Middle Fork Feather River Fly Fishing Report 6/23/2019

The flows are still a tad high on the Middle Fork Feather River in the Graeagle area, and downstream of Jamison creek the volume of water is nearly double and very high. Water temps will vary depending if you are downstream of a major feeder creek like Gray Eagle, Jamison, or Frazier, or after long sections of frog water the solar radiation of the sun will heat up the water by a few degrees. I found the water temps to be at 57 to 60 degrees. Water is clear and looks great. The riparian habitat along the banks of the MFFR have grown so much over the last 5 years, and this spring is probably the most growth I have seen on the river in all my years fishing there. Like they say, just add water and sunshine.

Hatches are light, very few golden stone shucks on the rocks, a few caddis, little Yellow Sallies, Little Green stones, and the most prolific bug was the tiny Blue Wing Olives (Pseudocloeon # 20). A few rising trout, and most of the small rainbows ate Carpenter ants with Hogan’s S&M nymph #18 as a dropper 24 inches below. Fishing pressure was extremely light, and no human footprints in the more secluded areas. First or second week of July will be prime time for the upper Middle Fork Feather River, especially the evenings, and downstream near the of July.

Some of the creeks in Eastern Plumas County are starting to draw down into shape and are fishable. Jamison and Little Jamison are ready to go right now, while Frazier and Gray Eagle creeks are still pumping with heavy flows. Typical small water tactics apply and are so good for beginner fly anglers to learn from and gain confidence. Speaking of which I still have some spots open for the August 7th Greagle Creekin Tour, inquire within if you are interested – 530.228.0487 / baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com

See you on the water!

Jamison Creek ~ Plumas Eureka State Park

Lake Davis Fly Fishing Report 6/23/2019

I finally got up to Lake Davis to host the Gold Country FlyFishers for their 3 day fish out last week, and just as I suspected the usual culprits of a high and cold water year were not favorable for good fishing. The lake is 97% of capacity. The fuller Lake Davis is, the less coves, peninsulas, and fertile shallows there are. Weed beds are also extremely deep as the water levels rose during late winter into spring. Surface water temps are already at 67 degrees rising to 70 during the heat of the day. Not very many hatches with good numbers at all. Just a few blood midges and Callibaetis, but there were many smaller midges in the morning and evening. On our second day I started to notice freshly hatched damsel adults on the submerged willows that are lining the shoreline. I did not see any damsels swimming, and I’m thinking they were emerging undetected in the willows crawling up the branches underwater. A few Hexes emerged in the evening near Honker Cove on the east side of lake but the rainbows, birds, and bats were nowhere to be seen. I have seen this type of scenario before both at Lake Davis and Lake Almanor in the last 3 decades. Late hatches of Damsels and the Hex, yet the surface temps are so warm that the trout prefer to stay in their deeper air conditioned restaurants down below off the first major ledge. All of the fish that were being caught were down 20 to 25 feet. Full sinking express lines and slip bobbers were the tools to get the grabs. Sheep Creek Specials, Zebra Midges, and Albino Winos were the effective flies.

Ca DFW has made 3 plants of 18,000 pounds of Eagle Lake Rainbows since May, both catchable and sub catchable. This fall should fish well once the water cools down, and by that time the shallows will be full of aquatic insect life and much more fertile. If DFW keeps up on the planting schedule we could see Lake Davis near her former glory like in years past. I’m looking forward to seeing the most beautiful lake in Northern California rebound and provide my fellow fly anglers some positive stillwater experiences. See you out there in the autumn sunshine.

  Penstemon Wildflower 

New Interactive Watershed Map Site ~ Truckee River, Middle Fork Feather River, Yuba River, North Fork Feather River, and more!

Last week I had a conversation about what is this Guidebox thing at City Council coffee shop in Nevada City with the dude sitting next to me. That led to the topic of watersheds, mapping, and flow data. Andreas introduced me to his site https://watershedmap.org/ As fly anglers we are information junkies always seeking out the knowledge that could lead to a better fishing and life experience.

