Northern California Fly Fishing Report January 5, 2024
Happy New Year everyone! Recent wet weather has steelhead on the move here in Northern California and lakes and rivers on the rise! Although much of the state’s trout waters are closed, there remain some solid winter options for trout and even bass to go with steelhead.
Best bets: Lower Sacramento River , Truckee or Lake Almanor for trout, Trinity for Steelhead, Oroville for Bass or Pyramid Lake - Cutthroat!
Note: If you would like to have your photos featured in the report please email them to Johnny and Mike here. Please remember to like, comment and share this report and we are always open to suggestions!
Happy angler with nice Almanor Brown Trout caught this Fall.
Water: LAKE ALMANOR
RATING: Fair
WATER TEMPS: Low 40’s
WATER LEVEL: Slowly rising
CLARITY: 5 to 8 ft.
We are just starting to get some snow up at Almanor… Finally!!!
Fishing pressure has been light and on the calm overcast day's the bite has been great! This time of year the metabolism of the Trout is fairly slow so they will be feeding on small insects and leeches. Runoff inlets should produce some good fishing but very stealth tactics are required. Sight fishing can be done mostly from a boat this time of year.
Looking forward ahead with the lake being full and healthy we are especially looking forward to the Spring bite. This typically starts the Last week of March to Mid April depending on weather. If Almanor is on your radar or even if it isn’t, but you like catching big rainbows, browns and even smallmouth, then this will be a great year to experience it!
For more information on fishing Lake Almanor click here!
Guide Tip : Be patient and read the water carefully before fishing. Keep A #16 parachute on hand just in case you see some surface activity.
Key Dates: Booking March, April and May.
Water: AMERICAN RIVER STEELHEAD
RATING: Good to Great
WATER TEMPS: High 50’s
CLARITY: Clear
Now is the time for steelheading on American and we are all systems go! Recent rains have lots of beautiful steelhead pushing up into the system. Fish have moved in and are already starting prespawn. From now through March we can expect good fishing and each storm will see more fish come in with each surge of rain water. As far as patterns and technique go,…nymphing is producing best although some hardy folks are having success on the swing(just less fish which comes with the territory). “Eggs and Legs” as well as caddis, Birds Nests, Prince Nymphs, Purple Psycho Princes, Black and regular Copper Johns, and caddis patterns will also produce. Best bead color has been Natural Roe and Montana Roe. Expect from now through March to be on! Give us a call for up to date fishing reports at (707)297-2939 or to get in one of our boats!
Guide tip: The fish are close in don’t worry about casting out too far work the inside!
For more information on fishing the American click here!
Guide Tip : The fish are close in don’t worry about casting out too far work the inside!
Key Dates: Jan 15,19, 21, 26-30
WATER: LAKE BERRYESSA
RATING: Fair to Good
WATER TEMPS: 50’s
CLARITY: Clear
Fishing is currently so-so on Berryessa…but that is about to change! Fish are already beginning to work their way from deeper warmer water getting ready for their Spring ritual. February should see the bite take off and good fishing on this Napa County gem. Located a mere 1 hour and 20 minutes from San Francisco and the Bay Area makes this a really great place to fish. March, April and May are prime time, so consider yourself warned. =) We employ the “Float n Fly” technique pioneered by our very own Ryan Williams with good success using his balanced Wakasagi minnows and leaches. Thirty to 50 fish days are very possible and common during peak months so great fishing is not far off. This fishery is ideal for beginners or even experienced anglers who like lots of action in a scenic environment not far from San Francisco, Napa or Sacramento.
Guide Tip : Patrick recommends “fishing the drop offs and start deep at the beginning of the season to search for fish”. As March and April come along and water temps warm fish will be found in 12 to 8 feet of water. Johnny says “Work the steep banks and make sure to be quick on the set as the bite is quick and subtle.
For more information on fishing Lake Berryessa click here!
WATER: DELTA STRIPER
RATING: POOR
WATER TEMPS: 50-55 Deg
CLARITY: Some Color
Fishing is pretty slow on the Delta for Striper. As late as December there were a few fish being caught out West. We can’t complain as this year was fantastic on the San Juaquin River Delta. Unfortunately wIth this last series of storms those fish have scattered. Even when they were around cold water temps led to very small and erratic bite windows and it was hard to tell when that would be. We will be looking forward to March as long as weather permits. April and May are usually prime and then again in the Fall. Reach out to get on Bryce’s schedule by calling (707)287-2939.
Guide Tip : Go fish the Trinity!
Key open Dates: March if weather allows.
For more information on fishing the Delta with us click here!
