The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Hi Guys, I grew up in Northern California and have been living in Maine for 15 years; used to take a fly rod into Emigrant Basin, different spots in the Owens Valley, Marble Mountain Wilderness, and went after Golden Trout behind Whitney. Now I fish Maine streams mostly(once the ice is out, though I have been in dam-fed open rivers that are running all winter in 20 degree weather and less!) Got back into fly fishing big time a year ago here (lots of great stuff), but now want to test my (older) skills in Northern California with a LOT less time than I used to have.

I am coming back to the Bay Area May 13-20 with only ONE (long) day to get away with my six-weight eight piece travel rod in hand, looking for trout of any kind. I don't have time to backpack, unfortunately. I was thinking of the Upper Sacramento north of Dunsmuir, of hike-in stretches of the Stanislaus near Long Barn, but not the Yuba. Are my old instincts correct or can someone point me in some better directions? I interested in wading and small streams or a little larger--the main thing is a nice river/stream area with action; will update my nymphs when I get there but think my streamers are dries will work.

I don't expect anyone to burn any spots but generally steer in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

Go Bears! And Thanks.

The only problem with small strams mid-May is that many of them are likely to be in the throes of snow melt, making the tailwaters a better choice.
You may try the Stanislaus below Beardsley.
The lower Stan above Knight's Ferry has potential, although it can be very busy unless you are there mid-week.

Probably the best course of action is to check in with local fly shops just before you arrive to find out the best options.


Buzz

Buzz, thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out the streams off 108 in the fly shop in Walnut Creek near where I will be staying, but the Stanislaus near Knight's Ferry is a great idea! Really appreciate it, Dag from Maine (now)

Hey Dag,

I moved to the Redding area from Portland Maine last year; I'm sure we've hit some of the same water in Maine. I'm really liking the fishing out here. Today I was fishing dry flies and wet wading (water was cold but it was 80+ degrees out!); in Maine I would be dreaming about fishing still. Anyway, I'll pm you a spot or two and if you remind me closer to when your coming out I'd be happy to give you an update on current conditions.

I'm flying to Maine for a week of fishing in June...can't wait to hit the NW Mountains and the Moosehead region.

Tight Lines,

Marc P.