A Guide To Wild Trout in Northern California

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IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

WRITTEN BY PETE AND JOSETTE WOOLLEY


CoPY RIGHT \99IL

Outfitters * Travel ¢ Instruction


3533 Mt. Diablo Boulevard « Lafayette, CA 94549 + (415) 284-3474
463 Bush Street (at Grant) « San Francisco, CA 94108 + (415) 781-3474
"ABOUT CALIFORNIA'S WILD TROUT" or... 1

Why You should never give your trout a Granite Shampoo.

Northern Califomia is blessed with some of the west's best wild trout fishing. Rivers like
the McCloud, the Pit, Fall River, the Feather or the Sacramento hold big beautiful trout
that will take a fly. We even have good wild trout fishing within an hour of the Bay Area
on Putah Creek. The only reason that we have quality fly fishing today in such a
populated state is that more and more people are releasing their trout to give pleasure to
someone else. I'm certain that the trout thinks its a pretty good idea too.

Wild Trout are special... they have the genetic superiority over others of their own species
who fell prey to nature's ways. If a wild trout reaches 13 or 15 inches, that fish's genes are
worth passing on. There is no doubt that wild trout are more desirable as a game fish, yet
our wild trout populations cannot sustain much harvest. There are only so many beers in
the ice box. Its up to you. You can always talk about "that other guy", but if you kill
reproductive size wild trout, you are killing our angling future. There are many trout
fisheries, both wild and otherwise, that can tolerate the taking of some trout. So, if you're
interested in the your own fishing future in California, remember three things.... Always
play your trout quickly, buy your fish at Safeway, and Ict the big ones go.

CONTENTS

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Baum and Crystal Lakes.............ssssssssssssessssesssseesenees 15
Basic Knots for Fishing Survival..............scsesssses 16
Nymph and Indicator Rigging...........csessesssseeeeesees 17
PUTAH CREEK 2
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme atlas page 85.

DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 80 East to Hwy 505 North towards Redding. Go West on Hwy 128 through
the town of Winters and continue until you parallel Putah Creek. Driving time is
approximately 1.25 hours from the Bay Area.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are motels in Winters, and some limited camping on Lake Berryessa, but few people
camp due to the proximity to the Bay Area.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Putah Creek was the primary stream dammed to create Lake Berryessa. Its headwaters
are far upstream near Middletown. The tailwater section of Putah is easily divided into
two main sections; the fast water and the slow section. From the dam for approximately
three miles downstream, the water is predominately fast moving pocket water between
pools. In this section, there are five parking access points for anglers. There is a bridge
over the creek on Hwy 128 in the upper third of this section, and additional access is
relatively easy. It is unlike many streams in that you cannot enter the stream and fish
several hundred yards. The stream depth and bottom contour necessitate leaving the
stream and walking along it until the next spot.

The slow water section occupies the area from the lowest fishing access point all the way to
Solano Lake below the County Park at the lower bridge. This section is deeper and very
slow moving, ideal for float tubing.

From November 15 until February 28, Putah is Fly Fishing Only, Catch and Release
angling. For the rest of the year, its regulated under general trout regulations. The
technique of choice in the upper section is to use small weighted nymphs with additional
split shot and a strike indicator three to five feet above the nymph. Short casts and totally
drag free drifts are essential to catch these trout. In the slower section, the summer and
fall months offer great midge fishing in the surface film and occasional mayfly hatches.
Putah holds some of California's largest rainbow trout and browns as well. Due to natural
reproduction near the dam, there are many wild trout in the stream over twenty inches.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Muskrat Nymph 14-18 Bird's Nest 14-18
Blue Winged Olive 18-20 Olive Caddis Pupa 16-18
Red Midge Larva 16-18 Black A.P. Nymph 14-18
Chironomid Pupa 14-20 Hare's Ear Nymph 12-18
Glo-Bugs 12-16
UPPER SACRAMENTO 3
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme atlas pages 36 and 46.

DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 5 North through Redding and across Lake Shasta. You will parallel the
river all the way to Lake Siskiyou. It is hard to imagine a trout strem more accessible than
the Upper Sacramento thanks to Interstate 5. Driving time is 4.5 to 5 hours.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are numerous motels along the river. Most are located in either Dunsmuir or Mt.
Shasta City. Campgrounds along the river are abundant.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Upper Sacramento has always been one of the State's best trout streams. Most of the
stream is pocket water, but there are also beautiful long runs and flat water sections as
well. This was the birthplace of weighted nymph fishing in California and still today it
remains the most effective technique. Using one or two heavily weighted nymphs in the
pocket water sections is effective at all times. After the water level has dropped from
Spring runoff, dry fly fishing is more successful. Caddis are the primary food source here,
but Mayflies and some species of Stoneflies also hatch. Most often, the evening dry fly
fishing is best as Caddis flies either hatch or return to lay their eggs. During the hatch,
Caddis emerger patterns work very well and bring savage strikes from the feeding trout.

Over the course of the season, fishing is good on every inch of the river, but as water
temperatures rise, the better fishing is primarily above Dunsmuir. The Box Canyon area
near Cantera loop is more difficult access and offers great fishing during hot weather.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Black Fatty 8-12 Elk Hair Caddis 12-16
Brown Fatty 8-12 Caddis Cripple 12-16
Golden Stone Nymph 6-10 Kauffman's Stimulator 8-12
Hare's Ear Nymph 10-16 Yellow Humpy 12-18
Black A.P. Nymph 12-16 Light Cahill 12-18
Black Woolley Bugger 6-12 Black Flying Ant 12-16
HAT CREEK 4
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas page 48.
DIRECTIONS
Take Interstate 5 to Redding, then 299 EAST through the town of Burney. Highway 299
crosses Hat Creek in the middle of the Wild Trout Section. There are three other access
points to the Wild Trout Section. Driving time is roughly 4 to 4.5 hours.

POWERHOUSE #2 ACCESS
Heading East on Hwy 299, turn right approximately 3/4 mile past the turnoff to Crystal
Lake State Fish Hatchery and the town of Cassell. Proceed to the T and turn left, this road
will lead to the powerhouse.

FISH BARRIER ACCESS


Heading east on Hwy 299, after the road to the powerhouse, turn left through a green
metal gate at the bottom of the hill before crossing the creek. This dirt road will lead to
the bottom of the wild trout section at Lake Britton.

CARBON BRIDGE ACCESS


After crossing Hat Creek on Hwy 299 tur right through a green metal gate. Follow the
dirt road bearing to the right until you come to the creek. There is no bridge here now, but
the flat is still referred to as the Carbon Bridge Section.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are numerous motels in Burney, and camping is available at Burney Falls State
Park, Cassell and other sites along Hwy 89 on upper Hat Creek.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In the Wild Trout Section, there are riffles at each end seperated by about 2 miles of flat
water. Prolific hatches of Caddisflies, Stoneflies, Mayflies and Midges occur during the
year. This Limestone environment is one of California's most challenging spring creeks.
Fishing in the riffles with a nymph and indicator system is highly effective. Dry fly fishing
is best in the early season, but occurs to some extent throughout the year. Fishing the flat
section of Hat Creek requires long, fine leaders and drag-free presentations.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Pheasant Tail Nymph 12-18 Elk Hair Caddis 14-18
Hare's Ear Nymph 12-18 Caddis Cripple 14-18
Brown or Black Fatty 10-12 Olive and Sulphur Paraduns 16-18
Black Rubber Legs 4-8 Olive Spinner 16-18
Black Marabou Leech 4-10 Adult Salmon Fly 4-8
Caddis Emerger 14-16 Hare's Ear Paranymph 14-18
Bird's Nest 14-18 Black Flying Ant 14-18
FALL RIVER 5
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas page 38.
DIRECTIONS
Take Interstate 5 north to Redding, then Hwy 299 East to the intersection with County
road A20. Tum left and proceed to T. At the T, tum right on A19, then left at the white
church. This road will lead to the CalTrout access, Lava Creek Lodge and Rick's Lodge.
Driving time is about 5 to 5.5 hours.

