Walk and Wade Time…
The Summer Solstice is finally upon us which signifies the longest days of the year… although the days do get shorter from here on out to Fall Season. So, are you making the best of it!?!?!
Summer season also ushers in ample opportunities for some fantastic walk n wade fly fishing options here in Northern California. We have many “hallowed waters” nearby such as the McCloud River, Upper Sac (above Shasta Lake) Pit River (my fav) and Hat Creek or any number of smaller streams within an hour or so of Redding.
I have been spending most of my time on the Pit River lately. You can read more about the Pit River system by clicking on the “Water” page at the top right of my webpage.
This river isn’t for everyone… difficult wading, slippery rocks and boulders, steep terrain and fast moving water prevails. But… for those who embrace it - this river is unique and incredible. Next to the Lower Sacramento River, the Pit River is among the most robust wild trout (rainbows) fisheries in the State of California.
The next river that I am getting excited about is the Upper Sac. Flows today on 6/24/23 have finally dropped around 600cfs which is still a bit high but getting more fishable and wadeable each week. Stay tuned.
It’s crazy to think this late into the season that we are still seeing big runoff… but here we are. The winter of 2022/23’ was pretty remarkable, huh? Further, we have experienced a very mild spring season with a delay of hot weather that will trigger the runoff and really get it going. In fact, just last Tuesday there was a freeze warning at night in the Mt Shasta and Intermountain Regions. Cray Cray. The runoff season is big this year and ongoing.
Finally, the venerable Lower Sacramento River is still our “Old Faithful”. This tailwater never disappoints and always offers up some great fly fishing - all year around. It’s why I often refer to it as #tailwater365.
Flows are 10k and no change in sight for summer season. This is a good meaty flow and typical summer releases with a full reservoir are 10-15k. It seems that the BOR are focused on keeping Shasta Lake at full pool long into the summer.
We have been utilizing a lot of varied techniques these past few weeks from side drifting the standard indicator rigs, to fishing dry/dropper rigs to even jumping out of the boat and wade fishing the DD or tightline nymphing (call it euro nymphing if you must). The summer season provides a lot of unique opportunities on the Big Local.
Don’t forget that the top section near the Sundial Bridge will re-open on August 1st and this is a great time of year to hook some monster trout that have not been harassed or seen any flies since April 1st. Talk to me for more details…
I still have a few July/August dates open for fishing:
July 11-13, 17, 19-21
August 14-17
Let’s go fishing!
