Fishing Conditions
Recent fishing for trophy Rainbows has been phenomenal. This spring has fished as well as we have ever seen it in any season, particularly for larger fish. Flows have been about half the norm this week, a bit below 4,000, then bumped above 4,000 and now at 4,000 which has concentrated the large trophy 'bows and provided an opportunity for the fish of a lifetime. There are no scheduled flows changes but expect some increases in late May and June as irrigation demands in the central valley grow. This will spread the fish out a bit and local knowledge will be helpful in locating the fresh lies.


The PMD's have arrived in full force, with some Pinks, lingering March Browns, Blue Winged Olives, and spring caddis to go with some summer caddis beginning to show as the bite gets grabbier. Some Salmonflies are also hatching on the lower drifts where the fish have been taking stonefly nymphs as well. We continue to have great success side drifting small nymphs & rubberlegs while the dry fly fishing has been good but technical if, when, and where you find it.


Water clarity continues to be outstanding with the river fishing well from the Posse Ground all the way to Bend. Spring showers can still impact clarity downsteam when side streams flush during and a few days after storms.


Drop us a line to schedule a friendly local guide during this prime time, most of our guides have grown up on the banks of the Lower Sacramento River and know it intimately having fished it their entire lives.


Water Conditions
Releases at Keswick increased from 3,750 cfs on April 18th to 4,250 cfs and then back down to 4,000 on the 23th which is well below the norm of 8,000 and superb for fly fishing. Flows at Bend Bridge are at 4,710 cfs, less than half of the median for this time of year of 10,000 cfs. Water clarity is excellent through out but can be impacted by showers (a few this weekend in the forecast) on lower stretches below tributaries. Walk and wade opportunities are exceptional but will be much more limited if and when we see irrigation flow increases.


Flies
Small nymphs below rubberleg patterns are the norm. Your favorite PMD nymphs, various Pheasant tails and Micromays in #14 - 18"s will likely get the most attention but those trying Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns, Ironsallies, Fox Poopahs & Birdsnests which are also finding fish. For two and three fly rigs try adding a Super Floss Rubberleg or Microspawn. There are still some Rainbows on the spawn, please do not target fish podded up in shallow gravel beds.