October 2nd, 2018

Fall is already "in the air" in the Northern California high country. This signals the approach of our favorite time of year. From trout and bass to steelhead and striper. The best fishing of the year is knocking on the door. We are really looking forward to making some great memories this Fall with you. After reading the report if anything hits your hot button give us a call at (530)242-4122 or (707)287-2939.

Click here to see what some of our recent guests have said about fishing with us...

Best Bets: McCloud River, Pit River, Putah Creek, Upper and Lower Sac - Trout, Lower Yuba River - Trout, Lake Almanor - Trout and Bass, Delta and Napa River - Striper

American River Striper - Poor, Steelhead - Fair to Good. Striper - Fair. Water Temps - High 50's to low 60's. Flows fluctuating daily from1,800 to 2,200 cfs from Lake Natoma. Clarity - Good (10 to 12 ft)

Still not much to report here. Some half pounder action and a few adults along with a few straggler few striper around. Our sights will be set on Steelhead going into Fall and Winter. It is nice to have this fishery in our back yards during Fall and upcoming holiday season.

Steehead Nymphs: Birds Nests 10 -14, Copper Johns, Black or Olive Poopahs and Princes 14 -16. Micro Mays 14 to 18, Brown or Black Rubber Legs 6 - 10 and eggs ( Peachy King, Roe and Tangerine)

Striper flies: Clouser style flies like Byng's Baitfish - 1/0, Angel's Chartreuse and White, Angels Delta Danger and Angel's Smolt. Surface wise it has been hard to beat a Crease fly in 1/0 - 2/0 sizes.

Delta Striper - Good. Largemouth - Good Smallmouth - Fair. Water temp 68 to 70 degrees. Clarity - Good.

One of Captain Bryce's guests with a slab

Striper fishing has kicked in to high gear this week. There are still opportunities for largemouth and smallmouth but it has been hard to leave feeding striper to go get them. This time of year can be a fun challenge to chase the "slam" of all 3 bass species on the same day! Water temps have dropped below 70 degrees in much of the Delta with recent cooler weather. Looking ahead to the weather report it looks like more cooler weather setting in next week. For Largemouth fishing it’s hard to beat size 2 topwater frogs or 1/0-2/0 crease flies when they are keying on baitfish. For Largemouth & Stripers sub surface we are using 1/0-2/0 Clouser style flies. For topwater Stripers I like 1/0-2/0 Crease flies with silver bellies when they are visually eating on top & the birds will show you where they are feeding. Prime Striper fishing is just about here, October & November are 2 of the better months & will of course book quickly so reserve your spots soon!

Largemouth: Diving Frogs, Stay Hungry Streamers - Chartreuse, Perch or Shiner colors, #2 Byng's Baitfish, 1/0 Angel's Chartreuse and White, Angels Delta Danger and Angel's Smolt, Angel's Bluegill - 4/0.

Smallmouth Flies: Small poppers in a variety of colors such as green, white, yellow, brown etc. #2 - 4 Pultz Poppers Brown, black or Olive Wolly Buggers.

Guide Tip: Prime striper fishing is here. Sept 15 - Dec 15 are 3 of the best months and will of course book up quickly so reserve your spots soon!

For more on the Delta click on the list of options under Northern California on the right hand side of the page.

Fall River Trout - Good. Flows - average. Water Temps - mid 50's Water Clarity - Clear.

The Fall River continues to produce well. We have been seeing Trico and PMD spinner falls in the morning, and Callibaetis and PMD hatches through mid day. Stay out late for the caddis hatch in the evening. During the day, fish will move to swung and stripped leeches, brown black and olive. Swinging a soft hackle in the runs is also productive.

Nymphs : X Mays, Hogans S&M and Mercers Micro May in 16 - 18, Soft Hackle Peacock 16 to 18

Dries : Parachute Adams - 12, EC Caddis, Missing Link, Light Cahill 14 - 16, Parachute Light Cahill 14 to 16, Elk Hair Caddis, 14 to 16, Hackle Stacker PMD 14 - 16, Lawson's PMD 14 to 16,

Streamers: Hale Bopp leaches

For more on the Fall River click on the list of options under Northern California on the right hand side of this page.