ACCESS
Since All the land along Fall River is private, access is limited to the public. California
Trout controls a public access at the Island Road Bridge. PG&E controls another access
point downstream at the Dredge. This location has limited fishing opportunities relative
to the CalTrout access. Two lodges, Rick's and Lava Creek Lodge offer access to the river
for a fee.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


The lodges mentioned above offer food and lodging at reasonable rates. There is no
camping within the Fall River Valley, but there are motels in Fall River Mills and
McArthur. Bumey is close enough to commute for a day's fishing.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Fall River is one of the largest spring creeks in the west. The limited access and consistent
depth mandate that you fish from boats. With the glassy surface and slow moving water,
the native rainbows in Fall River are very selective. Dry fly fishing occurs throughout the
season depending on your location on the river, but nymph fishing is effective at all times.
Long, fine leaders and perfect downstream dry fly presentations are necessary to catch
these trout. Intermediate and full sinking lines are essential for the times when there is no
surface activity. In the months of June and July, a very large mayfly, genus Hexagenia,
hatches on the lower river near the PG&E dredge access. These hatches occur at dark and
bring some of the largest fish up on top.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Pheasant Tail Nymph 14-18 Olive Paradun 16-18
Black Marabou Leech 6-10 Tan Paradun 16-18
Olive A.P. Nymph 14-18 Mayfly Cripples 16-18
Damsel Nymph 6-10 Caddis Cripple 14-18
Caddis Emergers 14-18 Hexagenia Dun 6-8
Black A.P. Nymph 14-18 Green Drake 8-10
YELLOW CREEK 6
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas page 59.

DIRECTIONS
Depending on your vehicle and other factors, there are two routes. If your car has poor
clearance, take Hwy 32 from Chico to Hwy 36/89 towards Chester. Before getting to
Chester, take Hwy 89 South to the Humbug/Humboldt Road, tum right. Follow this main
dirt road until you come to a concrete bridge over Butt Creek. Immediately after the
bridge, there are three forks. Take the center fork uphill and follow this road until you
enter Humbug Valley. You will see a sign for a PG&E campground. Driving time is
approximately 5.5 hours.

If you have an off-road vehicle, you can access Yellow Creek from Highway 70 using the
Caribou/Seneca road near Belden. Use the atlas for directions, but this route is somewhat
faster than the Hwy 32 route.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are motels in Chester, approximately 20 minutes from the creek. For those
interested in camping, the PG&E campground is right next to the creek and is quite nice.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Yellow Creek is a beautiful meadow spring creek in Humbug Valley. After leaving the
valley, it runs through a steep gorge to its confluence with the North Fork of the Feather
at Belden. California Trout executed a habitat restoration project in the mid eighties to
repair years of overgrazing and stream damage by building a cedar rail fence to keep cattle
out of the stream. This project along with special regulations have retumed the fishery to
past levels. There are both rainbows and brown trout here, but the largest of the creek's
residents are the big browns. The clear water and small nature of the creek demand subtle
tactics to fool the big ones, but the easy access and changing conditions during the season
make Yellow Creek a great place for enjoyable and challenging fly fishing.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Black Woolley Bugger 4-10 Elk Hair Caddis 12-18
Black Marabou Leech 4-10 Olive Paradun 14-18
Black A.P. Nymph 10-16 Hare's Ear Paranymph 14-18
Green Drake Nymph 10-12 Green Drake 10-12
Wet Black Ant 12-18 Carpenter Ant 6-10
Stonefly Nymph 4-8 Adult Stone 6-8
Baitfish Imitations 4-8 Grasshopper 6-10
McCLOUD RIVER 7
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas page 37

DIRECTIONS
Take Interstate 5 North to Mt. Shasta City then go east on Hwy 89 to the town of
McCloud. Turn right at the Shell gas station heading south toward McCloud Reservoir.
The road goes around the west side of the reservoir. Once you come to the dam, you have
your choice of two access points on the river. Driving time is approximately 5.5 to 6 hours.

AH-DI-NA CAMPGROUND or the NATURE CONSERVANCY:


Tum right before crossing the dam. Follow this road to Ah-Di-Na Campground or go past
the camp to the end of the road to go to the Conservancy.

