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

Nov Fishing Report, Special Treat......and a bit more

Hello Ladies and Gents

Well its been a while since my last report, my sincerest apologies, this was by far the busiest fall I have had since I started guiding in Feb 2009. From mid August to now its been non stop guiding all throughout Nor Cal, and the fishing this fall was the best we have seen in years. What I am hoping is that most of you were able to get out on the water and enjoy the fishing as much as we did. It was one to definitely remember and I really hope to see you on the water next fall, just remember to book well in advance if you are looking to book between August and Nov, this year I had nothing available in Oct starting the beginning of Sept.

As I type the rain is coming down and with that bringing more fish (winter steelhead) into the system. Fishing continues to be fair to good across the North State and with small amounts of rain in the future forecast the winter fishing is going to be pretty darn good. 

The Report

Feather

Fishing - Good

Clarity - Low flow 3ft slightly brown High flow 6ft milky clear

Flows- Low flow  High flow 1300cfs

As always this river amazes me. Despite the "damn" incident that wiped out 4 runs in the low flow, including some of the best salmon spawning habitat in the entire river, those fish are resilient and have founds ways to do their

thing. The pro to the higher water this year is the amount of fish, steelhead, that have returned and entered the system. While most were fishing and floating the low flow, I decided to venture out and float from Thermalito to Gridley and had some epic days chasing steelhead in the high flow. The egg bite wasnt great this year due to the lack of salmon and that was across all the rivers in Nor Cal but that didnt stop those fish eating all types of bugs including eggs. This fishery continues to pump out some fish and will continue to be fair to good well into spring. Of course with this rain its only going to bring in more fish and that means big winter steelhead on the move. Dont think the Feather stops fishing after the salmon are done spawning, some of the biggest fish are caught between Thanksgiving and Valentines day. I love this time of year as the fish will take all types of flies including swung ones. If you are looking to fish for chrome close to home look no further than the Feather and book now while prime dates remain. If spring is your thing, it is the second busiest time of year for me and I highly recommend booking well in advance for March April May and even June on the Feather.

Nymphs: Princes, beatis, worms, caddis, eggs (dead)

Swinging: anything soft hackle, hobo spey, alevins

Trinity

Fishing - Fair to good

Clarity - Clear

Flows - Lewiston 300, Douglas City 400, Junction City 600, Del Loma 700

The more I guide/fish it, the more I love this place. The environment, nature, the beauty of the river, the sounds, the smells and of course the fish, how can you not love this place. I am currently up here now and the fishing is fair to good, some days good, some days a bit slower, but all in all, its steelhead fishing at its finest. This year I have been doing a lot of hopping around, trying to stay on the fish and away from the marathon boat hatch, and for the most part its been exciting, some days working a bit harder for our fish, other days not so much. I have also

added a few new floats to the arsenal which include the canyon as well as the Del Loma area, and I have to say, I love those floats and cant wait to show them to you. We are still getting a good number of fish on the swing and sometimes it out fishes the nymph rods. Its cuz its that time of year, fish are on the move, sick of seeing nymphs with with the scent of fresh rain, they get super grabby. With this rain we are seeing today as well as off and on for the next week, we will start seeing those winter fish very soon. With that said, if you want to chase chrome away from it all, this is the place for you. The Trinity will continue to fish fair to good the rest of this month and with the number of fish in the system we are set until the winter fish show up. Now is the time to get up here, so dont miss out on a sure thing. We are still booking Nov, Dec 2017 and booking Jan, Feb March, Aug, Sept Oct Nov Dec 2018. As always booking far in advance is highly recommend on the Trinity as its becoming more popular every season. 