Feather River Steelhead - Poor to Fair. Striper Flows - 1,400 cfs in low flow. 6,000 in high flow. Temperature - Mid to high 60's. Clarity - Clear.

Fishing on the Feather for half pounder steelhead has been so so of late but will be improving shortly. Summer run steelhead in the 12 to 18" range and an occasional 20 to 22" have found the net. They followed in the salmon which are getting ready to spawn in earnest.

Nymphing of course is the best option for the most fish, however now is potentially time swinging for these fish as well. Things should pick up soon so stay tuned.
There are striper in the Feather right now as well but we simply haven't been targeting them much as fishing has been so good on the Delta.

If you plan to book trips with us in the Fall on the Feather for the Egg Bite, booking well in advance is highly recommended. We already have dates booked, and space is becoming limited for prime time so reserve today.

Steelhead Nymphs: San Juan Worms, Prince Nymphs 8 to 10, Birds Nests and Copper Johns 10 -14. Black, Green, and Tan B.H. Caddis Poopahs 14-16, Red Headed Step Child, Tungsten Salvation 14-16 and Micro Mays 14-16, Brown or Black Rubber Legs 6-10

Eggs: Micro Spawn and Sucker Spawn and eggs ( Peachy King, Roe and Tangerine )

Salmon and Steelhead Swinging Flies: Silver Hiltons, Anderson's Classic, Fly Fishing Specialties Alevin, Anderson Euphoria, Heisenberg, Green Butt Skunk, Falken's Tiny Dancer, Hartwick's Purple Hilton, Hobo Spey in black/blue and Black/Chart, Intruders, Perpetrators, Beach Bums, Olive Sculpins, Cream Soft Hackles and Blood Sucking Leaches. Olive buggers, U name its, olive sculpin.

Striper Streamers: Byng's Baitfish - 1/0, Angel's Chartreuse and White, Angels Delta Danger and Angel's Smolt.

For more on fishing the Feather click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Hat Creek trout - Good, Flows - 120 cfs at Hat #2, Water temps - mid 50's to low 60's Clarity - clear

Hat Creek is fishing well. The Powerhouse #2 riffle is pumping out some good fish in the mornings on Tricos. Further down you will see fish taking the small black caddis a little later in the morning. Small PMDs, Baetis and Callibaetis are hatching throughout the day depending upon the amount of cloud cover. Keep your setups simple with attractor nymphs such as Pheasant Tails, Amberwing Prince, and black Micro Mays.

Nymphs : Hare's Ear and Pheasant Tails 14 -18, X Mays, Hogans S&M, Mercers Micro May, Mercers Poxyback PMD 16 - 18

Dries : Parachute Adams - 12 to 20, EC Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis (dark) or Missing Link - 16 - 18, Hackle Stacker PMD 14 - 16, Lawson's PMD 14 to 16, Parachute Cahil, 12 - 20
Guide Tip: A reliable source at The Fly Shop says that the "TB Drowned Trico Spinner is deadly in the mornings."

For more on Hat Creek click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Klamath Steelhead - Fair to Good. Flows fluctuating 900 to 1,100 daily. Clarity - Good

Fishing is pretty good on the Klamath right now. Fish are definitely on the move! These early season fish are super grabby, and are a ton of fun to target with a spey or switch rod. With colder water coming down through the system, the fish are continuing to migrate upstream and into the Trinity River. Fishing is currently good down near Weichpec. Swinging flies and dead drifting nymphs will both be productive tactics going forward. Moving into early Fall, we are anticipating that steelhead fishing will only gets better!

Steelhead Swinging Flies: Silver Hiltons, Anderson's Classic, Fly Fishing Specialties Alevin, Anderson Euphoria, Heisenberg, Green Butt Skunk, Falken's Tiny Dancer, Hartwick's Purple Hilton, Hobo Spey in black/blue and Black/Chart, Intruders, Perpetrators, Beach Bums, Olive Sculpins, Cream Soft Hackles and Blood Sucking Leaches. Olive buggers, U name its, Olive Sculpin, Articulated Marabou Leech.

