Pond smelt are the dominant forage right now at Lake Oroville. King salmon, rainbows, and spotted bass are all keying in on the schools. Trollers are getting a ton of action on hoochies tipped with anchovy fillets between 50-100 feet, with rainbows higher in the water column and kings deeper. Some big fish being pulled out... plenty of 5 pounders with a few in the double digits last week.

Bass are also chasing these smelt schools near rocky structure in 20-30 feet. Any lure that resembles these baitfish is producing like crazy... crankbaits, swimbaits, Roostertails, etc.

Lewiston Lake - Updated: July 8, 2026

Fishing conditions:  Good

Report: Lewiston is a sleeper in the summer. You can fish midges, small Pheasant Tails and strip Woolly Buggers and have a pretty good day. Look for ant falls. The fish will cruise the dropoffs and the river channels looking for the grub! Good setups are small, light indicators and small bugs, Sweet Peas, black Micro Perdigons, Jumper Cables, and small Pheasant Tail nymphs fished three to five feet deep. Thje takes are subtle. Pheasant Tails in #14 - 16, Zack's ZT Zallibaetis in #14, the Milla Time May in Callibaetis and #14 - 16 Adams should be in your box. Standard stillwater fare always works up here, so leave your Zebra Midges and Balanced Leeches at home.

The lake is a good option if you are in the area, with intermittent releases from Trinity Lake, fishing right below the outflow can produce some consistent hookups. With the amount of Damsels and Dragonflies in this system, Wooly Buggers stripped in brown, black and olive, and Balanced Leeches the same color stripped or fished under an indicator are solid approaches. And Zebra Midges in #16 - 18, black and red, are a staple here. We've got guides who can get you out on Lewiston, give Bryan a call to set up a trip!

Hot Flies:

Dry Flies:
• Hackle Stackers - BWO #18
• Parachute Adams - #14-18
• Mayfly Cripples

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Ultra Scuds - #16
• Chromies - #18-20
• Mercer's CB Micro May - Black #18
• Flashback Pheasant Tail - #16-18
• Beaded Zebra Midges - #18-20
• Mercer's Gidgets

Streamers & Leeches:
• JGF Translucent Wiggle Tail
• Woolly Bugger - Any
• Beadhead Crystal Buggers - #8
• Zack's Swimming Leech - #8
• Zack's Damseleech - Orange/Olive

The Fly Shop
800-669-3474
info@theflyshop.com
https://www.theflyshop.com/

Manzanita Lake - Updated: July 28, 2026

Fishing conditions:  Fair to Good

Report: The early morning will yield a mayfly hatch which you can get fish on small emergers and cripple patterns. And slow-stripped, small, sparse mayfly nymphs like a Pheasant in #16 - 20 can be effective otherwise when you find a pod of feeding trout. Small Adams, #16-20, will be handy to have. Bring your terrestrials, ants and beetles, and boatman patterns and search the flats for cruising fish. Keep in mind there are a lot of recreational anglers in kayaks out too, mid-days and afternoons can be busy.

Hot Flies:

Dry Flies:
• Harrop's Last Chance - #16-20
• Adams - #14-18
• Mayfly Cripple - #18
• Last Chance Cripple - Callibaetis or Baetis
• Mercer's Missing Link - #14-16
• Mercer's Parachute Profile Spinner

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Zack's Attack Damsel
• Burk's Sierra Damsel
• Zack's Bomb Squad. - #14-16
• Hogan's S&M - Olive #16-18
• Beaded Zebra Midge - Black #18-20
• Mercer's Gidgets

Streamers & Leeches:
• Beaded Micro Bugger - Black
• Zonkers - #4
• Beaded Micro Buggers - Any

Redding, Ca.

The Fly Shop

The Fly Shop
800-669-3474
info@theflyshop.com

Report provided by Modoc Outdoor Recreation and Tourism:

The drought is hitting Modoc hard. Some lakes that are at the basis for great fishing in Modoc County are low enough to challenge boaters at the launch and the river has not run high all year. Surprisingly though, the fishing has not suffered… yet. As a mater of fact, low lake levels have made targeting bass and other warm water species like, well, shooting fish in a barrel. A fly angler recently landed a 5.5 pound largemouth from shore on a Devil’s Garden lake. Kids get hooked on the lifestyle when 20-fish days are common, as they are right now. Trout are kegged up in deeper holes in rivers and streams making them almost too easy to target. All in all, it is a great time to be an angler in Modoc County. Just pray for rain before it all goes away…

Here are a few tips for low-water fishing:

•Please remember fish do not do as well when released in warmer water, especially trout and other cold water species.

