Conditions are not at their best on the Lower Sac, but they will get better

Sacramento River - CA


by The Fly Shop
12-21-2012
Website

Current River Conditions: River conditions are not at their best. Waters of the Lower Sacramento are off color but that does not mean the fishing is poor. Windy winter conditions over the next couple days will make for poor fishing. Look for an update by the middle of the coming week. Better days ahead!

Recommended Flies: Egg patterns in shrimp-pink, orange blends, #6-8 Rubber Legs, #12-14 PT Nymphs. Smaller #16-18 mayfly patterns can work well up in Redding were the water is clearer. For the egg patterns, add a little wire on the hook so the egg pattern will sink instead of being blown around in the current unnaturally.

The Fly Shop's ? Tips: Fish deep! Your leader's length should be between 7.5 - 8.5' to the split shot. Use an SSG to get down fast.

When it comes to trout fishing on the Lower Sacramento around Redding, CA., nymphing is by far the most productive fly fishing method. We fish deep on this river. Although a tapered leader will work when nymphing this river, we recommend constructing your leader out of 2X, 3X and 4X tippet or level fluorocarbon. Basically, tie in your 2X tippet at the indicator and pull off about 7.5-8.5 feet. Now grab your 3X and tie it in using a double surgeon knot to a length of 18"-24". Go ahead and tie in your first fly. The second fly drops off of the hook bend of the first fly. Use your 4X tippet to tie in the second, smaller fly. We like to use "BIG" 1 1/4" indicators. SSG split shot also known as "Goose Shot" (ask Cory) will get the flies down to the fish. If you are wading the river and not in a drift boat, add another AAA or even a second SSG to your rig. The sooner the flies get to the bottom of the river, the more time you spend "fishing".

Water Flows:
Lower Sacramento Flows

Suggested Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:

• Mayfly Cripple #16
• Mercer's Missing Link - #14-16
• D&D Cripples - Any!

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Zebra Midge #16-18
• Chan's Frostbites #16-18
• Burk's HBI #16-18
• RK Flatulator BWO or Baetis
• Zack's Pseudo May #16-18
• GB Olive PT #18
• Mercer's Brown or Olive Micro Mayfly #14-18
• Pat's Rubberlegs - #6-8
• CB Birds Nest - #12-16
• Hogan's S&M Nymph - (Any Color) #16-18
• GB Half Flashback PT #14-16
• Skip Nymph - #16

Eggs:
• Boles Bazookas- SHD Orange
• M.C. Redd Reaper peachy & champagne
• Micro Spawn - Salmon Egg
• Clown Eggs
• Boles Bazookas - Peachy King

Fly Fishing Gear:
• The Fly Shop's ? Signature H2O Indicator Rod
• Rio ? Fly Line Perfect For The "Sac"
• Simms ? Solar Shirt/TFS Logo
• Dr. Slick/TFS Scissor/Hemostat
• An indicator that suspends heavy split shot!




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