The site is a work in progress and will be upgraded as time marches on. Once you have the map up, and zoom into the watershed you're most interested in, you can then use the many different layers to find the info you need. Flow gauges, diversions, fish barriers, tributaries, mainstem rivers, and snow overlays are just a few of the many different options you can choose from. Check out the site, give it a book mark, and add it to your tool belt!

https://watershedmap.org/

Elkhorn 509-4 AMP Rod Review

I finally had a chance to test the new Elkhorn 905-4 AMP fly rod and was pleasantly surprised at the performance. The rod was delivered to me by manager Dan McGann and Jim Cooper of the Elkhorn Fly Shop in Loveland, Co after learning about my misfortune last December when my truck was stolen including most everything I owned, including my guide gear. I was completely blown away at that simple act of kindness, and so grateful.

The first stage of the test was to simply cast the rod on the grass fields of Pioneer Park here in Nevada City, while varying different lengths of line both two-step casting and false casting. The line chosen for the test was a RIO Perception weight forward in a size 5 to match the official rod weight. The AMP loaded quickly and easily with about 25 feet of line out. The rod is tagged as a medium-fast action rod and I found that to be pretty much spot on, except the tip is a bit softer than most rods that I use, which I can appreciate as it protects tippets from breaking off on larger trout. The blank is manufactured in Korea to specific specs and hand built by the Elkhorn staff in Colorado.

The best way I can describe the action is very smooth and crisp, it’s the kind of rod that is just fun to cast. I set up a few targets to cast to and the AMP responded better than I thought with dialed in accuracy. When it came to distance and false casting an excessive amount of line out the tip, the rod did not collapse or wither. It actually excelled with a longer amount of line and the AMP seemed to be in its happy place. The shooting ability of line was also very good. As a big stillwater angler, this rod would easily excel at Lake Davis or Frenchman Lake when casting to far away targets like large cruising rainbows during the damsel migration. 

I fished indicator rigs with added split shot and heavy flies and the AMP could turn over the entire package well, but it even mended better. In my opinion though, it excelled most at fishing dry flies. The way the fly presented itself on the water with a delicate landing and combined with great accuracy now has me reconfiguring my arsenal for this summer. The AMP will be my go to dry fly rod on the technical waters of Northern California. I honestly cannot wait for the PMDs and Green Drakes to pop and have this rod at my side. I have a good feeling about how the AMP will increase my enjoyment for such.

Aesthetically the AMP is a real looker. The rod features a really cool custom reel seat and a glowing olive green color that punches out when the sun hits it just right. Simple snake guides and beautiful wrappings round out this gem. Bottom line and overall review is…impressive and extremely versatile. Here is how Elkhorn Fly Shop describes the Amp on their website:

The new 905-4 is the newest addition to the AMP Series of rods. This 9 foot 5 weight 4 piece rod is designed with performance and aesthetics in mind. This fly rod is finished with an “unsanded” blank which adds strength and reliability to the rod while adding a beautiful olive acrylic finish. This is a medium-fast action rod with a progressive taper that will definitely suit any level of caster with its control and feel. You won’t find a better value in the market from any maker at any price if you’re shopping for a high end rod – Period!

Price: $419.00 ~  https://elkhornflyrodandreel.com/

Native Sons Truckee Tours 2019 ~ Dates & Info

The CONCEPT—Through many years of guiding fly anglers in the Tahoe-Truckee and Graeagle areas; both Jon Baiocchi of Baiocchi’s Troutfitters and Frank R. Pisciotta have noticed a trend. Many of their experienced fly angling clients visiting for the first time or having previously fished the area expressed an interest in becoming more familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the local “wild trout” fisheries; hoping to minimize their “prospecting” time. They engaged Jon or Frank’s services with their prime focus being an orientation to local waters; being guided and catching trout being secondary. These fly anglers want to be briefed about: 

-Most productive techniques

-Local bugs and respective fly patterns

-Seasonally ideal angling times

-Key access points of selected waters

The SPECIFICS: The Tour is designed to give fly anglers what they need to know to be successful when venturing on selected special regulation sectors of the Big Truckee, from the town of Truckee to Hirschdale, and the Little Truckee below Stampede dam. Fly fishers will learn of access points, equipment, tactics, techniques, flies, entomology, and local inside knowledge. The Tour entails a “meet & greet” and PowerPoint presentation on Friday evening. Attendees receive a Tour Packet consisting of a map, essays on both waters, and a hatch chart. A bonus is a copy of the original Truckee Little Truckee Tips. Saturday we auto-caravan; participates providing their own transportation. Lunch and drinks are included. After lunch we wader up (bring your own gear) and split into two fishing groups; similar to a guide trip.

