While still a bit away from prime conditions, Tiger T's Guide Service's Todd LeBoeuf found hungry trout on the Sacramento River in the Redding area on Tuesday 3-28, as evidenced by the beautiful rainbow caught by fellow guide Lou Hubert.

The river offered only 18” of visibility but there were numerous doubles and even a triple hook-up as Todd joined in the action with Lou and John Larson. One elusive trout, going about 7 pounds, eluded numerous attempts to be landed, twice in the net only to escape prior to being brought on board Todd's new 16 foot North River Jet Boat. His new boat gives Todd the ability to fish numerous options including back trolling lures as well as being row-able drifting flies under an indicator, which was on tap for the day. Todd and crew found success on about anything they tried, hooking 30 fish and landing 23.

They tried beads, rubber legs, pupas, numerous prince nymphs and black caddis. The key seemed to be the utilization of dark/ black offerings. The darker colors can be spotted better under water in the murky conditions by the trout.

The river is clearing slowly but if river levels hold and continue to drop slowly, fishing should very soon be outstanding. Remember that on April 1 the river  is scheduled to close to fishing from Keswick Dam to the Highway 44 Bridge in Redding. Check with the CDFW to verify that the closure was initiated. The closure scheduled to run through July is to protect salmon spanning areas and active redds.

Fishing with guides is the best way to partake in angling the river at this time.  The river is running at about 10,000 cfs, a bit quick for all but expert boat handlers. A positive note from Todd is that the river was clear of moss and grasses that have plagued fly fishing indicator anglers in recent years. As anglers have been chomping at the bit to get on the river, plan ahead and book early as dates are sure to fill up fast. To book a trip with Todd give him a call at 530-222-2728 or visit www.TigerTsGuideService.com..

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.