Current Lower Sac Fly Fishing Report: 05/13/2024
The Bureau of Reclamation is orchestrating several ‘pulse’ flows in the coming weeks. This past Tuesday (May 7), they ramped the river flow up to 11,000 CFS, and by the 11th, they plan to gradually reduce it to 6,000 CFS. Fishing has been good for me and my friends. It is a great time of year to get out on this river – The Lower Sacramento River.
Where is the best fishing through March on the Sac?
Best fishing? Definitely happens in a drift boat at the elevated flows currently existing. Expect variable reports through June. As flows drop, more predictable and better consistency will prevail. Late spring has always been a tumultuous time on this river where fishing experiences vary. Jus know that even a “slow” day on the Lower Sac is a great day by any river’s standards. We will find fish, get great photos. The opportunities are available in bulk thanks to higher water.
Water conditions are good. The lower river, below Anderson is in great shape. Throw big bushy dries like Stimulators with a dropper. Try BH Pheasant Tail in #16-18, or any weighted nymph. Look for shallow riffles. Gotta be in a drift-boat for this. You are looking for shallow, gliding water. It’s this time of year where throwing toward the bank where normally we’d be throwing indicators and heavy weight into deeper water is a surprisingly productive game changer.
Hot flies:
- #8 Brown Rubber Legs
- Just about any small nymphs in brown or black. Think #14 ~ 16
- Dark colored Micro Mays in #14 – 16
- #14 ~ 16 Poopahs
- #14 ~ 16 BH Birds Nest
All my Lower Sacramento River reports include the following for your benefit:
Fishing the Lower Sac is a big piece of water to dissect. The riffles look good but when drifting in a boat, as we and other boat associated anglers drop into those riffles, any rainbows holding nose-against the riffle structure will be spooked by the boat. So, throw flies into the deeper water as you drift through, and then get back upstream (back row), anchor and throw into the riffle after fish have had a chance to return. This won’t be an ideal strategy for every riffle, or all river conditions. Many spots are simply to big and deep at high flows, but ideal at low flows.
Respect this river. It is powerful, deep and unforgiving. Wear a flotation device.