ASH CAMP
This access is located between the reservoir and Ah-Di-Na Camp. To get to Ash Camp, go
across the dam and then tum right. This road will take you straight to Ash Camp.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are motels and Bed/Breakfast operations in McCloud and Mt. Shasta City. Ah-Di-
Na Camp is a great campground with flush toilets and is located right on the river. Ash
camp is more primitive, but secluded and allows fishing on a different part of the river.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The McCloud begins in the meadows east of Mt. Shasta near Pondosa and is a willow lined
creek until it enters the reservoir. This section can be good in the early season, but heavy
fishing pressure and elevated water temperature make for poor fishing during the late
season. Below the reservoir, the McCloud is one of the most unique trout streams in the
west. The steep canyon makes fishing here very exhausting, but the trout that live here are
worth the effort. The water below the dam including the three miles of water in the
Nature Conservancy section contain primarily pools joined by short sections of pocket
water or chutes. The best fishing is generally done at the heads of the pools or in the
deeper pocket water with weighted nymphs. Dry fly fishing is effective at times, especially
during the Golden Stonefly hatches and the October Caddis hatch in the late season.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Brown Fatty 8-12 Golden Stone Dry 6-10
Black Fatty 8-12 Hare's Ear Paranymph 14-16
Hare's Ear Nymph 8-16 Elk Hair Caddis 12-16
Black Rubber Legs 4-8 Irresistable 12-16
Caddis Emergers 12-16 Caddis Cripple 12-16
Golden Stone Nymph 6-10 Black Flying Ant 12-16
TRUCKEE RIVER 8
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas Page 81

DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 80 East towards Reno. To access the Wild Trout Section, take the
last
Truckee exit, onto Hwy 267 towards Lake Tahoe. Turn left on Glenshire Road and
you
will be parallelling the river. Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

MOTELS AND LODGING


There are numerous motels and condominiums in the Truckee area.
Campgrounds are located along highway 89 north and south of Truckee.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Truckee River drains Lake Tahoe and eventually empties into Pyramid
Lake in
Nevada. The section of the river from the lake to Truckee can be good fishing
at times,
but raft traffic, bait fishing and low flows detract from the quality of fishing.
The Wild
Trout Section is located from Trout Creek, (in Truckee), to the Boca
Bridge. There is one
section of private land from the Glensire Road bridge to the mouth of Prosser
Creek.
Other than that, there are no restrictions on access. Depending on water level
and
temperature, there can be good fishing anywhere from Truckee to Stateline.
The upper
Wild Trout area, (Trout Creek to Glensire Bridge), is generally shallow and
fishes best in
the early season. The section from Prosser Creek to the Boca bridge is deeper
and holds
large fish during the middle and late season. Below this section, there are
large pools
alternating with riffles and runs all the way to Verdi. This lower section
can be excellent
in the late season or during low flows. In general, weighted nymphs fished
with split shot
under an indicator is the most effective technique. Dry fly fishing with Caddis
and
Attractor type flies is good early and late in the day and best in June and
early July.
SUGGESTED FLIES
Pheasant Tail Nymph 12-18 Red Royal Humpy 12-16
Bird's Nest 12-16 Elk Hair Caddis 12-16
Caddis Emerger 12-16 Small Yellow Stone 14
Green Drake Nymph 10-12 Black Ant 12-16
Black A.P. Nymph 12-16 Caddis Cripple 12-18
Prince Nymph 12-16 Yellow Humpy 12-16
NORTH FORK YUBA RIVER 9
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas pages 69, and 70.