WATER: Feather River Steelhead
RATING: POOR
WATER TEMPS: Mid 50’s
CLARITY: GOOD
Things have finally slowed on the Feather River out of Lake Oroville north of Sacramento. This Fall was a great year season on this central valley producer . It was a once in a decade kind of a run this year according to Ryan. Due to the salmon closure, there were a ton of salmon that reached their spawning grounds. And the steelhead were on those eggs as usual. Then due to higher flows in the late summer, both steelhead and salmon pushed into the river in great numbers to start things off with a bang! Nymphs produced best during the early season. While eggs and even dry flies produced throughout the Fall. The dry fly thing might have been a fluke, it's not normal, but it happened this last year and it was unforgettable! Lots of fish big fishg sipping on tiny bugs in the afternoons! We expect good things for the 2024 Fall Season as it looks like we're getting plenty of water o\in Lake Oroville this season once again! Our repeat customers are snatching up Fall dates right now so get em before they’re gone.
Guide Tip : For now, go fish the Trinity!!!
For more information on fishing the Feather with us click here!
Oroville provides excellent Mid-Winter fly fishing options for those who take advantage!
WATER: LAKE OROVILLE
RATING: Great to Fair
WATER TEMPS: 53 Deg
CLARITY: Clear
It's tough to predict how the bite will be from week to week, but the spotted bass bite has been solid so far this entire winter. The float n fly is the go to technique in the winter months. Bass are fat, healthy, and puking up pond smelt all over the place. They're fattening up for the winter months. The routine lately has been going for larger fish in the early morning with less numbers. Then moving to a different area to target numbers over size later in the day. This makes for a fun fulfilling day on the water! Bald and Golden eagles are out on the prowl in full swing. Often we see zero other boats on the water this time of year. Great way to get a good winter fix of fishing in!
Guide Tip : “Find structure = Find fish!”
Key Open Dates: Call for availability at (707)287-2939
For more information on fishing Lake Oroville with us click here!
WATER: PUTAH CREEK
RATING: None
WATER TEMPS: NA
CLARITY: NA
We are currently not guiding Putah Creek due to the spawn. Putah is located within an hour of the San francisco Bay Area and 45 minutes from Sacramento. As a result it gets highly pressured and so giving it a rest is a must! Thanks for helping to preserve this popular California Heritage Trout stream which will never be stocked with hatchery fish again. As a result it is critical to leave Putah’s wild spawning fish alone to do their thing without being harassed, or their eggs being crushed by wading the creek. We will begin guiding on March 1st. We already have a number of bookings for the beginning of March so call today to get an angle on how we consistently catch big fish even when fishing is tough for most anglers.
Guide Tip : Tie flies or go up and fish the Truckee or Trinity!
Key Open Dates: March 10, 17, 22, 24
For more information on fishing Putah Creek with us click here!
Those willing to brave the winter weather at Pyramid are often rewarded with big smiles!
WATER: Pyramid Lake Nevada(Yes we know its not in Northern California…but its close enough, its Epic and our guides do it well!)
RATING: Fair to Poor
WATER TEMPS: 47 Deg as of noon today.
CLARITY: Good
Pyramid has been fair to poor in recent weeks, but better fishing should be coming along soon. Our weather got cold early this year which had an effect on the fishing. We got record rains last year which was great, but higher water has definitely changed the beaches and ledges this season. Some ledges are harder to get to. The lake has came up 3 feet! With that and colder water temps it has been best to fish deeper (up to 30 feet!) Give darker leeches a tug or beatles and boobies behind a streamer. If nymphing is your thing, try midges in green/black and Copper Johns. Stripping has been fair to good. Beetles in Chartreuse and white or olive on bright days fished with an unweighted Woolly Bugger is definitely worth a go. Some fish continue to be caught on balanced leaches(white and olive on sunny days or Black on dark days. With the recent storms we expect things to really kick into gear on in mid to late February as long as we keep getting storms. Stay tuned! Last year we fished from mid February all the way through June…and what a year it was!!! How late we go this season will depend on surface temps, but all the way to June possibility. In June we go back to the float tubes and tight line for good numbers of fish in the to 10 or 15 lbs range.
Plan your prime April and May Pyramid trips now as we’re already booking up especially on the weekend. Give us a call today at (707)287-2939.
Guide Tip : Wait for storms and fish during them if possible. Fishing is best during inclement weather. Mike says “fish light colored flies(white and Chartreuse) on brite days and dark(black, olive, purple etc.) on dark days.”
Key open Dates: April 4, 5, 7, 14, 19, 21, 23-26, 28-30
For more information on fishing Pyramid Lake with us click here!
These happy anglers were fortunate to be out with Ben on the Lower Sac making memories!
