The Upper Sacramento River has been a popular destination for recreation in California since the 1800's, and is still one of our favorite local fisheries.

Current River Conditions: Fishing is better! Recent rains have produced tough conditions on most of the 35 miles of river. As conditions improve, look for good fishing up near Dunsmuir. The lower river, near Shasta Lake can be good, but the "fishy" water is spread out due to higher water levels/volume. For flies, go with bigger #8-6 nymphs that are dark in color. See the list on the right.

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. 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.

Water Flows:
• Upper Sacramento River Flows

Suggested 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:
• Zack's Thurmanator Dark Stone
• Sexy Souka #6
• Mercer's GB Dark Stone #8
• Pat's Rubber Legs - Brown #6-8
• BH Helgrammite
• Bitch Creek
• Dark Lords - #14-16
• Bottom Roller - Psycho Rycho #14
• GB Birds Nest - #12-14
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince
• Poxyback Golden Stone - #8-14
• Micro Mayfly - #14-18

Streamers/Leeches:
• Woolly Buggers
• Muddler Minnows - #10

Fly Fishing Gear:
• Simms ? Dry Creek™ Chest Pack
• Patagonia's ? Double Haul
• C&F S Series Waterproof Fly Boxes