DIRECTIONS
The North Fork of the Yuba can be accessed two different ways. You can take Hwy 80 to
Auburn, then take Hwy 49, or you can stay on Hwy 80 until Truckee, then take Hwy 89
North to Sattley where you join Hwy 49. The route through Truckee is much less curvy
and actually just as fast as the alternate. Once on Hwy 49, you parallel the North Fork for
the entire productive length of the stream. Driving time to all forks is 4 to 5 hours.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are Bed and Breakfasts and Motels in Downieville, Sierra City and on the Gold
Lake Road near Bassetts. There are campgrounds along the Yuba and in the Lakes Basin
area near Gold Lake, Sardine Lake and Salmon Lake.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The North Fork of the Yuba is the most productive fork of the three forks. It is created
with the junction of Haypress Creek and Salmon Creek above Sierra City and supplies
good fishing for miles downstream. The Yuba is clear and cold, being fed by springs and
snowmelt. Beautiful pools and pocket water offer great dry fly fishing for most of the
season. This is the kind of stream where you put on a daypack, take your lunch and fish
several miles of water. Each pool offers a new opportunity. Attractor type flies and caddis
patterns are sure bets all season, but there are some mayfly hatches and there is a Stonefly
hatch in June. There is a special regulation section from Downieville to Sierra City with
very good fishing. Most of the trout in this stream are fairly small, but they are
predominately wild fish and offer great action in a beautiful environment.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Hare's Ear Nymph 10-16 Royal Wulff 10-16
Black A.P. Nymph 10-16 Elk Hair Caddis 10-16
Black Stonefly Nymph 4-8 Kauffman Stimulator 4-8
Caddis Emerger 12-16 Royal Humpy 12-16
Brown Fatty 8-12 Caddis Cripple 12-16
PIT RIVER 10
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas Pages 38, 47 and 48.

DIRECTIONS:
Take Interstate 5 North to Redding, then proceed on Hwy 299 East. There are several
access points on the Pit River. The best fishing is between Lake Britton and Big Bend. To
access the area below Lake Britton, travel north on Hwy 89 toward McCloud and tur left
on Clark Creek Road. Follow this road across the dam bearing to the left to get down next
to the river. (see atlas for details). Driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

To access the lower area near Big Bend, after going through Montgomery Creek on 299,
turn left on Big Bend road. Follow this road until you cross the Pit.

There is also occasionally good fishing upstrem at Pit Powerhouse #1 in the canyon
between Fall River and Bumey. Peaking power generation causes large fluctuations in
water level each day, but there are some very large trout in this section.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


Motels in Bumey are close enough to this area, and there are campgrounds at Bumey Falls
and near Big Bend on Iron Canyon reservoir.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Pit River is definitely one of California's finest trout streams. Big, feisty rainbows and
browns feed actively throughout the season due to constant water flow and condition. The
Pit has all types of aquatic insect life and consequently it offers great dry fly and nymph
fishing. Recent changes in flow legislation ensure steady water levels below Lake Britton.
The fishing here is not terribly different from the McCloud or the Upper Sacramento.
Weighted nymphs under a strike indicator produce consistently. Dry fly fishing with
Caddis and Stonefly patterns occurs frequently. The Pit's most noteworthy hatches are
Caddis and Golden Stoneflies. Agressive wading and the ability to read water are essential
to success here.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Black Fatty 8-12 Golden Stone Dry 6-10
Brown Fatty 8-12 Elk Hair Caddis 10-16
Golden Stone Nymph 6-10 Caddis Cripple 12-16
Hare's Ear Nymph 10-16 Royal Humpy 10-16
Black A.P. Nymph 10-16 Kauffman Stimulator 6-12
Bird's Nest 10-16 Yellow Humpy 10-16
FEATHER RIVER 11
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas Pages 69, 70, and 59.

DIRECTIONS
NORTH FORK: The North Fork of the Feather is accessed via Hwy 70. Take Hwy 80
East as if going to Reno, then take 5/99 North for a short distance to 70/99 North. Hwy 70
will go through Marysville and Oroville before bringing you close to the upper Feather.
The Highway parallels the North Fork until it leaves the road just above Belden. The
Caribou/Seneca Road follows the North Fork above that point. Driving time is 4 hours to
Belden.

MIDDLE FORK: The Middle Fork is accessed either from Highway 70/89 near Quincy
on the upstream end or from myriad Forest Service roads from the Quincy/Laporte Road.
Accessing the Middle Fork is an energetic experience and can be difficult. We suggest
using a Forest Service map for good access.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are motels in Quincy, Portola and numerous campgrounds on all the forks of the
Feather.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
It is best to discuss the Feather River as a region rather than an individual river. It is one
of California's richest trout areas and is not heavily fished. Many tributaries and lakes in
the area offer solitude and great fishing. The North Fork is dammed in many areas, but
still offers good fishing, especially in the stretch between Seneca and Belden. The Middle
Fork is very accessible in the upper section, but in the canyon area, access and mobility are
limited. Tributaries to the Middle Fork are very good for those willing to beat the brush
for small wild trout.

