Report Date:
http://www.shastatrout.comWe can not recall a spring that has consistently fished this well, particularly for larger fish. Lower Sac Flows have been a bit below the norm and steady which concentrates the large trophy 'bows and provides an opportunity for the fish of a lifetime. Expect some small flow increases in the near future with large increases on the way in late May and June as irrigation demands in the central valley grow.
The PMD's have arrived in full force, with some lingering March Browns, Blue Winged Olives, and spring caddis along with some summer caddis beginning to show as the bite gets grabbier. Some Salmonflies are also hatching on the lower drifts where the fish have been taking stonefly nymphs with abandon. We continue to have great success side drifting small nymphs & rubberlegs while the dry fly fishing is spotty and technical if, when, and where you find it. Water clarity continues to be good above major tribs and has cleared quickly below after storms pass. The river has been fishing well from the Posse Ground all the way to Bend, though clarity declines downsteam from the flows contributed by side streams during and a few days after storms.