Tours are limited to six (6). Jon and Frank know they can easily enroll more tour guests, but they want to assure a high quality experience. We maintain a maximum 3-1 ratio of attendee to “tour” guide. 

WHO WE ARE: Jon and Frank are the founders of the Native Sons Tours. They are “born & raised” northern Californians with a combined 58 years of guiding fly anglers exclusively on their “home waters” and a near-century, 98 years of fly fishing experience. The tour information dispensed is reliable, timely and ingrained from Jon and Frank’s vast experience. Simply, experience does count. They have always tailored guide trips to the specific desires and skills of the individual client and have planned their guest’s time accordingly.

Hence the genesis of the Native Sons Tours; to provide a group of experienced fly anglers a short learning curve and cost-effective investment in their angling time. There is nothing comparable to these tours; some have imitated and tried. The word has spread and the above scheduled tours get booked way in advance. If interested in a private, affinity group tour and your own selected dates; we are receptive…inquire.

2019 DATES

June 28-29 ~ July 26-27 ~ August 16-17  

September 20-21 ~ October 4-5

FEE: $250 per Angler

To book your spot on one of the selected dates please contact baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com

Truckee River Fly Fishing Report 5/30/2019

It’s been a while since I last posted, probably the longest I’ve gone since I started this blog in 2008, but there has been only a few minor changes to my previous reports. The last two weeks have been stormy, gray days, cold, and snow. Even chain controls over the summit with the last event only a few days ago. These conditions can provide the ultimate trout weather, and often do, but at this point most fair weather anglers are ready for summer. The first change has been the flows have dropped a little. Glenshire went from 2,100 cubes down to 1,500 and with recent thunderstorms in the last 48 hours has bumped up to 1,600. It’s the same story with the Boca inlet all the way down to the state line. Fishing remains decent and good quality trout when (if) you land them in the net, some of the rainbows have the most spectacular coloration right now. Overall flows are on the big side and high water tactics still prevail. We are starting to see more hatches like March Brown and Baetis mayflies but the trout are still eating below, and smaller flies having been producing. The sun is supposed to return next week with warmer temps but you just never know what will happen in the Sierra. See you out there…

Truckee River Fly Fishing Report ~ 5/5/2019

Yesterday was another gorgeous day on the Truckee River, love those sunny Spring days after a long winter. There is a chance of thunderstorms and precipitation from today through Tuesday evening, well at least that is the forecast for now. One thing is for certain, cloudy weather provides better trout fishing with lower light conditions. The flows have been ramped down a tad from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Prosser, and Stampede. Water temps have come up to 48 degrees as recorded in the afternoons of the last week. Runoff is all dependent on air temps, wind, and direct solar radiation. Warmer windy days with bluebird skies will result in a more rapid melt, cool cloudy days will lessen that effect. Typical angling pressure exists during this time on the upper watershed.

From Prosser creek upstream water clarity is still much better and because of such, small dark flashy and subtle nymphs are actually more effective than the big stuff. Try colors like black, brown, and dark olive. Oh, and never leave home without a quiver of worms in flesh, red, and pink. My guests and I have lured some trout from under overhanging willows and smaller log jams with bigger streamers like sculpins and baby brown and rainbow trout patterns. Not much in the way of hatches, I have yet to see a March Brown, or any Carpenter ants yet, just a whole lot of midges.

Special thanks to Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishers and a few new members who participated in yet another in depth and informative High Water Workshop. I just love sharing the knowledge I’ve learned over the last 4 decades, and seeing anglers quickly progress in their skill set. I may have some spots opening up for the 5/18 workshop, so stay tuned.