Eggs: Clown Egg, Micro Spawn - Shrimp Pink or Salmon egg, Redd Reaper - Champagne

Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs - 4 - 8, 3-D Nymphs 8- 10, Red Copper Johns 14 - 18.

For more on fishing the Klamath click on it on the right under Northern California options.

McCloud River Trout - Good. Flows - 235 cfs. Water temps mid 50's to low 60's. Clarity - Good.

The McCloud is looking and fishing awesome right now! This has been a great season already on this storied river and fish are being caught on a variety of different patterns, primarily black micro mays, red copper johns, and posse buggers. The prime time to get on the McCloud is right around the corner! In late October through November, the famed October Caddis will be hatching, and nothing gets the heart racing more than watching a giant brown trout move through water to eat a big dry fly!

Don't miss out on great fishing on the McCloud. Call (530)242-4122 during business hours or (707)287-2939 any time.

Nymphs: Mercer's Tungsten October Caddis, Moorish October Caddis, Skips October Caddis, Dark Lords - 12-16, Hogans S&M and Mercers Micro May in 14 to 18 (black and olive producing best) Red Copper Johns 16 - 18,

Dry Flies: Stimulator - Orange, Foam October Caddis, Potter's October Caddis, Mercer's Skating October Caddis, Chernobyl Ant, Fat Albert, Adams 14-18, Elk Hair Caddis Tan 12-16, Mayfly Cripples 12-16

Streamers: Wolly Buggers, Black or Olive Zonkers 6 to 10, Hale Bopp Leech - 8.

For more on fishing the McCloud click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Napa River Striper - Good. Temps low to mid 60's. Clarity- Good.

Fishing is good on the Napa River right now along with the greater San Francisco Bay and Delta. Good numbers of fish in the system with some hefty ones finding the Boca Grip recently. Fish are in from town all the way out to the sloughs. Throwing sinking lines with clouser variants is the business. Keep moving until you find fish but this week we haven't had to move too far. If you are interested in a Napa Visit and want to include some fishing let us know.
As far as gear goes, you will want a 7 to 8 wt rod with sinking lines (T - 11 to T - 14) with 1/0 to 3/0 clouser style flies. Fishing the current seams, drop offs, structure should produce. We move a lot to find fish, but once you do...it's fish on!

Streamers: Black/gray/white Flash Tail Whistler - 1/0 to 3/0, Chart/white and gray/white Stay Hungry Streamers - 1/0, Angel's Sexy Shad and Angel's chart/white - 1/0, Gray/white Flash Tail Whistler - 1/0.

Top water: Crease Flies

For more on fishing the Napa River click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Pit River Trout - Good. Flows 1,750 cfs below Pit #3, 420 cfs through Pit #5.Water temps high 50's and low 60's. Clarity - clear

The Pit is fishing good right now! There have been quite a few bigger fish being caught. The top flies right now are black micro mays, birds nests, black rubberlegs, and tan poopahs. Fishing bigger streamers can be very effective also! In the near future, there will be a large release of water, so make sure you give us a call to check the flows before you plan to head out there! Pit 3 & 5 will not be accessible till about November due to flow changes, but Pit 4 should be alright!

Nymphs: Best flies have been Birds Nests (beaded and non) 14-16. Zebra midges 18 to 20, X Mays, Hogans S&M and Mercers Micro May in 14 to 18 (black and olive producing best). Tan Fox's Poopahs 12 - 16, Copper Johns 16-18 Black and Brown Rubber legs 6-10, Amber Wing Prince - 16, Zebra Midge 18 - 20, Bubble Back Caddis - Olive - 16, Mercer's Tungsten October Caddis, Moorish October Caddis, Skips October Caddis, Dark Lords - 12-16, Flashback P.T. 14-16

Dry Flies: Stimulator - Orange, Foam October Caddis, Potter's October Caddis, Mercer's Skating October Caddis, Chernobyl Ant, Fat Albert, Adams - #14-18, Elk Hair Caddis - Tan #12-16, Mayfly Cripples - #12-16

Streamers: Black or Olive Zonkers 6 to 10, Hale Bopp Leech - 8.

