Current River Conditions: We experienced some pretty tough fishing last week due to the increase in water releases out of Shasta Dam. River flows are currently stable at 11,000 CFS. More water and higher volume means more food for the fish. These higher flows produce those big summer rainbows that make us go "Holy Shi....ssshhh that's a nice fish"! High winds can make the casting tough. Check you forecasts if you don't want to be caught on the "Sac" in the wind.

The Fly Shop's?? Tips: The hot flies have remained small dark #16 flies. Examples would be Dark Lords, Silvey's Beaded Poopah, Zack's Zaddis. #6 Pat's Rubber Legs has been a really good fly over the past couple months. We are seeing more and more PMD's and Pink Alberts (yes, it's called a "Pink Albert". I denied it for a long time, but after some research, that's what it's called. Can we have a better name?) coming off through the month of April and into May. Look for rising fish along the edges of long riffles, in the shallow water.

When it comes to trout fishing on the Lower Sacramento around Redding, CA., nymphing is by far the most productive fly fishing method. We fish deep on this river. Although a tapered leader will work when nymphing this river, we recommend constructing your leader out of 2X, 3X and 4X tippet or level fluorocarbon. Basically, tie in your 2X tippet at the indicator and pull off about 7.5-8.5 feet. Now grab your 3X and tie it in using a double surgeon knot to a length of 18"-24". Go ahead and tie in your first fly. The second fly drops off of the hook bend of the first fly. Use your 4X tippet to tie in the second, smaller fly. We like to use "BIG" 1 1/4" indicators. SSG split shot also known as "Goose Shot" (ask Cory) will get the flies down to the fish. If you are wading the river and not in a drift boat, add another AAA or even a second SSG to your rig. The sooner the flies get to the bottom of the river, the more time you spend "fishing".

Water Flows:
• Lower Sacramento Flows

Suggested Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:
• Foam Parachute Sulphur #14-16
• Mercer's Missing Link #16
• Quigley's Midget Caddis #16
• Quigley Cripple Callibaetis #16

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• CB Birds Nest Black #16
• Beaded Drifting Flashback #16
• Zack's Pseudo May #16 Black or Brown
• Gordon's Amber Wing Prince #14-18
• Dark Lord #16
• Silvey's Beaded Poopa - Black #16
• Mercer's Glo Bubble Caddis
• Pat's Rubberlegs - #6-8

Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Oregon Cheese

Fly Fishing Gear:
• The Fly Shop's?? Signature H2O Indicator Rod
• Rio?? Fly Line Perfect For The "Sac"
• Simms?? Solar Shirt/TFS Logo
• Dr. Slick/TFS Scissor/Hemostat
• An indicator that suspends heavy split shot!