FISH CALIFORNIA | flyfishing

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Tucked away approximately a one hour drive east of

Redding is California’s finest fly fishing lodge,

Clearwater Lodge. From their centralized location, they

fish many of the state’s finest streams and rivers

including Fall River, Pit River, Hat Creek, McCloud, two

spring creeks, and superb still waters. Throughout the

years, they have built their reputation by having

outstanding guides and tempting Western cuisine.

Clearwater offers a variety of accommodations

including the lodge rooms and three individual one and

two bedroom cottages. Corporate and family groups fit in well here.Their various fly fishing education programs offer instruction for both the beginning fly fisher and the veteran. They have separate Mastering The Art of Fly Fishing programs for men and women and each are a great way to launch a fly fishing career.

DELTA STRIPED BASS
The extensive brackish waters of the Delta area in Northern California have been, for several years, on my annual list of places to fish. The striped bass is the primary target and is an aggressive and powerful challenge. Schoolie size fish of 2 to 5 pounds are common and double digit fish are not a surprise – largest fly-caught striper in the Delta I’ve heard of was a 42 pounder by Paul Wilms in November of 2004. Basically, this is a lead-core line, sub-surface fishery with the rare occasion available to take them with poppers on top. The prime time is generally accepted to be from the fall into early winter; however, good results can be had during many months of the year. Top Delta guides, like Doug Lovell and the crew from Fish First in Albany (510-526-1937) or Mike Costello (209-327-6153), book up very early as many clients have their annual “slots” reserved from season to season.

OREGON

The Deschutes River offers up their feisty Redsides Rainbows during their Salmon Fly and Caddis hatches of the summer season and steelhead in the fall. You can arrange a one day float trip or a 2 to 5 day float with a top-notch meal and camp set-up catered to your family or group. Deschutes River Outfitters are an experienced gang who know how to make this trip happen.