California flyfishing.

[walksinwater]

There is a probability that I may be visiting California for a while.

What are some good areas to explore for trout in the Santa Rosa, Sacramento areas?

What are some good areas to explore for warm water species in the same locals?

This would be wading specific.


Thanks.

[Cary]

California has arguably the most varied fishing.... In the world.

There's at least five sp of trout, including the native range of golden trout; salmon, steelhead, shad, smallies, black bass, 'gills, wipers, white bass, stripers, four or five species of tuna, yellowtail, halibut, numerous rockfish, bonefish (YES, bonefish, in a few discreet places), several species of croakers, including white sea bass, 'cuda, bonito, mackeral, corbina, corvina, perch, sharks, and on and on.

Where you'r going to be, check out Silver Creek (a trib to the American River), near the town of Pollock Pines. You're not too far form the Sacramento River, and great warmwater fishing of Black Butte Res.

Head north a few hours to the upper Sac, McCloud, Pit, Hat, Fall, and some small unknown tribs that have native, isolated populations of redband trout.

[LandGuppy]

I see you're a well-traveled man, Cary. I'm from Pollock Pines, went to high school in Placerville. I didn't think anybody else knew where that was. There's some decent fishing up that way. Silver Fork, which Cary referred to, is a textbook small stream with runs and pools. I recommend a 3wt. Also, most places in the Desolation or Mokelumne wilderness will give you a Uintas-like fishing experience. If you're into stillwaters, give Loon Lake a try.

[MOKE]

Walks.......
Get a map. Any lower elevation lake / res. is gonna have bass / panfish in it.
You are going to be right there in the Delta, so the possibilities are nearly endless. Not mentioned is the McCloud river up near Mt Shasta City / McCloud City. Old growth forest in the most beautiful canyon imaginable.
Also you have the Yuba river with Native 'Bows and steelie depending on time of year. The lower Sac, but it's a driftboat affair mostly, though can be waded.

Lets just say where you might be going is well worth hauling a variety of rods along.
Post a question over on http://www.ncffb.org and you will get plenty of responses, and likely offers to fish with some locals. Really good bunch there.

Here is more on this area;
http://www.utahonthefly.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1435&highlight=Upper+Sacramento

Happy fishing!
MOKE

[Ouzel]

Do not forget two other possibilities.

Light Salt Water fishing in the Sea Ranch area.

Frequent visits to Wine Country.

Ah Lad, it's your duty. It's your duty.

[truttafly]

Walks,
When are you going to be out there? Around the Santa Rosa area you have the upper Russian river that is very good for Smallies some rainbows/smolt all summer long. Lake Sonoma holds most warm water species and land locked Stealhead. Spring Lake in Santa Rosa a guy landed and released a world record Large Mouth (Over 24 lbs. but his scale was ruled unofficial). Over the hill in the Sac area you have the Yuba river above Marysville that is an extrodinary Rainbow fishery and towards the latter part of summer you get some Summer Steelhead up to 6 lbs (Awsome Fish!!). Cadis and egg patterns seem to be the ticket. Head out of Marysville toward Lake Engelbright til you cross the river (sorry I forgot the name of the bridge) and then work your way up river. Just be careful you could hook up with a 25lb. King if you use egg patterns. Also, you have the lower Sac near Redding that is loaded with 4lb+ Rainbows. The American River in downtown Sacramento, and the Feather River should have good numbers of Kings to 40lbs. by late July
Seems like there is more water than time, Oh dont forget the Sierras and the Pitt, Upper Sac, McCloud, and many, many more.
Send me a line if you would like any more info
truttafly

[walksinwater]

I appreciate the wealth of information, and worthy suggestions.

It sounds like a fishermans paradise with so many varieties of fish and habitats to explore.

And then there are the beverages!


I do not know when I am going.
I am looking into working there as a probability.

Definatly worth a planned vacation.

[THeBLender]

I will be vacationing in Santa Rosa with the in-laws Aug 18-22, and we all want "to do some camping" (close and not too wild, my 5 young ones will be with us).

Suggestions for a camping/fishing spot that accomodates young families?

Walx - if it works out we may have to hook up...

[truttafly]

I would recommend Lake Sonoma near Healdsburg. Easy access, good fishing and great camping.