Putah Creek - Good Flows - 448 cfs. Clarity - Good (6+ feet). Water temps - mid to high 50's

Putah is fishing pretty well and will continue to improve right up to our self induced end of the season Dec 1st to allow for spawning on the awesome fishery. It is definitely go time right now. September, October and November are as good a time as you will find to target the large wild rainbows that call Putah Creek home. Located near the Napa Valley and about 1 hour from San Francisco Putah provides unparalleled fishing for what we consider "trophy trout".

Small nymphs like midges and baetis are the name of the game here. You will also want 5 and 6x tippet and plenty of shot to get your flies down. A 5 or 6 wt rod is best. A wading belt is a must and a wading staff is not a bad idea either.

Guide Tip: Remember to use plenty of weight and long leaders to get your flies down to the fish. Try a long non tapered leaders and plenty of shot to get flies down to the desired depth. Also you may want to give streamers a go right now too. You never know, you may hook the fish of a lifetime.

For more on fishing Putah click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Russian River Steelhead - Poor. Smallmouth - Poor Shad - Poor. Flows - 100 cfs Guernville. Temps - 60's to 70's. Water clarity - Good.

Fishing has been so so for smallmouth recently on the Russian. This is not the typical numbers fishery that most smallmouth waters are. Recent cooler weather has slowed fishing. From now on it will be a streamer scenario entirely. Quite honestly we have shifted our focus to Putah Creek and the Delta but will be looking forward to steelhead fishing on the Russian this Winter.

To get on the call list for steelhead for this coming season please call. (707)287-2939.

Smallmouth Flies: Small poppers in a variety of colors such as green, white, yellow, brown etc.such as #2 - 4 Pultz Poppers, Brown Wolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows #2-6.

Smallmouth Flies: Small poppers in a variety of colors such as green, white, yellow, brown etc. #2 - 4 Pultz Poppers Brown, black or Olive Wolly Buggers.

Eggs: Clown Egg, Micro Spawn - Shrimp Pink or Salmon egg, Redd Reaper - Champagne

Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs - 4 - 8, 3-D Nymphs 8- 10, Red Copper Johns 14 - 18.

For more on fishing the Russian click on it on the right under Northern California options.

San Francisco Bay Striper - Fair to Good - Water temps - 60's, Clarity - Stained to clear depending on tide/location

We continue find good numbers of fish in the San Francisco Bay. It is all about hitting the tides right at the right light angle. Some days are better than others but most days continue to be predictably good. Striper are the name of the game right now. Good water flows and healthy bait population continue to provide a fantastic environment throughout this fishery. Anglers with a modicum of casting ability tend to do best however our guides are good at setting up even first time striper anglers for success. There are even some near shore opportunities for Kelp Bass depending on conditions. Despite the challenges of this fishery there is something inherently cool about fly fishing within sight of the Golden Gate Bridge!

Having a competent captain is even more imperative in the San Francisco Bay and on the Delta than some of the other fisheries in California. Fortunately we have the best in the biz!

If you will be in San Francisco Bay Area or live close and want to get out and give this a try give us a ring at (530)242-4122(O) (707)287-2939 (C)

For more on fishing the San Francisco Bay click on it on the right under Salt water options.

Lower Sacramento Trout - Great!!!. Flows 7,200 cfs out of Keswick. Water Temps - Lower 50's. Clarity - Ultra Clear (10 ft vis.)

Releases from Keswick are down to 7,200 CFS creating some decent walk and wade potential up top(above Highway 44). We have seen a ton of different things happen on this river over the past 3 years, and right now, the Lower Sac is fishing better than it ever has! We are seeing salmon starting to make their way upstream, as well as steelhead! There are already good numbers of them in the lower area near Barge Hole. The fishing throughout the river has been absolutely insane! We continue to see good numbers of BIG fish in the net. The mornings are all about midges, and as the day progresses you will find more baetis and caddis. Good flies to throw are Black Zebras, small Cinnamon Poopahs, Bird's Nests and Black Micro Mays. If you can get on the river around 5 p.m. you will be able to get in on some good dry fly fishing as caddis hatches have been phenomenal!

