Anglers from all over the North State are readying rods and reels, tying flies or picking out their favorite spinners and spoons making ready for the general trout opener this Saturday.  While many trout waters are open year round, there is something special about opening day. It's like the opening of baseball season without the bunting, it is a day of traditions where anglers often visit the same waters year after year and generation after generation.

This year may provide some challenges as some of the popular opening day waters are blown out due to high water, both the Pit and McCloud Rivers are unfishable in many areas. The access road into the McCloud Conservancy is washed out in many areas making fishing the lower McCloud a rough prospect into the immediate future.

For many, the day will begin at an annual angler's breakfast like the annual angler's breakfast held at the Cassel Volunteer Fire Department.  The fire department is just a short distance from the popular waters of Cassel Forebay ( Middle Hat Creek) and Baum Lake. Anglers visiting Upper Hat Creek will gather for breakfast at the Old Station Volunteer Fire Department. These traditionally small community breakfasts will be offered in many locations in the North State.

Another traditional gathering will also be offered by the Fly Shop in Redding on Friday April 28 where an Opening Day event will showcase fly fishing gear and equipment. Free hot food will be offered by the Shasta Trinity Fly Fishers. Many manufacturer reps and Fly Shop guides and representatives will be on hand to discuss the upcoming season and offer expert tips.

With the early weather forecasts for the weekend looking clear and dry, the outlook is good for a great weekend. In waters that are supported by supplemental stocked trout, hatchery trucks are making their way to offer the best opportunities for a successful opening day.  Tight lines for all who are heading out this weekend, enjoy.

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.