•Play fish intended for release as quickly as possible, wet hands and keep fish in the water to maximize survival after release.

•Think about keeping a few smaller fish where regulations allow to lessen the drought’s impact on others left behind.

•Remember fuels are dry! Don’t start a wildfire that could impact all kinds of habitat, including already-stressed fisheries.

•Always leave an area better than you found it. Increased visitation means increased trash and other waste. Public servants cannot always keep up due to declining budgets and soaring demands. Please do your part!

3-20-26

Over the past three weeks, I’ve had several trips on Hat Creek, the McCloud, and the Upper Sac. The flows are very wadable, the water temps are in the low-mid 50’s, and all three rivers have fished very well for my guests. Euro nymphing has been the most productive technique for my guests, but we’ve also done very well fishing dry-dropper rigs, and you will always catch fish on an indicator rig. The dogwood trees are blooming along the McCloud, which always makes this a special time of year. If you’re interested in learning a new technique, or perfecting what you have already learned – let’s book a walk-wade trip on any of our amazing rivers!

- Courtesy of:

Confluence Outfitters
Andrew Harris
888-481-1650
andrew@confluenceoutfitters.com

https://www.confluenceoutfitters.com/

Pit River - Updated: July 20, 2026

Fishing conditions:  Good

Report: No recent firsthand reports from the Pit last week, the river will definitely warm up and you will see fish moving towards the cold seeps/creek inlets. Keep your eyes peeled for hatches, this time of year you can see stoneflies, PMDs and Callibaetis along with some big caddis. Good flies are always Perdigons, Hotspots, Rubberlegs, and don't discount a well-fished crayfish pattern. Some people fish Woolly Buggers, TJ Hookers can be very effective. Come on up and fish, the river is in!

This is a great river to fish a Euro rod and we highly recommend it. Be careful though, this can be a slippery river to wade. We recommend a wading staff when fishing the Pit.

Be aware that the flows on the Pit can and will change without notice, so definitely check before you go! And be prepared to get out when the river begins to rise.

Here are some useful links to monitor the flows:
Pit 3 - Below Pit 3 Dam
Pit 5 - Through Big Bend

Hot Flies:

Dry Flies:
• Stimulator - Orange
• Foam October Caddis
• Potter's October Caddis
• Mercer's Skating October Caddis
• Adams - #14-18
• Mayfly Cripples - #12-16

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Mercer's Tungsten October Pupa
• Skip’s TB October Caddis
• Dark Lords - #12-16
• Flashback Pheasant Tail - #14-16
• Beaded Zebra Midge - #18
• Mercer's Poxyback Dark Stone - #6
• GB Black A.P. - #10-12
• CB Micro Mayflies - #16-18
• Red Copper Johns - #16-18
• Pat's Brown Rubberleg - #6-8
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince - #14-18
• Jigged Birds Nest - #14-16
• Walt's Worm
Streamers & Leeches:
• Zack's Swimming Leech - #8

The Fly Shop,

Redding, Ca. 

Privately owned waters represent an appreciable portion of California’s fishable waters. This includes flowing waters, privately owned lakes, and ponds. California’s private waters provide a great amount of fishing opportunity, produces quality fisheries and are important habitats for native wildlife species. Book with one of our amazing members here:

The Fly Shop

There are several hundred miles of rivers, creeks, lakes and streams within easy striking distance of The Fly Shop® in Redding. To book a guided trip on one of our private waters or regional lakes or streams you can call or send a message at info@theflyshop.com. 

https://www.theflyshop.com/adventures/private.html

Reports from The Fly Shop Private Waters:

https://www.theflyshop.com/streamreport.html

Confluence Outfitters

We guide the best trout and steelhead destinations in northern California and southern Oregon. The guide team at Confluence Outfitters has the expertise, local knowledge and versatility to make your next fly fishing trip a trip to remember!

https://confluenceoutfitters.com/destination-map.aspx

Lower Sacramento River - Updated: July 28, 2026

Fishing conditions:  Good

Report: This Saturday the upper section opens again and it will be epic! Many salmon continue to spawn above the Sundial and the 'bows are right behind them. Spherical flies, orange or yellow, are our bet for the best performer here.

