Lower Sacramento River Report 05-11-2007

Sacramento River - CA


by The Fly Shop
5-11-2007
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Water Conditions: Flows are at 9,500 cfs. The fishing has been very good, especially on days when the wind isn't blowing. There have been some good hatches of #14 PMDs, some little yellow stones, and even a few big salmonflies have also been seen buzzing around and crawling out on the bridges. We haven't seen much dry fly action, but the nymphing remains consistently productive most days. Also, the summer hydropsyche caddis have already begun to hatch, providing some good action on tan caddis poopahs in the afternoon and some rising trout right at dusk.

Fishing Conditions & Hatches: ??There have been a few PMDs, a few little yellow stones, a few salmonflies, and even a few summertime caddis already starting to hatch in the evenings.

Flies: ??Top flies lately: #12 Micro Spawn (Oregon Cheese) #16 Bead Head Amber Wing Prince Nymph #14-16 tan/cinnamon Fox's Poopah (beaded and non-beaded #16 King Prince #16-18 Micro Mayfly (Black, Brown) #14-16 Iron Sally #14-16 Mercer's Poxyback PMD.#8 Rubberlegs Stonefly

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.