Note: please stay off the reds in the upper river as Chinook Salmon are spawning in this area.

Nymphs: Best flies have been Birds Nests (beaded and non) 14-16. Zebra midges 18 to 20, X Mays, Hogans S&M and Mercers Micro May in 14 to 18 (black and olive producing best). Copper Johns 16-18 Black and Brown Rubber legs 6-10, Amber Wing Prince - 16, Zebra Midge 18 - 20, Bubble Back Caddis - Olive - 16

Dries: Elk Hair Caddis, 14 to 16, Missing Link - 18, Norman's Loopwing BWO - 18

Eggs: Micro Spawn - Peachy King, Shrimp Pink

Guide tip: Lower Sac fish are notorious for the lightest of takes. Fish will mouth small flies and spit them out without any visible hints transferred up the line to the indicator. Often guests will turn and look at the guide and ask "was that a fish?" after a slight pause or just the lightest of "tick" visible on the indicator. Set on everything! We recommend you set first ask questions later.

Give us a ring to get out for a memorable trip by calling (707)287-2939 or emailing us at info@offthehookflyfishing.com

For more on fishing the Lower Sac click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Upper Sacramento Trout - Good. Flows - 180 cfs at Delta. Water Clarity - Clear. Water temps - 60's

The Upper Sac is fishing awesome right now. The Delta Fire has finally been contained, and there is ample access down to the river. The fire damage is pretty extensive as soon as you pass Lakehead on I-5 up until Flume Creek. Regardless, the river looks great right now. Good flies to use right now are Two-Bit Hookers, Sweet Peas, and Dark Lords. It is also the time of year to start looking for big browns, so don't be afraid to dead drift a sculpin pattern or strip a big streamer through the deeper pools and runs!

Dries: Stimulators 12 -14, March Brown - 18, Adams 12-20, Parachute Adams 12-20, Chubby Chernobyl Golden 8 -10, Mercer's Flush Floater Foam Stone - 8

Nymphs: Rubber Leg Stone - Brown 6 - 8, Two Bit Hookers 16 -18, Mercer's Poxyback Stone and Solitude Stone - 8 to 14, Dark Lords, G.B. Birds Nest 10 - 14, Amber Wing Prince 12 - 18, Mercer's Micro May 14-16. Hogan's S&M Green, Brown or Black 16 to 20.

Streamers: Black or Olive Zonkers 6 to 10, Back Brown or Olive Wooly Bugger 6 -10, Hale Bopp Leech - 8.

Guide Tip: Tie on a bushy dry and a heavy bead head dropper and have a great time. The fish aren't huge, but very fun and it's not crowded at all.

For more on fishing the Upper Sac click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Trinity River Steelhead - Good. Flows 470 at Lewiston. Temps - cold. Clarity - Good.

Fishing is about to take off on the Trinity. Highway 299 is currently open without any restrictions. Lewiston Dam releases remain at 470 CFS and there are Steelhead moving up out of the Klamath! There are good numbers of fish in the system down in the lower reaches all the way up. Now would be a good time to get out the switch rod and swing one up. Flies like the Burnt Chicken, Silver Hilton, and Assassin will be your best options for swinging patterns right now. We are super excited that the steelhead are finally here, but it will only get better as we approach Fall!

Give us a call to book your dates as our guides are almost all booked up. (530)242-4122, (707)287-2939

Steehead Nymphs: Birds Nests 10 -14, Copper Johns, Black or Olive Poopahs and Princes 14 -16. Micro Mays 14 to 18, Brown or Black Rubber Legs 6 - 10 and eggs ( Peachy King, Roe and Tangerine)

For more on fishing the Trinity click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Yuba River Trout - Good. Striper - Fair. Flows 750 cfs at Englebright. below Water Temps - Mid 50's. Water Clarity - gin clear.

