Top 5 Summer Fisheries (Lower Sac, Fall River, Upper Sac, McCloud, Pit)
The Best Fly Fishing Options in Northern California during the Summer
As we look forward to summer and all the fun that it brings, here are the top 5 Northern California summer fisheries that should be on every angler’s bucket-list this summer.
The Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sac deserves to be at the top of this list for many reasons. The fish on the Lower Sac during the summer months are in some of the healthiest and hard fighting shape you will ever find a wild rainbow trout to be in. Most days even during extreme heat spells we see consistent fishing, and the temperature on the water typically is several degrees cooler than the surrounding area. On a typical summer evening, large Hydropsyche caddis hatch as the shade begins to hit the water. This can make the bite go into full frenzy mode in the riffles as the trout gorge themselves on these vulnerable snacks. Paired with golden summer evening light and it’s an experience like no other. All day during the summertime on the Lower Sac you will typically find some bugs hatching and fish feeding. In the Lower Stretches, summer means large stonefly imitations and “swirl” fishing when some of the hardest fighting trout in the river suspend just under the surface in deep holes feeding in the miniature whirlpools created by the current. A summer float on the Lower Sac, especially in the lower stretches can mean complete solitude and solid fishing.
Fall River
The Fall River is undoubtedly the most unique fishery in Northern California. The large spring creek literally boils up from underground and meanders through gentle grass beds as it wanders it’s way through the scenic Fall River valley. Summer is peak fishing season on Fall river, as water temperatures finally become warm enough for insect hatches to take place. Gin clear water makes the fish wary, so good presentation is key here. That being said, anglers can have huge days of constant action on this prolific river. Summer also brings with it the famous Hexagenia mayfly hatch. These giant yellow mayflies hatch at dusk, creating a short yet intense flurry of dry fly fishing action that has become famous on this river.
Upper Sacramento River
It wouldn’t be summer in Nor Cal if we didn’t talk about wading the Upper Sac. This fishery is many people’s favorite walk n wade stream in the summer. As outside temperatures rise, wet wading with no waders becomes a refreshing way to beat the heat and catch fish. With over 30 miles of productive water above Lake Shasta, finding complete solitude is easy on the Upper Sac. With a little hiking and adventurous spirit, you can fish areas that seldom see any anglers. The trout population on this river seems to be in extremely good shape, so if the water looks fishy, it probably has fish. Nymphing with various caddis, stonefly, and mayflies all work great depending on what’s hatching that day. Dry Dropper is always worth fishing as well, especially in the pocket water. Prince nymphs, rubber legs, and jigged perdigon style flies are always a safe bet here. We also see some dry fly action in the mornings and evenings most days.
McCloud River
The McCloud River is easily one of the most famous trout streams in California, if not the most famous. The scenery alone is worth a visit. Emerald blue water, giant foliage, and some of the prettiest native redband rainbow trout in the world as well as brown trout that grow quite large. On the hot days, wet wading here is an option although the water is typically pretty cold still coming out of McCloud reservoir. The shaded canyon of the Lower McCloud is always a welcomed oasis from Northern California’s summer heat. Summer time is pocket water season on the McCloud, and most oxygenated boulder pockets will have fish waiting for the opportunity to eat the right fly. Sometimes in this foamy water, attractor style flies like a copper john will get bit as good or better than a perfect caddis, mayfly, or stonefly imitation. Dry dropper fishing is a perfect way to cover this water, and an explosion on a chubby chernobyl dry fly is like nothing else. Hiking this river on a summer day is a rewarding and special experience, and it is important to note, watch out for rattle snakes as you hike in.
Pit River
Summer is peak season on the Pit River. The main reason we say this is because you can wet wade all day in the summer, as the river temps are usually perfect for this and the outside temperatures require it. “There a fish behind every rock on the Pit” is a saying we hear often, and we have experienced it to be true. The Pit River is known for having stout “football” shaped rainbows that don’t typically grow long, but they do grow round. These fish pound for pound are some of the hardest fighting native trout around. Wading the pit is very challenging, as the boulders are slick and plentiful. This is why wet wading is perfect, because if you slip a little, it’s always nice to cool off in the river anyways. Golden Stoneflies are prolific on the Pit River, which makes any golden stonefly nymph an easy choice. There are also plenty of Caddis, Mayflies, and other Stoneflies that hatch on this river. Often, the trout aren’t extremely picky here. It’s more about getting a fly in front of them.
