Current River Conditions:
The fishing has been great all winter, but when the rain falls and snow accumulates on the surrounding peaks, run-off and snow melt fill the river creating less than ideal fly fishing conditions. Go ahead and fish the upper Sacramento and expect to catch rainbows, but focus more on the sections near Dunsmuir and less below Sims Rd.

Best flies are going to be #6-8 patterns with legs. #16-18 patterns that suggest mayfly nymphs and caddis pupae will work for sure. Check out our list below! Don't forget your wading staff!

How is your chest pack working out?
Click here for up to date Upper Sacramento River flows

The Fly Shop's ? Tips:
Successful top water angling occurs along the edges of this river in slower, shallow water, eddies and the tail outs of riffle and runs. 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.

Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:
• 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
• Red Copper John #14-18
• GB Birds Nest #12-14
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince
• Mercer's Hellgrammite
• Sexy Girl-idle #6
• Zack's Thumanator Stone
• Micro Mayfly #14-18

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

Fly Fishing Gear:

Our Recommendations:
• Simms Guide Vest
• Patagonia Double Haul
• TFS Fresh H2O 4-5wt
• Scott S4 4-5wt