Looking forward to the season ahead, It’s going to be good for a long time. See ya out there where the wild things are…

Jon Baiocchi / Baiocchi’s Troutfitters ~ baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com ~ 530.228.0487

Truckee River Fly Fishing Report 4/28/2019

Gorgeous warm weather and blue skies have dominated the skies in the Northern Sierra for the last week, and the flows keep pumping at a high level on the Truckee River. At the Granite campground station on Hwy 89 the flows are at 1,530 cubes, add in Donner Creek at 443 cfs and you will find the flows through the town of Truckee at 1,973. Along the Glenshire stretch below the added inflows of Trout creek and Martis creek, flows are 2,430 cubes. Below the Boca inflow, 3800 cfs. During the spring runoff you’ll notice slight pulses in the graphs from freeze/thaw cycles. The highest flows appear around midnight with the lowest flows in the mid-morning. Fishing pressure is heavy in the more popular spots on the Truckee River, but there is plenty of areas that are off the beaten path. Water temps range from 42-46 degrees. The forecast for peak runoff in the Northern Sierra is the last week of May at this time, conditions can change due to weather and air temps, so check back here frequently.

The fishing is decent if you are willing to put in the work, not a lot of fish, but bigger quality trout. Tight line nymphing, and streamers remain to be the game to be played. From Prosser creek upstream the water clarity is much better and you can use smaller flashier nymphs. Other than that, the same old basic menu of bacon & eggs, stones, crawdads, and larger attractor nymphs. The right type of water is not that plentiful so move around to multiple spots, put in quality presentations, get out and move on.

Above is the type of water you are looking for, slow moving calmer water with some depth, next to the main flow. Approach the edges of the river with caution and stealth as some trout are in skinny water within the submerged native grasses that are currently underwater. Large bushes next to the bank with accumulated woody debris and logs often harbor a large trout as it is a prime singular holding area.

The Little Truckee is outside it’s banks running at 1,260, way above the average mean flow. Big water everywhere you look.

Special thanks to group #2 of High Sierra Flycasters out of the Gradnerville / Minden area for participating in my High Water Workshop. I’ve have two more scheduled in May, but they are filled up. Look for my upcoming presentations from my following post, and new dates for the High Water Workshop in 2020. Be careful out there and don’t take chances, live to fish another day… 

Upcoming May Presentation Schedule ~ 2019

On Tuesday March 7^th I will be presenting “High Water Tactics” to my local club, Gold Country Fly Fishers. One of my best programs ever where I cover the source of high water events, safety, a trout’s vision in dirty water, water to target during big flows, Tight Line nymphing, streamer presentations, leader formulas, equipment, and fly patterns. This event is free to nonmembers. The meeting starts with a "Social Hour" from 5:30 to 6:30 with the meeting starting at 6:30 and ending by 9:00 pm. Nevada County Fairgrounds, Ponderosa Building, Gate #2, Grass Valley, CA. I sure hope you can make it. You do not want to miss this program with our current “High Water” conditions.

The next evening on May 8th I will be in Stockton, Ca presenting to Delta Fly Fishers with the same program “High Water Tactics”. John R. Williams School, 2450 Meadow Ave, Stockton, CA, 7 to 9 pm. If your near the area stop on by. This event is free to nonmembers.

The last stop on my mini presentation tour will be at Mt. Tam Fly Fishers May 9th with an all new program “Creekin the Lost Sierra”. I’ll explain the unique geographic area of South Eastern Plumas National Forest, my favorite creeks, blue lining, must have equipment, and fly selection. For those that love small water and solitude, this is the program for you. This event is free to nonmembers. Corte Madera Town Center, Room 201, Upstairs, above the AT&T store – 7pm. Right off 101 at Tamalpais Blvd, Corte Madera.

A week later on May 16th I will be at Orvis of Roseville with an all new presentation on the North Fork Yuba River, one of California's most beautiful watersheds with an ample amount of wild trout. You'll learn about the different sections of the river from top to bottom, flies, presentations, equipment, entomology, and local inside knowledge from legally guiding the NFYR for the last 7 years. I hope to see you at one of these events, and as always I love to share the knowledge of fly fishing.