Flows have been stable for while at 13,000 CFS and this is what the fish like! This is the summertime, so fishing can vary from day to day on the upper river, the fishing down below Anderson has been rock solid. We still have PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and caddis continue hatching, and caddis coming off in force in the evenings. Up top you will need to find the right fly, Bird's Nests, Rubberlegs, and the BP Weiss nymph are working well. Lower in the river Rubberlegs, Peaches 'n Cream, Ginger Snap, Eng Thing, Olive Hotspot, Cinnamon Fox Poopahs, and Bird's Nests are good choices. Swing soft hackles or a dark Missing Link in last half hour of light.

As we get into late spring and summer, ask us about our split days and evening trips! Beat the heat early, get a siesta, and get back out on the water for an evening session in the heat of the hatch!

To get a day on the books with one of our guides this spring, give Bryan a call in Outfitters at 800-669-3474

The Fly Shop does not offer a shuttle service. Kim at Sac River Shuttle can get your shuttle done seven days a week. You can reach her at (530) 782-9090

Access To the Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sacramento has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities when the flows are below 7,500 CFS. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

Fishing Large Rivers Can be Frustrating
There are many great places you can get in and wade this blue ribbon tail water. Having said that, the absolute best method to fish the Sac is from a drift boat. Aside from being able to access all of the water, you can fish the long runs on a dead, perfect drift which is deadly on these legendary wild rainbows. And who would be a better oarsman than one of our Professional Guides? They know every nook and cranny of the river, what insects are and will be hatching, and the setups and methods that will get you onto the fish of a lifetime.

Recommended Equipment & Setups
Most of our fishing, whether from a drift boat, or wading when the releases are low enough, is done dead drifting nymphs. The Fly Shop's Signature Indicator Rod is nine and a half feet of indicator nymph fishing perfection designed by our professional staff right here on the Lower Sac. Teamed up with a 6 or 7 weight Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Floating Fly Line or a Rio Intouch Xtreme Indicator Fly Line it will put a center pin rig to shame.

Hot Flies:

Dry Flies:
• Mercer's Missing Link, Dark
• Spotlight Caddis Emerger - Spotlight Caddis Emerger
• Comparadun - BWO, PMD

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Jigged Birds Nest - Natural, Hot Spot #14-16
• Fox's Poopah - #12-14
• Bubbleback Caddis, - Amber #14
• Olive Hot Spot, - #18
• Weiss Nymph, -
• Peaches n' Green, -
• Peaches n' Cream, -
• Ginger Snap, -
• Pat's Rubber Legs - #4-8

Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Peachy King, Shrimp Pink
•

Upper Sacramento River - Updated: July 28, 2026

Fishing conditions:  Fair to Good

Report: The flows on the low end above Lake Shasta are just above 250 CFS, the water temps nearing 70 F in the afternoons, so we can't recommend fishing below Simms until things begin to cool off in September. This is little black bug season on the Upper, so Zebras in #18 or smaller, BP Weiss nymphs, black S&Ms, black Micro Mays and any other teeny, tiny nymph chucked into the frothy stuff is the best tactic during the day. Midges are always a good idea to fish. Towards dark you can head hunt with smaller dark Missing links and Adams. The browns are moving up the river from the lake, so bring a streamer rod. Always have Rubberlegs, Perdigons, BP Weiss Nymphs, Poopahs, Zebra Midges and Bird's Nests to round out your offerings.

