The Upper Sacramento River has been a popular destination for recreation in California since the 1800's, and is still one of our favorite local fisheries.

Current River Conditions:
Water conditions are manageable but still considered high at 1,800 CFS near Lake Shasta. Fishing has been good. A few stoneflies coming off along the lower river.

Fishing action dies off mid day then comes back to life in the late afternoon through early evening. Be careful and use a wading staff.

The Fly Shop's ? Tips:
Nymphs like Mercer's Beaded Biot Epoxy Golden Stones, Sexy Girdle, Iron Sallies should work. Don't forget smaller nymphs like #16 Micro Mayflies, #16-18 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Prince Nymphs. Lots of potential on the Upper Sac.

When nymphing on the Upper Sacramento River, always use double the amount of shot in order to get the flies down to the fish in the faster, bubbly water. If a run calls for one SSG, put on two. If you're not ticking the bottom from time to time (yes, this means losing a few flies), you're probably not getting down to where the fish are feeding. Use stronger tippet like 2X-3X for bigger flies in the #6-10 range, 4X for smaller #16-18. Keep your first fly within 6-8 inches of your split shot. Stronger tippet means fewer flies will be left on the bottom of the river. Sink tip lines with streamers attached are a good plan when there is room to cast.

River Fact:
On the evening of July 14, 1991, a derailment on a horseshoe curve known as the "Cantara Loop" on the railroad north of Dunsmuir resulted in the release of approximately 19,000 gallons of metham sodium spilled into the Sacramento River. The biocide killed every living thing in the river for a distance of some 38 miles, devastating a popular fly fishing area - one of the most severe toxic spills in U.S. history. The Upper Sacramento River is now largely recovered from the spill.

Water Flows:
• Upper Sacramento River Flows

Suggested Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:
• Yellow Stimulator #8-16
• Matt's Stoneflies #6-8
• Brooks Hedlite Sally
• Parachute Adams - #14-16
• Yellow Humpy
• Carnage Drakes March Brown #14
• Royal Wulf - #10-14
• Elk Hair Caddis - #16-18
• Adams - #16-18

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Zack's Thurmanator Dark Stone
• Sexy Souka #6
• Sexy Girdle
• Mercer's GB Dark Stone #8
• Pat's Rubber Legs - Brown #6-8
• BH Hellgrammite
• Bitch Creek
• Dark Lords - #14-16
• Bottom Roller - Psycho Rycho #14
• GB Birds Nest - #12-14
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince #12-16
• Poxyback Golden Stone - #8-14
• Micro Mayfly - #14-18

Streamers/Leeches:
• Sheila Sculpin
• Woolly Buggers
• Muddler Minnows - #10

Fly Fishing Gear:
• The Fly Shop's ? Tapered Nylon Leaders
• The Fly Shop's ? Tough Nylon Tippet
• Simms ? Dry Creek™ Chest Pack
• Patagonia's ? Double Haul
• C&F S Series Waterproof Fly Boxes