Truckee River Fly Fishing Report 4/22/2019

Two words for the Truckee River right now, big and bold. Flows have come up even more since my last report with the Glenshire stretch at 2,200 cubes, Prosser Creek outflow is at 450 cfs, and below the Boca bridge the Truckee is moving pretty good at 3,640 cfs. Water temps have been at around 42 degrees. Water clarity is good from Prosser upstream and a little color from there downstream – Which is a good thing, I feel the fishing is a little better with colored up water as it hides you, and you can use heavier tippet, plus it masks mistakes in your presentation. Big flies, and longer worms; rubber legged Stonefly nymphs, worms in red, flesh, and pink, 8mm eggs (10mm in dirty water), and larger attractor nymphs like Jumbo Johns in darker colors. It’s all about finding the right type of holding water that has not been beaten to death.

Special thanks to members of the Diablo Fly Fishers for another successful High Water Tactics Workshop. Be safe out there and use the buddy system.

The first wildflower of spring in the Northern Sierra is out and blooming, the Alpine Buttercup ~ Ranunculus eschscholtzii

Truckee River Fly Fishing Report & Yuba River Update 4/12/19

It's been a while, and sorry for the delay in my reports, but my internet crashed at my secret abode on the outskirts of Nevada City. The spring thaw is on and there is big water everywhere! The Lower Sac is pushing 40k today and other rivers are in the same boat. What's really interesting is there is SO much snow still to melt and depending on what the air temps do, it could melt all at once or slowly. The lakes and reservoirs are filling up and aleady Antelope and Frenchman are spilling over. Weather up here in Truckee town has been nice one day, and snowing the next, though tomorrow it will be 60 degrees and sunny. What a winter and now spring we are having - California, the land of extremes.

Currently the Truckee river is high and just a little off color - It's perfect. With big water large trout have the power to efficiently navigate throughout the watershed and to be able to effectively feed. This is the time of year you just may hook into a fish of a lifetime, or at least a trophy. Flows are pumping at 1,810 cubes on the Glenshire stretch (they've come down from 2,100) and below Boca they are at 3,440 cfs. Lots of folks out fishing and quite a number of bent rods too, those in the know are experienced anglers in high water conditions. Tight line nymphing and streamers (high stick or swinging) are the two methods of operation. Finding soft spots along the bank with some depth and a walking speed current is best to be successful. Big worms, stone fly nymphs, eggs, and bigger nymphs like Jumbo Johns are working well. As the water clarity gets worse keep in my mind those trout can see a lot better than you think. I have three spots open for the High Water Workshop on May 4th. Shoot me an email at baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo, or give me a call at 530.228.0487 

  
Yuba River Update - The flows got down to 4k on the 1st and 2nd of April and my clients on both days got into fish, in fact those rainbows were super grabby. Swinging minnows did it for us as well as nymphing with stones and worms. Water clarity at that time was pretty much clear with about 4 feet of visibility. The Yuba  jumped up to 8k last week and now is down to 6,440 cubes. I have no idea of the clarity right now but a guide buddy told me it was really dirty down by Marysville a few days ago. I expect the flows to be high until all the snow melts in the mountains, then the Ag flows will kick in until September 1st. Doubt I'll be back down, but for sure you can find me in the Northern Sierra.

Northern Sierra Fishing Report and Future Conditions ~ Lower Yuba River, Truckee River, Middle Fork Feather River, Lake Davis, Frenchman Lake, and Lost Sierra Creeks 3/18/2019

Spring has sprung in the Northern Sierra, and the seasons are changing. In the last week I’ve noticed a major shift in bird migration with robins, and other songbirds seeking the foothills and higher elevations. It won’t be long before the warblers infiltrate the Sierra meadows for late spring and summer. Many rivers are high with flows but no matter if they are clear or dirty, these types of conditions often produce the biggest trout of the year as those fish  have the power to navigate big water, and the agility to feed efficiently. Plenty of water will be in the many systems for the summer and fall, we may be out of a drought, but we all know how California is and the future of precipitation is always in question. So with that bit of good news, let’s dive into current and future conditions of my native Northern Sierra.