Nymphs: Rubberlegs, copper johns, psycho princes, PTs, eggs, stones

Swinging: hobo speys, Andersons Euphoria, Thalkens Tiny Dancer, Hitzeburgs, Mr Pimps, Bread Crumbs, 

American

Fishing - Fair and improving fast

Clarity - Clear

Flows - 2k

Up until a few weeks ago it was all about the traditional feisty half pounders with an occasional adult. But with the recent rains, and lot has changed, we are starting to see those larger winter fish that the American is well known for. While the upper river is closed, that doesnt mean you have to wait till Jan 1st to fish it, there is some sweet water below the power lines, and when you hook something down there, you found out how bad these fish really are. Between the great swing and nymph water around every corner, its hard to say no. Of course with the opener (Jan 1st) just around the corner, you know what that means, everyone up top hammering the top 2 miles of the river. So if you really want to have some fun, fish below Sunrise and be ready. The American will fish fair to good from now till sometimes May depending on flows, fish and river clarity. We have much for fishable water last season as it was 8k and brown, but this season is looking pretty good as of right now. If you want to have the opportunity at a 10-15lb steelhead and dont want to travel far look no further than the American River in the heart of Sacramento from now till late Feb, these winter fish are big and full of fight. I would recommend booking early if you are looking to get out.

Nymphs: Princes, caddis, mays, copper johns, eggs, pts, worms

Swinging: hobo speys, Andersons Euphoria, Thalkens Tiny Dancer

Yuba

Fishing - Fair to good

Clarity - Clear

Flows - 1050cfs

Well I would love to say that it was a stellar fall season on the Yuba, but it wasnt. The fishing was fair, some days good, but the lack of salmon was a real shocker, it seems as though the numbers get less and less every year. There was a small egg bite but nothing to write home about. Currently the fishing is ok, again nothing great, but you can definitely get out and stick some fishing. Most fish are 8-12", but we have seen a few fish in the 14-16" range as well. Its going to be interesting to see what happens to the Yuba over the next few months and even years. Nymphing has been the main producer of fish, however we have been getting a good number of fish swinging as well as throwing dries. Hopefully we start seeing some good numbers of salmon returning, those Yuba trout definitely need those eggs to fatten up for the winter season. As January comes upon us, the skwala stones will start coming out and you know those trouts go nuts for stonefly butts, thats dry fly time. After that you have the March browns followed up by the April caddis. The Yuba can have some epic dry fly fishing from Jan to April, and we are definitely looking forward to that. 

Nymphs: Rubberlegs, caddis, mays, beatis, small copper johns, worms, eggs

Swinging: olive woolly buggers, tan soft hackles, alevins

Lower Sac

Fishing - Fair to good

Clarity - Steelhead green

Flows - 5k

The lack of salmon definitely hurt the fishing, and being that the flows were at 8k well into Nov, fishing it was a bit more difficult that usual. Finding to feisty Lower Sac bows was a bit frustrating at times, but once you found them and figured out what they wanted the fishing was pretty darn good. Now that the flows are finally back down to normal fall flows the fishing has really heated up. The fishing will continue well into winter and early spring. Definitely a fishery we are happy to have back to normal. 

Nymphs: Rubberlegs, caddis, mays, typicaly Lower Sac bugs

There you have it folks, as you know the rain makes the fish get grabby, if you are looking to get out now is the time. I hope you enjoy the report, and look forward to seeing you on the water soon. 

My Local Availability:

Nov 26, 28, 29

Dec 1,3,9,10,12,26,27,28,29

Jan 7,8,9,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31

Please contact me for available dates after January. Also other dates available upon request

My Trinity Availability:

Nov 16

Dec 14,15,16,17,18,22

Jan 14,15,16,17,18,19

Please contact me for available dates after January, Also other dates available upon request

Special Treat

As you all may know, I like to give back to all my clients that continue to book trips and support Nor Cal Fly Guides. Without you I would not be able to enjoy the job that I have, which is guiding each and every one of you on some of the finest rivers and streams in Northern California. So with the high interested in the past years for gift certificates as Christmas presents, I would like to offer a gift to all my clients/their families for supporting NCFG though the years for Christmas. Forward this email over to your loved ones and let them know that you would like to take advantage of this awesome gift. Have them email or call me, and Ill make sure to take care of them, so they can take care of you. After all is said and done, hopefully you get a full day guided trip for Christmas in your stocking. Either way, whether you buy one for yourself or they buy one for you, this is me saying thank you for always showing me the support over the years.