Upper Sacramento Flows at Delta

Hot Flies:

Dry Flies:
• Sedgeback October Caddis - #10
• Low Water Baetis - #18
• Adams - #12-20
• Mercer's Missing Link - Dark #14-16
• Parachute Adams - #14-18

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Mercer's Tungsten October Pupa
• Skip's TB October Caddis
• CB Birds Nest - #10-14
• Red Copper John - #16-18
• Zebra Midge - #18-20
• Mercury Black Beauty
• Mercer's Glass Bead Micro May - #22
• Mercer's GB Dark Stone - #8
• Mercer's Dark Stone - #6
• Pat's Rubber Legs - Brown #6-8
• Jigged Birds Nest - #14-16
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince - #12-18
• Mercer's CB Micro Mayfly - #16-18
• Walt's Worm
Streamers & Leeches:
• Sheila Sculpin
• Woolly Buggers
• Zack's Stillwater Swimming Leech - #8

The Fly Shop
800-669-3474
info@theflyshop.com
https://www.theflyshop.com/

Shasta Lake Bass Update: 7-18-26

Bass are still being caught and even better at the headwaters of each arm. Water temp. on the surface was between 80 and 83 during the day, but down about a foot and lower the lake is still cooler. You can find colder water at the end of the various arms. We went up the McCloud Arm, on the 18th of July, the water dropped to 63 at the end, of the arm.  The lake is only 49 ft. down, lots of water to enjoy, and up past the no ski zone is fantastic. We caught 12 bass to 1.5 lbs. in a few hours before the heat got to us. All were Spotted Bass. It is fun to catch a lot of fish and try different colors on the bass. Water is getting more color and less clarity, as the wake boats stir things up. Stay back cast to the shaded areas, any color of curl tail or plastic bait and let it fall. I tried mostly shad color curl tails and small worms. We still throw finesse baits on light line and medium action rods. Most bites came on the retrieve. Make sure you bring lots of water and stay hydrated. Have a great time on the water.

Joe Rodola

Avid Amateur bass fisherman for more than 50 years.

Check my YouTube videos for fishing tips for both Shasta and Clearlake. 

The Fly Shop

3-1-26

Lake Siskiyou fishing is currently productive, offering excellent trout action with opportunities for rainbow and brown trout, particularly in early spring as the lake wakes up from winter, notes SC Guide Service. Trolling, especially with dodgers, spoons, and scent-dipped lures at depths down to 40 feet, is effective for catching trout between 1-6 pounds.  

3-26-26

Trinity Lake currently offers excellent fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee, according to the US Forest Service. Bass are active, often spotted in groups, with plastic worms, crankbaits, and artificial lures like spoons proving effective

Trinity River - Updated: July 28, 2026

Fishing conditions:  Fair to Good

Report: Flows from Lewiston are now set to 450 CFS and will remain there through October 15th. We have quite a few fish in the 18-22" range from Lewiston on downstream with a few large adults thrown in the mix. Fish are pretty grabby right now, it is a good time to swing and skate. Keep an eye on the water temps, if they go higher than 65 F you should call it a day. The weather over on the Trin is much cooler than down here in the valley and this is a good option right now to beat the heat. We've got guides available right now that can get you out, give us a call or you can go directly to our Trinity guide page and book a trip now.

Trinity River Flows:

Trinity River Releases from Lewiston

Trinity River Flow at Pigeon Point

Shuttle Services:

• Bill & Caryl Dickens (Gold Coast Shuttle) at 530-623-1905

Access To the Trinity River
The Trinity has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities during the steelhead season. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

Steelhead Fishing Can be Frustrating
These anadromous rainbow trout are known as the 'Fish of a Thousand Casts.' For good reason! The learning curve can be quite steep learning when and where to go, and what type of water to target. Our Professional Guide Staff has decades of experience guiding the Trinity River for steelhead. A day spent with one of our guides will get you up to speed much more quickly.

Recommended Equipment & Setups
Early Summer Run Steelhead on the Trinity River will take swung flies readily. Spey rods are becoming an increasingly popular method to swing flies. The Fly Shop's Signature Spey Rods are an economical way to get into a great Spey rig.

Hot Flies:

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Pat's RubberlegsBrown and Black, #4-8
• Mercer's Psycho Prince - #12-16
• TB Solitude Stone - #8
• Coppertop Duracell - #16
• Mercer's Gold Bead Biot Epoxy Golden Stone - #8-10
• Copper John Red - #10-14


Eggs:
• Clown Egg - #4-10
• Micro Spawn Eggs - Pink & Salmon Egg
• Boles Bazookas - #8

Swing Flies:
• Ho-bo Spey - #6
• Beaded Assassins
• Hoody's Hangers - #4
• Brett's Klamath Skater - #7

The Fly Shop

Redding, Ca.