Sacramento River - Lower Fish Report for 12-20-2023
The storm has passed and we are in good shape on the river down to Balls Ferry at least
Sacramento River - Lower - Redding, CA (Shasta County)
by The Fly Shop
12-20-2023
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The storm has passed and we are in good shape on the river down to Balls Ferry at least. We expect the clarity to improve down the mouth of Cottonwood Creek over the next couple of days. 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
More Reports
12-15-2023
The latest report has good numbers of fish coming to net on Baetis dries and nymphs. For dries, the BWO...... Read More
The Fly Shop Reports
for Thursday, December 14th, 2023Sacramento River - Lower: The river is still in good shape and kicking out good wild Rainbow fishing
McCloud River: Good news! You can now get in to Ash Camp!
Pit River: Judging from the river levels and clarity it should be good to go
Trinity River: This is our top pick for locations to fish over the next week
Sacramento River - Upper: Flows and clarity are perfect on the Upper
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