WATER: LOWER SACRAMENTO RIVER
RATING: Good
WATER FLOWS: 5,100CFS
WATER TEMPS: 50’s
CLARITY: Clear
The Lower Sacramento continues to fish well. Current releases from Keswick remain around the 5,100 CFS mark and clarity is great all the way to Clear Creek! With recent rains tributaries are adding color, and it is definitely blown out down below Cottonwood. Clear Creek and Churn Creek are pretty dirty, so if you are floating, taking out at Bonnyview may be a smart call. Midge and BWO hatches will have the trout looking for smaller, dark offerings in the morning. Black #18 Lil' Bit Midges, Zebra Midges, Mercer's Micro May, a BP Weiss Nymph or a jigged X-May are all working. Fish can be found in a lot of places, deep and shallow, so probe all of the water to make sure you aren't missing out on hooking up. The river is definitely worth wading, and there are hatchery steelhead in the system below Jellys Ferry for sure, a Trout Spey with your favorite swing fly can be a lot of fun for the next three months. We have a few open spots for guided trips over the next couple of weeks. To get a day out on the river with one of our guides, give us a ring at (707)287-2939
Guide Tip : (Hot Flies)
Dry Flies:
• Mercer's Missing Link, Dark
• Spotlight Caddis Emerger - Spotlight Caddis Emerger
• Comparadun - BWO, PMD
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Jigged Birds Nest - Natural, Hot Spot #14-16
• Fox's Poopah - #12-14
• Bubbleback Caddis, - Amber #14
• Olive Hot Spot, - #18
• Weiss Nymph, -
• Peaches n' Green, -
• Peaches n' Cream, -
• Ginger Snap, -
• Pat's Rubber Legs - #4-8
Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Peachy King, Shrimp Pink
• Boles Bazookas - Shrimp Pink, Peachy King
Key Dates: We have several open upcoming dates so call (707)2872939
For more information on fishing the Lower Sac with us click here!
A fairly typical Fall run hatchery Steelhead on the Trinity.
WATER: TRINITY RIVER
RATING: Good to Great
WATER TEMPS: Low 40’s
CLARITY: Colored to steelhead green depending on how recent we had rain
We are off to a great season on the Trinity this year! The river fished great from August, September and October through November. It was not crowded at all all the way through mid November. We had an incredible season(one of the best over) swinging flies with two handed rods up here this year. One thing to keep in mind is the Trinity doesn’t need nasty cold and wet weather early on for the fishing to be great. This year was a good example of that. Things slowed a bit in November and December due to dry conditions but recent storms have definitely changed that! In case you weren’t aware the Trinity has two distinct runs of Steelhead. The Fall run is made up slightly more of hatchery fish(like the one in the photo) with about 30 to 40% of the run being wild. That was the case again this year. We caught and released good numbers and noticed right away how many were sizeable specimen. Fish in the 30 to 32” range have been making for memorable days so far. As these Fall fish moved up top, and podded up but got slightly tight lipped when it came to eating. We still got fish but had to work for them. December say a little rain which led to things slowing a bit. Fortunately late right around Christmas and now here in January we have had a couple decent storms which bumped the flows and all the feeder creeks are pumping in water. This colored up parts of the river, but usually within a day or so of the rain stopping folks who where on the water were rewarded with beautiful steelhead green and some fresh Chrome. Fish had been staging along the creek ready to head up and as of my writing this Friday morning many of those fish have moved in to shallow water tribs to do their thing. The last of these Fall fish will be finishing up and heading back down to the Ocean. The good news is storms in late December and now January are bringing in even larger winter fish which will all be wild! We have even caught a few larger browns. Our friend Travis Ortiz from The Fly Shop caught a gorgeous 32” Brown last month.
As far as what to fish, “Egg and legs” (egg patterns or beads and big leggy dark stonefly patterns) are go to’s for sure. Also nymphing with Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Caddis patters and San Juan Worms is productive.
We highly recommend that you book your Fall Trinity trip now for next year! Fishing has been so good this Fall that many of the folks who fished with us just booked 2024 on the spot. August September, October, and of course November were all good on Trinity and are as reliable a bet as you can have for steelhead fishing in California. As mentioned above we get a pretty epic swing bite early in the season so book early for next year if that is your thing!
Guide Tip : Peter says on days with a bit of color fishing a pink San Juan Worm or Squirmy Wormy can be effective.
Key Available Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 22, 24-26, 28-31 We have had repeat bookings from several clients already reserved dates in August, September October and November 2024. We recommend getting your dates now as we expect to fill up well before the Fall comes back around.
For more information on fishing the Trinity Click Here!
