Lower Sacramento River Report 05-24-2007

Sacramento River - CA


by The Fly Shop
5-23-2007
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Water Conditions: Flows are at 9,800 cfs. The fishing has been very good, especially on days when the wind isn't blowing. The summer hydropsyche caddis are starting to hatch, providing some good action on tan caddis poopahs in the afternoon and some rising trout right at dusk.

Fishing Conditions & Hatches: ??The most productive methods have been indicator nymphing the deeper runs and dropoffs. Smaller flies seem to work best in the mornings, with caddis pupah productive all afternoon and evening.

Flies: ??Top flies lately: #8 Rubberlegs Stonefly #16 Bead Head Amber Wing Prince Nymph #14-16 tan/cinnamon Fox's Poopah (beaded and non-beaded #16 Drifting Flashback P.T. #16-18 Micro Mayfly (Black, Brown, or Olive) #14-16 Iron Sally #14-16 Mercer's Poxyback PMD.

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.