The Details:

Full Day Trips only

$50 discount on gift certificates only 

Normally $450, $400 for gift certificates for a limited time

Limited to one gift certificate per angler

Available for purchase from Nov 22nd to Dec 22nd

This is good on all rivers Nor Cal Fly Guides guide

Price does not include 3rd party shuttle or gratuity

If you have any questions please feel free to ask

The bit more info:

Starting Jan 2018, my rates for the Lower Sac and Trinity Rivers will increase from $450 to $500 per day per boat. However, this price increase will include a third party shuttle, which means no longer having to run our own, putting the boat on the water and go. If needed we can place the clients vehicle mid drift, if we come across fish and dont want to float all the way down to the original take out location. All in all, this will make floating/fishing the Lower Sac and Trinity a much easier process on you as well as myself. I can pick you up at your hotel, meet at a general location, meet at the take out location or anything along those lines. Again just a smoother process for everyone. This rate increase still includes lunch, drinks, snacks, rods, reels, lines and all other equipment needed for the days trip. It does not include waders, boots, jacket or licenses. 

If you are looking to book the Trinity in 2018 and want to take advantage of the $450 rate, please book between now and Jan 1st. The $450 rate does not include the 3rd party shuttle. 

Once again I hope you enjoyed the fishing report. I look forward to seeing you on the water soon.

Thank you again for supporting Nor Cal Fly Guides as your local fly fishing guide service, and making it a huge success.

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.*

August Fishing Report ..... Its Almost Fall.....

Hello Fellow Anglers

Wow, what a crazy fishing season we have had this year, between crazy high flows and the above normal high temps, its been an interested one when getting out on the water, ones with an open mind and willing to put in the time, seem to be the ones into fish. Even now the flows on some Sac Valley rivers are making it tough for wading, but despite the temps and flows the fishing has been fair to good, and with fall knocking at our door the fishing is and will only get better. With that said, fall will be here sooner than you think, and if you are thinking of booking a fall trip, I still have some prime dates remaining for the "EGG BITE" as well as dates for some great fall swinging, if to swing is your thing.

Here is your Nor Cal Fly Guides Fishing Report

American River:

Flows - 3600cfs

Clarity - Clear

Fishing - Fair to Good

The shad are finally gone, YYEEEEESSSSSS!!!!! This means that its time for striper fishing again, and it has been getting better over the past few weeks. We are seeing the typically shakers, but a few bigger fish from 3-7lbs have been hooked as well, this will continue though Sept and is a great half day trip. We are also getting into a good number of half pounders and if you are in the right place at the right time you will hook a few adults pushing 6lbs. Personally I love this time of year for a few reasons, during the week there are few rafters on the water and you can target both stripers, steelhead and even salmon (if they are in) in the same day with some good success. Great time of year to swing your light weight 2 handed rods and in the evening throwing dries can be epic. All in all, a great time of year to be on the American, crowds are gone and fishing is pretty good. As fall approaches its only going to get better. 

Stripers: traditional clousers, pole dancers

Nymphs: caddis, mayflies, prince nymphs, copper johns, eggs

Swinging: soft hackles, silver hiltons, ho bo speys, olive streamers, Thalken's tiny dancer, Anderson's euphoria

Feather River:

Flows - 1500cfs low flow, 7k high flow

Clarity - 8ft viz slight color

Fishing - Fair - good

Boy has this river been a saving grace for me this year. With most of the Nor Cal rivers blown out from January to May, it was tough to get out on the water to work, but when June came around that was a different story. The flows and clarity on the Feather became good enough to get out and fish it and boy were we surprised. Lots and lots of fish to be had and not a single angler in site. For almost a month we had this river to ourself, and it was fishing consistently everyday. Lots of half pounders from 14-18" and a handful of fish from 18-22" everyday and the occasional 22-26" fish was hooked as well. The fishing continued will into July as the flows decreased, and now that the flows are at a steady 1500cfs in the low flow, we are still hitting a good number of halfies with an adult mixed in every so often. We are starting to see the salmon in the low flow, finally, and in a few weeks they should be stacked. If you havent been on the feather yet this season, I would recommend checking it out, it has completely changed, a lot like the Yuba, a completely new river. With the showing of the salmon that means only one thing, the "EGG BITE" is soon to follow. Oct Nov is prime time for the egg bite on the Feather and if you are looking to book, booking in advance is highly recommended. 