WATER: TRUCKEE RIVER (California side)
RATING: Good
WATER TEMPS: Mid 30’s
CLARITY: Clear
Fishing is good on the Truckee right now, for those who are willing to bundle up and get out! If you will be in Tahoe skiing and want to mix in some fishing, throw in your gear and come on up! Even if not but you are feeling a bit of cabin fever and want to wet a line the Truckee is a solid option. As far as what to fish, right now its Baetis and midges or attractors such as San Juan worms, birds nests or dark colored clinger nymphs that have been getting it done. Winter stones will become a thing in late February so keep that in mind gong forward. Currently we are catching decent numbers of fish most of which are rainbows with an occasional Brown mixed in. During the winter, most fish are 14’” and up, as opposed to the Summer months when the occasional 6 to 8 inch fish will find your fly irresistible. The browns in the river are post spawn and a bit lethargic currently, but we expect that to change this month. If you plan to get out, definitely dress warm. Leave the cotton long johns and designer jeans at home! We recommend polyester material like Fleece and Capilene with plenty of layers. Fleece and merino wool gloves and socks are a must and a good warm beanie to cover your ears is a good take. Our guides provide hot drinks on the water to warm up your hands, and body core. Staying warm can really make a difference between a miserable and a great day! As the water and air warm up later in the day, we are seeing pods of fish start to rise to dries! Again BWO’s and Midges the best bets. It is pretty special to be fishing dries in January, February and March in California. The “T” is definitely a spot scratch that itch if you happen to be of the dry fly persuasion.
Guide Tip: Dan and Matt recommend waiting to fish later in the day when the water warms up to 38 or 39 degrees 10 or 11 a.m. “Fish have been coming up to eat dries once it warms up! FIsh small Baetis and midges in the slow water” A good rule of thumb for winter fishing on the Truckee is to focus on water that is moving no faster than you can comfortably walk wearing waders and gear(2 miles an hour or so)
Key Available Dates: Jan 12, 14, 19, 26, 28 and February is currently wide open!
For more information on fishing the Truckee Click Here!
WATER: TRUCKEE RIVER (Nevada side)
RATING: Great
WATER TEMPS: 38
CLARITY: Clear
The Truckee on the Nevada side is a bit of a sleeper for most anglers. The Nevada portion is fishing really well actually right now. Both larger rainbows, Browns along with good numbers of cuitties are making for some great winter action. adding to the numbers. On Dec 30th Mike had a day with16 Cutthroat and one really nice 23”brown! The streamer bite is a bit slow but still getting a few chases and eats on the days we deploy the meat. This is due to the cold water’s effect on trout metabolism. They simply aren’t as likely to chase food in cold water. Key patterns have been fishing mostly midges, stones and San Juan or Squirmy worms. Baetis fishing should start soon, Best dry fly will be in mid February to March 1st. Blue Wing Olives(BWO) or Baetis tend to be larger in the winter than summer with is kind of counter intuitive (its normally the opposite on most rivers) We will begin fishing size 14 to 16. BWO dries soon, Currently there are a few midge eaters mid day even now on most days. The last half of February, the hatch will become fairly consistent from 10 a.m. through mid day till early afternoon. That time of year expect it to end by 3 p.m. Fishing should be good all winter and Spring as long as the winter storms don’t send us packing. In June warmer temps bring our favorite…STREAMER TIME! IF you haven’t experienced this, a float on the Nevada side both nymphing and throwing streamers is a kick!
Guide Tip : Go now!
Key Open Dates: Last half of Feb
For more information on fishing the Truckee Click Here!
WATER: YUBA RIVER
RATING: Good
WATER TEMPS:
CLARITY:
The Yuba is fishing! It’s time to start thinking Skwalas Dries and nymphs! It has been so peaceful on the river recently. In case you didn’t know the normal access that both drift boats as well as dirt bikes, 4x4s and gold panners have in the past used to access the river below highway 20 has been closed indefinitely. There are only a couple guides with private access above highway 20 bridge and we are fortunate two of them are ours. Those lucky anglers fortunate enough to be in their boats, have literally had the river to themselves when it comes to boat traffic(and no dirtbike and 4wheeler noise)! Fishing has been good for us with rubber legs and solitude stones and our other go to Skwala nymphs. Fish them deep and shallow next to the bank. Rio’s Skwala dry is a great option when head hunting the banks of the Yuba but we have a couple of our own custom ties that fool these smart rainbows with uncanny regularity. For your more traditional nymph under an indicator approach try pheasant tails, red copper johns, hares ears and caddis patterns.
Guide Tip : Rob says “The yuba trout can be spooky at times so be stealthy with your dry fly shots and make them count. A lot of dry eats will be closer to the bank as the skwalas are crawling out of the depths to hatch. 5 and 6 weights with floating lines are perfect when targeting Skwala eaters.” Light fluorocarbon tippet is also a must.
Key open Dates: Jan 14, 21 and 28, February 11, 18th, and 25th
For more information on fishing the Yuba with us click here!
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Thank you for reading the report this far. Hoping for blessings and good fishing in 2024 for all of you.
Note: If you have a fishing report or photos to submit please send email them to Johnny and Mike here.
