The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Help! We need some straight scoop. Four of us have a shad trip booked Wednesday below Red Bluff. Last night Herb said that there are few fish and that changes in the flow and water temp are making the fishing tough. Thursday I was told that shad fishing was great [at least below Woodson Bridge]. Last year our shad trip was canceled twice. I am not aware of anything new on the Sac in the last two years. The flows are always bumped up around this time of year, aren't they? In fact it seems to me that they are usually up to 14,000 by now, and yesterday's were only 13,000.

I am to get an updated report Monday afternoon, but I would love to hear from anyone who has fished either stretch lately also.

Bjorn's Dad

I have not gotten a recent report in that area of the river. However, the report that the fishing turned off after the flow change is typical. It usually takes them a couple of days to get used to the new flows and turn back on. Good luck and post a report.

Can't speak for the Sac because I haven't spent much time up there lately. But I can speak for the American, and I can tell you that if I relied on shad reports I never would have gone out once this year (and I've been out about 10 times!). And that would have been a mistake, because I've gotten a lot of shad this year! Last time I went, my son Chris went out the evening before and it was dead, only a couple fish were caught. The next day was a fifty fish day landed. With anadromous fish you never know, they could be there one day and gone the next. But I would listen to my guide, and if he recommended to cancel, I would trust their word and cancel.

The shad have been in the S. for a while now. A small change of flow isn't going to change their game plan. I fished the S. recently, they're there, and if you have a guide, he should be able to put you on fish.

NCBob hit it on the head, go out and wet a line, that's the only way you'll find out.

Fished Red Bluff to Los Molinas on Saturday. Strange weather, lightning, thunder, and a little rain. We fished several of our favorite spots and only managed one shad. It was tough. Who knows why? Weather, flows, etc. This should be the time for some good shad fishing. I would listen to your guide and take his advice. Best of luck and hope you get into some fish.

NorcalBob wrote:
Can't speak for the Sac because I haven't spent much time up there lately. But I can speak for the American, and I can tell you that if I relied on shad reports I never would have gone out once this year (and I've been out about 10 times!).

I can't echo that statement any more strongly: the American has been absolutely killer this year, though nearly all reports indicate otherwise.