Nymphs: princes, caddis, mayflies, worms, eggs, pts, 

Swinging: tan soft hackles, anderson's euphories, ho bo speys, thalken's tiny dancer, olive streamers

Yuba River: 

Flows - 2600cfs

Clarity - Gin Clear

Fishing - Fair to good

The Newba has been fishing fair to good with plenty of fish to go around. We are seeing a good number of fish coming up and eating dries and hoppers, and the indicator rig has been super consistent for numbers, but not needed. The usual dries and nymphs have been working as well as the Pink Fat Albert, which is like candy for these trout and hopper droppers/dry droppers are producing as well. The salmon are very slow to show here, and we are hopping that we start seeing some in the next few weeks. If you are looking to get out and not travel, give the Newba a try, but wade carefully, at 2600cfs its extremely pushy, and wading across is not going to happen. If you know the access points and where the fish hold (they havent moved around to much), you will come out with some nice fish to hand. Oh if you like to swing, definitely give that a go, they have been hammering swung flies.

Dries: almost anything, fat alberts tan and pink

Nymphs: rubberlegs, stoneflies, caddis, mayflies, worms, eggs

Swinging: tan soft hackles, olive streamers

Lower Sac:

Flows - 10,500cfs

Clarity - good, 10ft, slightly off color

Fishing - Good

As always the Lower Sac continues to fish as it always does, and has been extremely consistent. The upper stretch opened back up on August 1st and we are seeing some nice fish in that stretch, but we are also seeing a good number of boat hatches. I was told that on the opener every parking lot from Posse to Anderson was full and over following and at one point a good friend counted 38 boats in the Posse Grounds fishing area, CRAZY!!!! Of course the Lower Sac will continue to fish well as fall approaches, and it doesn't stop there. "Egg Bite" is just around the corner and if you arent thinking about it by now, you should be, its going to come and go before you can blink an eye.

Nymphs: rubberlegs, caddis, mays, red headed stepchild, amber princes, 

Trinity River:

Flows - 450 cfs

Clarity -  Clear

Fishing - fair to good

Man I love talking about this river, its becoming one that I guide more and more each year, and it keeps 

producing while others are not, sometimes not so easily, but thats what makes the Trinity so cool and fun to fish, you have to "Earn It". With that said its even fishing as I type. This is one of my favorite times of year on the Trinity, the lower flows make wading a breeze, and there are not a ton of people on the river. Your typical half pounders can be found throughout the river system and the closer to the dam the more you will find. The halfies will put any 5wt rod to its test and while you can get a ton nymphing, these mini-chrome domes will eagerly take a dry or a swung fly, they are just a hoot. On the bigger note, strewn about in the river system are the early fall run fish that can range from 3-6lbs and some pushing 10lbs are caught this time of year as well. While nymphing once again will get you on a good number of fish, these early fish will talk swung flies likes its going out of style, they love skated flies too. If you are looking to swing from now till about mid Nov this is the river, and that is prime time to swing for chrome. If you are looking for something different, treat yourself to a guided trip down the Trinity River, you wont be disappointed with its beauty, solitude and over all fishing experience. Booking well in advance is highly recommended on the Trinity as my dates fill up fast, especially in the early season prior to December.

Dries: stones, caddis, hoppers, stimulators

Nymphs: rubberlegs, stones, mays, caddis, pshyco princes, rubberleg copper johns

Swinging: soft hackles, ho bo speys, Anderson's euphoria, Thalken's tiny dancer

My Available Dates:

August - 14,15,17,18,22,26, 27,28,29

Sept - 8,29

Oct - 2,3,5,9,22,23,24,25,27,28,29

Please contact me for more available dates in 2017/2018

My Available Trinity Dates:

August - 30,31

Sept - 1,2,5,6,11,13

Oct - 11,12,15,16,17,18,19,20

Nov - 12,13,14,16,17,18,19

Please contact me for more available dates in 2017/2018

There you have it folks, despite what you may hear, I continue to say "Be The Report, Don't Believe The Report". Fishing is good right now, and fish to be had no matter what technique, style ot species you would like to target. With few people on the water, having the river to yourself is a very good possibility, that will change once October comes. Im really looking forward to the fall as the flows we have now should continue well into fall and late winter. The fall is looking better than ever and it will be here sooner than you think. 

If you are thinking of a fall or winter trip, give me a call and lets go have some good times and tight lines.

I look forward to hearing from you

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime

See you on the water

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.*