General Information: Flows are at 15,000 cfs. The fishing has been better early and late in the day. Flow release changes out of Keswick and high winds are the two toughest conditions on the Lower Sac. Flows are now at their traditional summer levels, and should remain constant until mid August when they typically begin a gradual decrease. With steady flows, and hopefully less wind over the next few weeks, summertime fishing on the Lower Sac should pick up again. The summer hydropsyche caddis are starting to hatch, providing some good action on tan caddis poopahs in the afternoon and some rising trout in the evenings.

Shad action can be found from Chico to the Woodson Bridge. They are in schools so keep searching until you find one of the schools for the best action.

Fishing Conditions & Hatches: The most productive methods have been indicator nymphing the deeper runs and dropoffs. Smaller flies seem to work best in the mornings, with caddis pupah productive all afternoon and evening.

Fish with 6-8 Wt. Rods and full sinking lines with 300 and 400 grain heads

Flies: ?Ģ Bead Head Amber Wing Prince Nymph #16
?Ģ Tan Fox's Poopah (beaded and non-beaded #14-16
?Ģ Drifting Flashback P.T.#16-18
?Ģ Micro Mayfly (Black, Brown, or Olive) #16-18
?Ģ PMD Scum Dun #18
?Ģ TFS Shad Fly (all colors)
?Ģ Green Death
?Ģ Hot Mono Shad

The Fly Shop's Tips: ??Our guides have fished this river for years...decades actually. We're on this river EVERY DAY that it is fishable, from 35,000 cfs to 3,500 cfs, from rain, snow and sleet to 115 degrees. The Fly Shop's guides wrote the book on nymph fishing the Lower Sacramento River. We've been fishing this section of river for over 25 years now!! During that time, we've found that the best technique, by far, is slack-line nymphing with a strike indicator. Long, natural, drag-free drifts are essential. Please take special care not to fish on or around spawning trout. A great rule of thumb for the Lower Sac is if you can see them you shouldn't be fishing for them. At least for the spring. Common courtesy at times is the only vehicle for education. Be a good ambassador for the river and set an example of politeness.