Fishing Report 12/27/23

Steelhead, steelhead, steelhead, that's what is on my brain as I type out this report, some good storms have rolled through and added some of that sweet nectar that gets the fish moving.

The steelhead run has been nothing short of excellent across the board, with a few good rivers to choose from and quite a lot of float options. Finding those gaps between the really bad storms and the not so bad ones is key, quality fish have been showing up for the "winter run".

Steelhead fishing should remain a good option for the rest of January, February, & possibly miracle March, depending on natural conditions. Putting in work to get good steelhead is what its all about, persistence pays off! & a bad day on the water is better than the best day at work. Can't catch them on the couch!

-Trinity River is in shape with a good steelhead green, a very good choice as its been very productive for me this season. Flows have gone up over 1k and back down, big fish are moving in getting ready to spawn. Indicator, dry fly, dry dropper, and tight line nymphing has been working well. Blue Wing Olives, Tiny Black Stones, Golden Stones, Salmon Flies, aquatic worms, midges are on the menu, can always try an egg pattern as well.

-Feather River has a little bump in flows but that's all you need to get the fish moving and chewing, big hatchery fish are around but could be more showing up as we get closer to spawn and once that happens it should be on again. Hopefully more big wild steelhead show up during spawn or later for the "winter run". Blue Wing Olives, worm patterns, midges, egg patterns, caddis emerges or mayfly emerges should be the ticket. Indicator nymphing, dry fly, dry dropper and tight line nymphing will get it done.

-Lower Sac flows are hovering around 5400 cfs, some color got added to the river from Shasta lake getting hit with heavy rains pre dam. Fish still gotta eat out there and will adapt to those conditions. Large wild trout on small flies is the name of the game, until they get more fired up on stoneflies, typical tailwater stuff is what's working. Quality fish always but the numbers can be hit or miss depending on timing during the day. Always a good time out there. Indicator nymphing, dry dropper and tight line nymphing are working out here, pay attention for that chance of a dry fly situation during those blue wing hatch's. Blue Wing olives, midges, caddis & stoneflies.