Lower Sacramento River Report 04-07-2007

Sacramento River - CA


by The Fly Shop
4-7-2007
Website

Water Conditions: ??(USE LINK AT TOP OF PAGE FOR REAL TIME FLOWS) Flows are at 8,000 cfs, and the fishing has been good to great. The springtime caddis hatch has slowed down, but we are starting to see a few of the early hydropsyche caddis in the evenings. There have also been some PMDs, Skwala stones, and little yellow stones, and even a few big salmonflies have also been seen buzzing around. We haven't seen as much dry fly action, but the nymphing remains good most days. The only tough fishing days have been on weird weather days when a front is moving in, but as long as the weather remains steady and warm the fishing has been good.

Fishing Conditions & Hatches: ??Less caddis hatching right now in the midday hours, as the brachycentrus are about done, but we are seeing a few summertime caddis are starting early. Some PMDs, little yellow stones, Skwala stones, and even some Salmonflies starting to crawl out on the bridge pilings.

Flies: ??Top flies lately:
#12 Micro Spawn (Oregon Cheese)#16 Amber Wing Prince Nymph #16 Z-wing Caddis #16 King Prince #16-18 Micro Mayfly (Black, Brown) #14-16 Iron Sally

The Fly Shop's Tips: ??Our guides have fished this river for years...decades actually. We're on this river EVERY DAY that it is fishable, from 35,000 cfs to 3,500 cfs, from rain, snow and sleet to 115 degrees. The Fly Shop's guides wrote the book on nymph fishing the Lower Sacramento River. We've been fishing this section of river for over 25 years now!! During that time, we've found that the best technique, by far, is slack-line nymphing with a strike indicator. Long, natural, drag-free drifts are essential. Please take special care not to fish on or around spawning trout. A great rule of thumb for the Lower Sac is if you can see them you shouldn't be fishing for them. At least for the spring. Common courtesy at times is the only vehicle for education. Be a good ambassador for the river and set an example of politeness.