Lower Yuba River: Current flows are at 4,500 cubes and have been creeping downwards in the last week. Though a tad high, the water is clear. A few fish are being caught, mostly with streamer patterns like minnow and sculpin patterns, and the standard black bunny leech. Hatches have been light in the last week and I have not seen a riser. Yuba Water Agency will continue to release flows from Englebright dam in the 3,500 cfs range and they expect that Englebright will keep spilling for the next week at the earliest. These higher than normal mean flows will most likely keep on going for the next month or more, then YWA will continue with the agriculture flows through the end of August. Trout have to eat. Don’t let high water hamper your efforts.

Truckee River: I’m switching gears next week and will be guiding and fishing the Truckee River. I’ve got some good reports from my close friends who guide and fish up there full time. I love high water on the Truckee River as the trout are concentrated in the soft water next to the bank. Where there is one, there are another 5 more. Prime lies matter most to them during this time of year, and since they can be far and few between, they learn to share them. Big worms, stones, eggs, and large dark nymphs will work best for nymphing. Streamer game is on point too. It’s not all about the swing and strip either, High stick nymphing a heavy streamer such as a crayfish in the right water will get results. Look for more reports from here on out from me. I’m looking forward to getting back to my roots once again.

Middle Fork Feather River: Last season on the MFFR was the best in a long time, and with an abundance of water again, look for conditions to be even better. Large trout migrate heavily in this river during high water. During the higher flows of spring, bigger fish will be spread out in the upper watershed. Streamer tactics often entice the 18-24” fish, but you’ll have to work hard for them. As the flows drop most trout will go with the flow and head down to the canyons, especially when water temperatures have spiked upwards, but then the bass and carp games reveal themselves with a different and unique option. Spring and fall on the MFFR offer something that most rivers in California can't – Solitude, especially if an angler is willing to hike away from the major access areas. 

The Middle Fork Feather River is managed by the US Forest Service as stated in the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act by Congress in 1967. The people own the river, and there is no private water. Being a navigable river, any person that is fishing, hiking, or recreating can move up and down the river as long as they have entered on public land, or by a Cal Trans easement and staying within the high water mark. If you’re hiring a guide for the MFFR, make sure they have proof of a US Forest Service Special Use Permit to commercially operate there. I look forward to sharing my decade’s long experience with fly anglers new to the Middle Fork Feather River.

Lake Davis & Frenchman Lake: Currently Lake Davis is at 83% of capacity, and Frenchman Lake is at 84% of capacity. I really don’t like when Lake Davis is really full, there is less coves and the fish are scattered and harder to find. Also the weed beds from the season before are much deeper. I do like Frenchman when it is high as the north end of the lake is more productive, and it spreads out other water recreationist though out the lake so they do not tend to interfere with us fly anglers. At the beginning of March I had a short meeting on the phone with the head fisheries biologist for Plumas and Sierra counties about Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake. The first question raised was do fly anglers want Brown trout in LD, I said very much so and that it may bring back fly anglers to the lake. As you know many fly anglers gravitate to the Truckee and Little Truckee rivers to quench their appetite for browns. We agreed the browns could put a dent into the out of control bass population as well. This plant could very well happen if everything falls into place. LD will be receiving 40,000 catchable Eagle Lakers, and 40,000 sub catchable Eagle Lakers for 2019. When those plants will happen is unknown at this time.

Frenchman Lake will receive 150,000 sub catchable Eagle Lakers for 2019. The reason the lakes have not been planted in the last few years is due to a change in planting schedules. These schedules have a starting month and an ending month within the calendar year. There was a delay in implementing the new schedule which led to no overlap of the schedules, thus impending a dry period. This was not caught until late July of 2018 which led them to plant 20,000 pounds of catchable rainbows in August at LD. We should see better results in the following years, especially year 3. Now if they could change the regs from a 5 fish limit to 2, and 4 in possession instead of 10, I'd be really happy. The future looks bright!

Lost Sierra Creeks: With a huge snow pack this year, you can expect conditions to be a month later than normal. I’m thinking the last week of June into the end of September will be best. The creeks of Eastern Plumas County fished really well last year since the drought, just like my dad used to say “If you want better fishing and bigger fish, just add water!”

