Matt Dover Fly Fishing logo Matt Dover (530) 338-8526

Northern California Fly Fishing Reports

Matt posts river reports from the drift boat. The summaries below are from his most recent posted reports (December 11, 2024) and are historical, not current conditions. Conditions change fast — call or text (530) 338-8526 for today's outlook before you book. Each report below shows the date Matt last posted it.

Lower Sacramento River fishing report

Last posted by Matt: December 11, 2024

Solid fishing conditions through waters into and out of Redding. With flows down to about 4,000 cfs (versus upwards of 10,000 in summer), it's possible to float from riffle to run to glide casting to rainbows holding in shallower water. Winter is quiet: boat ramps are less busy and water is clear above Clear Creek almost all the time. Hatches are Blue Wing Olives and possibly PMDs, and salmon fly nymphs are a bonus meal. The lower river below Anderson is in great shape but can blow out with rain. "Even a slow day on the Lower Sac in winter is a great day by any river's standards."

Hot flies: #8 brown rubber legs; small brown or black nymphs #14–18 (and smaller); dark Micro Mays #14–18.

Trinity River fishing report

Last posted by Matt: December 11, 2024

Go time for steelhead. Matt reported excellent numbers of fish from Lewiston all the way down river, with trips to Willow Creek producing spectacular results. Wetter weather and upper-elevation snow keep tributaries flowing and steelhead on the move. His strategy: cover maximum water, keep flies in the river and watch for the slightest tug or bobber bounce. December through February is the best time to target Trinity steelhead.

Hot flies: #8 brown rubber legs; 8mm orange beads; salmon, orange and shrimp pink micro spawn eggs; TB Golden Stone #8.

Klamath River fishing report

Last posted by Matt: December 11, 2024

Water clarity had been a challenge since October due to loose sediment following the Iron Gate dam removal, with silty flows expected through wet weather. Four dams were fully removed by October 2, 2024, restoring about 400 miles of salmon habitat, and there were unverified reports of king salmon in the Williamson River. Matt was looking ahead to a season spanning October through March and into June.

Where can I check river flows?

Matt checks Keswick Dam release schedules for the Lower Sacramento River and the Pigeon Point gauge for the Trinity River before each trip. Flows change quickly with dam releases and rain, so call or text Matt for today's conditions and fishing outlook before you book a date.

When were these fishing reports last posted?

Each river report on this page shows the date Matt last posted it. The most recent Lower Sacramento, Trinity and Klamath reports were posted on December 11, 2024. Conditions change from week to week, so call or text Matt for a current report before planning your trip.

Current flow data: Reclamation's Central Valley Operations and California Data Exchange Center.

All reports and articles by Matt

Every report and article Matt has published, newest first, with its original date.

Book your day on the water

Call or text Matt at (530) 338-8526 or email mattdover.flyfishing@gmail.com. Schedule your date with Matt first — there is no online checkout.

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