Current River Conditions:
The flows are really robust! Safe, placid flows of 350 cfs are eclipsed by the ominously ferocious 1,100 cfs that currently torments this normally quaint and seductive stream. So, we have to wait a while before the idea of casting a fly over the rainbows of this fairy-tale...okay! okay...sorry.

Seriously, the upper Sacramento is fishing poor. As I said above, the river is in fact too high for now. Expect conditions to improve by the middle of next week. Until then, the Lower Sacramento is a perfect candidate for your undoubtedly shrewd fishing exploits.

Fly selection for the absolutely dedicated upper Sacramento river angler would include big, dark, rubber legged #6-8 flies like Pat's black or brown rubber legs, or Mercer's Hellgrammite! Actually, those flies should be included in your box on any of our bouldery streams!

Click here for up to date Upper Sacramento River flows

The Fly Shop's ? Tips: When nymphing on the Upper Sacramento River, always use double the amount of shot in order to get the flies down to the fish in the faster, bubbly water. If a run calls for one SSG, put on two. If you're not ticking the bottom from time to time (yes, this means losing a few flies), you're probably not getting down to where the fish are feeding. Fish with lighter split shot, like a BB, and not so deep in the early mornings and later afternoon to early evening when rainbow trout are off the bottom of the river seeking food. Use stronger tippet like 2X-3X for bigger flies in the #6-10 range, 4X for smaller #16-18. Keep your first fly within 6-8 inches of your split shot. Stronger tippet means fewer flies will be left on the bottom of the river. Sink tip lines with streamers attached are a good plan when there is room to cast.

River Fact: On the evening of July 14, 1991, a derailment on a horseshoe curve known as the "Cantara Loop" on the railroad north of Dunsmuir resulted in the release of approximately 19,000 gallons of metham sodium spilled into the Sacramento River. The biocide killed every living thing in the river for a distance of some 38 miles, devastating a popular fly fishing area--one of the most severe toxic spills in U.S. history. The Upper Sacramento River is now largely recovered from the spill.

Flies:

Dries:
• Parachute Adams #14-16
• Parachute Profile Spinner BWO
• Royal Wulf #10-14
• Elk Hair Caddis #16-18
• Adams #16-18

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Pseudo May #16-18
• Shafer's 3-D #6-10
• Dark Lord's #14-16
• Posse Bugger #10-14
• Bottom Roller Psycho-Rycho
• Red Copper John #14-18
• Zebra Copper John #14-18
• Zebra Midge #16-20 Black
• GB Birds Nest #12-14
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince
• Pat's Rubber Legs Brown #6-8
• Mercer's Hellgrammite
• Sexy Girl-idle #6
• Zack's Thumanator Stone
• Micro Poopah Black
• Poxyback Golden Stone #8-14
• Micro Mayfly #14-18

Streamers/Leeches:
• Wooley Buggers
• Muddler Minnow #10