If you’re looking to fish the Northern Sierra and the creeks of the Lost Sierra this spring, summer, and fall, do not hesitate in contacting me for a trip, advice, or information. As a Northern Sierra native, I’m always willing to share the knowledge. 530.228.0487 baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com 

See you on the water…

Nevada City Fly Fishing Film Tour ~ Cast Hope

Cast Hope is proud to bring you the 2019 premier of the Fly Fishing Film Tour on April 6, in Nevada City, CA at the Nevada Theater. We have a great silent auction, door prize, and a raffle with some amazing items. Baiocchi's Troutfitters is proud to be able to make donation for this grand event. Click HERE or HERE for tickets.

Event Date: April 6, 2019

Time: Doors open at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm sharp

Location: Nevada Theater

401 Broad St., Nevada City, CA

Cost: $25 at the door

We are very excited to announce that we will not only be hosting the Fly Fishing Film Tour, we will also be hosting an AFTER PARTY at Coopers in Down Town Nevada City with Chuck Ragan, Hogan Brown of Royal Oaks, Wolf Creek Boys, and Hannah Jane Kile performing.

Doors will open at 9pm and music will start at 10pm After the Fly Fishing Film Tour. $10 at the door. All Proceeds to to Cast Hope. PLUS a bonus Raffle with tickets for sale at the door.

Coopers is Walking Distance from the historic Nevada Theater and is a great place to keep the Party Going after the Fly Fishing Film Festival.

https://www.casthope.org/

Cast Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization positively impacting youth and their mentors in communities throughout Northern California, Southern California, and Western Nevada through free fly fishing experiences. Through our program, clients build mentoring relationships, fly fishing skills, outdoor knowledge, sustainable practices, and personal values. Cast Hope's gift of fly fishing empowers each mentoring pair to grow closer as they make fly fishing a healthy hobby they can do together.

Lower Yuba River Fly Fishing Update 3/7/2019

Reported at 8am - Not much of a report as we are entering our 6th week straight of fluctuating high water levels and varying degrees of turbidity. Currently the Yuba is flowing at 17k, and Deer creek is at 1,750 cubes. Englebright dam is still spilling and the reservoir is at 106% of capacity. The Skwala hatch was short lived this year, but if the flows come down to at least 3,000 in a few weeks we could have some March Brown mayfly action to comfort the soul. Regardless, when the flows do come down the best strategy is going to be swinging streamers in the side water, even if the visibility is a foot or so. Black leeches, minnow patterns, and sculpin patterns for the grab. The only other game right now is bass in the foothill reservoirs, Bullards Bar, Englebright, and Lake Oroville will be your best bets. I'm not that into it, but if you want to learn more about foothill bass hit up Hogan Brown or Chuck Ragan.

On the 19th of March I will be presenting my "High Water Tactics" program to the Diablo Valley Fly Fishers in Walnut Creek, Ca. This event is free and open to the public. I encourage you to come check it out, you'll learn much and it will help you to prepare for fishing the high flows we will be encountering from now through spring. See you there!

Buying Commercially Tied Flies

Though I tie most of my flies, I do buy commercially tied flies during the busy summer season, or certain patterns that burn up my valuable time. As a totally independent guide I have to rely on myself for everything. Nobody books trips for me. I must manage my own website and blog which I update on a weekly basis. Factor in marketing, networking, writing articles for magazines, upkeep on equipment (gear, boats, vehicles, etc.), and administrative duties adds up to being a full time job, which I enjoy immensely. I have a few tips for you which will make your commercially tied flies last longer and preform better on the water.

 1) After purchasing your flies from your local fly shop or distributor, take the time to de barb the hook of all of the patterns in hand.

2) With a bottle of Sally Hansen's Hard Nails Extreme clear formula nail polish, glue the thread wraps with a needle for precise control and flow of the liquid, and let dry. Commercially tied flies are not glued at the time they are manufactured by hand, and that's why they fall apart

3) Take the time to clip off any stray hairs or other imperfections the pattern may have.

4) For dry flies, soak each fly in Loon Outdoors Hydrostop liquid and let dry for 48 hours. Your dry flies will float longer and will resist from being drowned by excessive water.

Once you've completed all of the steps above, the flies you bought will last longer and preform better while you are on the water. Make your well earned money last longer buy taking the extra time and attention of sealing the deal.