Upper Sacramento Fishing Conditions
Last week the fishing was epic with several fish in the upper teens and one over 20" to hand nymphing. This was followed late in the day by dry fly fishing with March Browns and Brown Drakes that we usually only dream about. Flows are amazingly low for this time of year, making it very wadeable and fishable, particularly as anglers work upstream. This spring looks to be our best in many years as conditions will allow us to fish during the best hatches of the season.

Hatches appear to be unfolding early this year as we've already seen the beginning of the Salmonfly and March Browns this week, with the peak of the hatches and the Goldenstones along with the big Mayflies of spring soon to follow. We'll also be seeing an abundance of smaller bugs, including PMD's and spring caddis in the coming weeks. The recent bite has been best on small caddis and mayflies nymphs with light midday hatches of March Browns and Brown Drakes getting the fish looking up. Big nymphs in sizes 4 to 10 have been productive particularly for the larger fish, though typically more fish come on the smaller offerings. There are spawning Wild Rainbows this time of year. If you spot fish in shallow water in groups or pairs enjoy the show but please avoid spooking or fishing to them as they are exceptionally vulnerable in the low water we are seeing this season.

Shasta Trout's local guides are intimate with the river as we spend more time on the Upper Sac each season individually than our competitor's guides combined. Consider this your invitation to get here now and fish it soon and often this spring. If you are seeking a guide drop us a line so that we might help you enjoy the bounty!

Water Conditions
Flows have dropped from 1,000 cfs to 800 this week with daily fluctuations related to air temps and passing storms. The norm for this time of year is 2,000 cfs and we haven't see flows this low and fishable until the end of June for many seasons. Water clarity is outstanding and with water temps in the mid to upper forties expect fish to be taking well. With a snow pack well below the average and warm weather in the forecast we expect these great conditions to continue into the coming weeks when our best hatches of the year peak.

Flies
Small nymphs produce more fish on average than the larger ones but the trophy fish have been prefering the bigger flies. Fish Copper Johns, Micromays, Pheasant Tails, Iron Sallies and small caddis patterns in 14-18's in runs, slots, slicks and pocket water. Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs, dark and golden stone imitations are increasingly finding fish. Expect to see improving hatches of the big bugs and top water action in the weeks to come.