have to think its due to the unruly weather. With a steady forecast in the near future look for the Lower Sac to get better. Dont forget the best fishing to be had is just around the corner in late Feb early March to mid May. If your looking to get up there, book now while prime dates remain.
My Available Local Water Dates
Jan 17,18,19,21,22,23,24,27,28,30,
Feb 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,13 (prime time Skwala time)
March 2,3,4,18,19,21,22,23,24,25,26,
April 1-9,11-15,20-30
More dates available upon request
My Available Trinity/Lower Sac Dates
Feb 20,21,24
March 6-13
More dates available upon request. Outside of these dates, 2 day booking minimum
There you have it folks, your 2019 New Years fishing report. Hope you enjoyed it and as you can see, its time to get out and enjoy some great winter fishing. If your looking to book a trip in the very near future, a few months down the road or even this fall, I highly recommend booking in advance as soon as you know the dates you are interested in.
I would like to remind everyone to watch where they walk and wade in the river as not only salmon eggs are still in incubation in the river cobble but also steelhead and trout eggs as well. Please wade cautiously, one more fish isnt worth crushing hundreds of eggs, dont be that angler. If you are unaware of what to look for please feel free to ask or even google search "what does a redd look like".
I would like to thank every single one of you that made my 2018 guiding season a success. It is you that allows me to do what I love and share that passion with you on some of the finest rivers and streams in Nor Cal. Thank you, cheers and heres to wishing you a fishy and successful 2019 season.
SOLID GRABS
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 Expceptions.*