Trout fishing on the Lower Yuba has been fairly good recently with not much changed in recent weeks. There are some fish to be had but folks are working for them a little. A few Salmon have returned to the lower river and with them California steelhead. They along with resident rainbows have been eating rubber leg and mayfly nymphs pretty well. Try a variety of techniques from nymphing the deeper runs and pools to dry fly fishing in the eddys. Warmer summer weather has also brought grasshoppers to the river banks, so fishing near the banks with the appropriate dries is worth your attention as well. Best trout flies should include hoppers, golden stones, Yellow sallies, caddis, tan soft hackles and streamers.

Trout Nymphs: Golden Stones, Rubber Legs in brown and yellow, 8 to 12, CDC Prince Nymph, Fox's Poopah, Bird's Nests 14 to 16, Speroni's Baetis 16 - 20, Hogan's S&M, Military May, Mercer's Micro May Olive, Brown, Black 16 - 20, Hogan’s S&M nymph (olive, brown) -18, and Copper Johns (red, olive, copper) 14-18.

Trout Dries: Dave's Hopper, Parachute Adams, Light Cahill, Parachute Light Cahill 14 to 16, Pink Alberts 14 to 16 Elk Hair Caddis, 14 to 16, Hackle Stacker PMD 14 - 16, Lawson's PMD 14 to 16, Quiggly's Hackle Stacker 14 - 16, CDC Thorax 14 - 18, BWO Parachutes -18.

Trout Streamers: Olive and Brown wolly buggers 8 -12.

For more on Yuba click on it on the right under Northern California options.

Yosemite Trout - Good. Water temps - Low 60's to high 50's at elevation. Flows - Low. Clarity- Gin clear.

Fishing is good throughout Yosemite with fish gearing up for winter. Evenings have been fishing best. A three of 4 weight rod is a good choice for this area. Keep an eye out for continued PMD and some BWO hatches this coming week. This will allow you to pick fish off on the surface which is a blast.

Fly suggestions - Standard Adams or Parachute Adams 14 to 18, Elk Hair Caddis 16 to 18, PMD dries, BWO dries and Humpys 16 to 18, Hares Ears, and P.T. nymphs 14 to 18.

Guide Tip - Stealth is a must with water conditions this low and clear. Fish early and late. If you are wanting to fish the high country get out soon before it's too late.

For more on fishing Yosemite give us a call at (5300242-4122
or email us at info@offthehookflyfishing.com

Lake Almanor Trout - Good. Surface temps - 62 to 65 Deg. Water clarity - Clear (8 to 20 feet)

Things are just about to jump off on Lake Almanor! Cooling evening temperatures are signaling what's to come. The Fall transition is in effect and the smelt are on the move. Expect to see some good streamer fishing soon. Most of the bigger rainbows are moving out of the springs looking for smelt. Early pre-spawn browns are also on the prowl and looking to bulk up for the task ahead. Currently both of the above are scattered across the lake so having good sonar and being observant is key. If you are interested in giving Almanor a go think about being up here October 10th on. Fishing can be truly epic from October through January.

Best flies: Ice cream cone midges - 16 to 18, Smelt patterns, Balanced Minnows, Clouser Minnows.

Guide Tip: Look for rising fish and keep a close eye on your sonar is helpful. If you are looking to fish think about October 10th and later. Fishing can be Epic from October through January so you have plenty of time.

Pyramid Lake NV Soon!

Looking forward to another exceptional year at Pyramid Lake. If you have not experienced this phenomenal fishery yet you simply must! If you have and have the bug then we get it. Regardless we are booking the Winter and Spring dates 2018/2019. Call today to reserve your trip.

If you enjoyed this report please "Like it" on Facebook and don't forget to share it with others. If you have a personal report that you would like to share or photos for possible inclusion in subsequent reports please email them to Mike@offthehookflyfishing.com and we will see about including them.

Michael WoodwardOctober 2, 2018