Fish Report for 1-3-2024

Releases from Keswick remain around the 5,100 CFS mark

1-3-2024
The Fly Shop

Releases from Keswick remain around the 5,100 CFS mark and clarity is great all the way to Clear Creek. The tributaries are adding color, and it is definitely blown below Cottonwood. Clear Creek and Churn Creek are pretty dirty, so if you are floating, taking out at Bonnyview will keep you in good water for now. 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 Bryan or Chris a call in Outfitters. (530)222-3555

The Fly Shop does not offer a shuttle service. Kim at Sac River Shuttle can get your shuttle done seven days a week. You can reach her at (530) 782-9090

Access To the Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sacramento has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities when the flows are below 7,500 CFS. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

Fishing Large Rivers Can be Frustrating
There are many great places you can get in and wade this blue ribbon tail water. Having said that, the absolute best method to fish the Sac is from a drift boat. Aside from being able to access all of the water, you can fish the long runs on a dead, perfect drift which is deadly on these legendary wild rainbows. And who would be a better oarsman than one of our Professional Guides? They know every nook and cranny of the river, what insects are and will be hatching, and the setups and methods that will get you onto the fish of a lifetime.

Recommended Equipment & Setups
Most of our fishing, whether from a drift boat, or wading when the releases are low enough, is done dead drifting nymphs. The Fly Shop's Signature Indicator Rod is nine and a half feet of indicator nymph fishing perfection designed by our professional staff right here on the Lower Sac. Teamed up with a 6 or 7 weight Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Floating Fly Line or a Rio Intouch Xtreme Indicator Fly Line it will put a center pin rig to shame.

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



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More Reports

The Fly Shop Reports
for Wednesday, January 3rd

Trinity River: The river is in great shape above Junction City
Sacramento River - Upper: The river swelled up to 2,000 CFS with the last storm