Lakes in this area are too numerous to mention, but offer good fishing for both wild and
planted trout. Some are accessible by car and some are foot access only.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Brown Fatty 8-12 Elk Hair Caddis 10-16
Black Fatty 8-12 Golden Stonefly 6-10
Hare's Ear Nymph 8-16 Royal Wulff 10-16
Stonefly Nymph 4-10 Yellow Humpy 10-16
Bird's Nest 10-16 Black Flying Ant 12-16
Black Woolley Bugger 6-12 Adams 12-16
MILTON RESERVOIR 12
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas Page 70.

DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 80 East to Truckee, then take Hwy 89 North for approximately 15 miles.
Tum left towards Jackson Meadows reservoir. Go 15 miles to the dam of Jackson
Meadows Reservoir. Immediately prior to crossing the dam, tum right at the sign to
Milton Reservoir. This dirt road will take you to the lake.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


The closest motels are in Truckee, but camping is available on Milton itself and back up at
Jackson Meadows. The camping at Milton is totally undeveloped and you must bring your
own water.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
If you don't look at the dam, Milton looks like a natural alpine lake. The upper end of the
lake is very shallow and great weed beds surround the channels entering the lake. The rest
of the lake is deeper and offers good sinking line fishing. The upper end is best fished with
floating and intermediate lines using midges and Callibaetis patterns. Like most lakes,
damsel fly patterns are effective all the time. Milton also sees a Carpenter ant hatch early
in the summer. Fishing the steeper shorelines with baitfish patterns or woolley buggers
and leeches can produce large browns. There are special regulations posted at the lake, so
take notice.

SUGGESTED PATTERNS
Olive Damsel Nymph 6-12 Adult Damsel 10-12
Callibaetis Nymph 14-16 Loop Wing Callibaetis 14-16
Olive Midge Pupa 16-22 Griffith Gnat 16-22
Black Leech 4-10 Black Ant 14-18
Olive Woolley Bugger 4-10 Adult Midge 16-22
MARTIS LAKE 13
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas Page 81.

DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 80 to Truckee, then take Hwy 267 South through Truckee toward Lake
Tahoe. Immediately past the airport, there is a left tum marked MARTIS CREEK
RESERVOIR. Follow this road tuming right toward the campground then you will see the
lake. Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are motels in Truckee and the campground at Martis is privately operated and
often full. Other camping is located along Highway 89.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Martis Lake changes greatly with water levels. Most of the lake is fairly shallow, but the
old creek channel is quite deep as you approach the dam. Recent water fluctuations have
left much of the lake bottom exposed and devoid of vegetation. Two fishing methods are
predominant at Martis. Surface fishing with Blood Midge pupa and adults is effective
throughout the season and especially during the evenings. The other favored technique is
to fish patterns imitating Green Sunfish on fast sinking lines for the larger predatory
Brown trout.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Blood Midge Pupa 12-14 Creamy Orange Paranymph 12-14
Olive Woolley Bugger 2-8 Carpenter Ant 6-10
Olive Zonker 2-6 Adult Damsel 10-12
Damsel Fly Nymph 6-10 Callibaetis Dun 14-16
Callibaetis Nymph 14-16 Black Flying Ant 12-18
MANZANITA LAKE 14
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas Page 48.

DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 5 North to Redding. Take Highway 44 east toward Lassen Park. Enter the
West entrance to the park and look for Manzanita Lake on your right. Driving time is
approximately 4.5 hours.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


The closest motels are in Old Station and Burney and camping is available in the Park or
along upper Hat Creek on Hwy 89.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The quality of this lake has led to increasing use recently, so weekends on Manzanita are
crowded. Fly fishing only/catch and release regulations have helped the lake
tremendously. There are good hatches of Callibaetis, Damsel flies, travelling sedges and
midges. Much of the lake is shallow and weed beds rise almost to the surface. The rest of
the lake is well suited to sinking line tactics using leeches and damsel nymphs. The stream
which feeds Manzanita is off limits to fishing and you must stay 150 feet from its mouth.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Damsel Fly Nymph 6-12 Adult Damsel 8-12
Callibaetis Nymph 12-14 Loop Wing Callibaetis 14-16
Black Leech 4-10 Goddard Caddis 8-10
Olive Leech 4-10 Adams 14-16
Pheasant Tail Nymph 12-16 Carpenter Ant 6-10
Olive Matuka 6-10 Black Flying Ant 12-18
BAUM LAKE AND CRYSTAL LAKE 15
MAP REFERENCE: DeLorme Atlas Page 48.

DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 5 North to Redding, then 299 East to Bumey. Turn right toward Crystal
Lake State Fish Hatchery, just east of 299/89 intersection. Follow this road until it forks,
going left. This will bring you to the parking lot on Baum Lake. Approximate driving time
is 4.5 hours.

MOTELS AND CAMPING


There are motels in Bumey, and camping is nearby at the PG&E campground in Cassell
above the Lake.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Baum Lake is an impoundment of Hat Creek immediately above the Wild Trout Section.
Crystal Lake is a spring fed, gin-clear lake which empties into Baum Laske near the
parking lot. The upper end of Baum Lake near the #1 Powerhouse is quite good in the
winter and summer. The weed beds in front of the parking lot are very productive. Spring
and summer bring some mayfly hatches to Baum, but over the season, midges are the most
important surface activity. Larger trout are often caught on Leeches and baitfish
patterns.

SUGGESTED FLIES
Black Leech 4-12 Blue Wing Olive 16-18
Damsel Nymph 4-10 Griffith Gnat 16-20
Baetis Nymph 14-18 Black Ant 14-18
Midge Pupa 14-22 Adult Damsel Fly 8-12
KNOTS e
“Weiie SGeaeaaiie Knior
(os5 Foe ANIY MONO TO Mono CONNECTION ))

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oe i= 6 { Tevet

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7
CR Sr

* ITS 30ST 2 TRIPLE WEZOANO KNOT

@ OvetaP he Wo ?1GcesS OF MoNo PPP ROK IMATELY


@ Mace A” LooP -(wor too SNe)
et
Tace tre Two ENDS IN YOLOR_ RQIGHT HAND THRooGLY
THe 100P BS ames. fOactHed
A Hourme ar 4 YieceS, POLL DOWN
EET
ASO TRIM eNOS.

lanPeoven Chien.
=

Tieret (Lona END)

f
Otane Rover twee Ere AO PULL
OQiwist seoer
Tee S
eno AROS: tet: S
@ ture lowes.
sroer eno THROLGH ARST LOO7 CF Mono Ar exe.
@lren Go THROUGH THe BIG
@Onrr
LOOP YEO JoST Mace
Tarra seer END SuGHetLY,
@ Naren KNOT Very WELL
On
BY POLLING
Wee TeP|er oe LONG PlEece.
LEADER SYSTEMS 27
Wrica. Dey Fiy
S e ee Lepve
EAEr
FLY Line
18 To 30"
uu ‘

ae
Hine

TOL?
\

Za
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| LEADER BuTT TAVERSEP LEANER TIPPET

i f b a
4 A
Boop Kuot 5SuRLEzONS Ks tot

Nvmen 2 InoicatoR
re e Baas
ee a _—
ee ae
——————

es \ “ "
Fux 12 = 2 Lae
Bs oe ree LEADETZ TIPPET

4 +
copmie™ « SPUT SHOT
* CORKIE L&taTED SO FLY CaN 6-8 FROM FLY
REACH StTReam POTION.

Kiwi Drorrer

—— L?7ER FLY
Entarger)

SECOND
TAPERED LEADER [ | ELY

2-24 Ti eeT
e 2 :
RIVERS_OF NORTH CALIFORNIA

2 FALL Qvet

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FP

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45
AMAILES aN

SIXTH
PRINTING
AALLLIOM “Corres |Sole
Nc GS

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