Orvis Endorsed | Fly Fishing Guide and Teacher
Trips
California offers year round fishing options like trout, steelhead and shad. Something's always happening. Call, text or email to learn more about each trip. Here's a brief description of the water's I guide.
Lower Yuba
A less well-known, but dynamic California tailwater. The fish are, hands down, the hardest fighting in the state. The winter Skwala hatch offers dry fly action in February and March, spring has excellent mayfly hatches and summer offers a hopper season. Swinging wets and streamers can also be effective. Don't miss this sleeper, it's awesome!
• Type: Float or Walk + Wade
• Location: 2.5 hrs from San Francisco
• Fish: Wild rainbows and wild steelhead
• Season: 365
• Rates: $600 (full) / $475 (half) / Shuttle $50
A 50% deposit secures your trip date. I accept Venmo or Credit Card. You'll receive an electronic receipt to confirm your trip.
Shuttles are $50. A shuttle saves you time, you fish sooner and spend more time on the water. Shuttles are available for all float trips.
Trinity
Known as a more coastal river, the Trinity is about 1-1.5 hours west of Redding. It's an outstanding steelhead fishery, with a brown trout and half pounders. It's best suited to anglers with at least intermediate skills – folks with a strong roll cast, a good water load and who can avoid the trees in the upper reaches. It's a beautiful river with morning fog and bald and golden eagles.
• Type: Float
• Location: 5.5 hrs from San Francisco
• Fish: Mixed steelhead and browns
• Season: 365
• Rates: $600 (full) / $475 (half) / Shuttle $50
A 50% deposit secures your trip date. I accept Venmo or Credit Card. You'll receive an electronic receipt to confirm your trip.
Shuttles are $50. A shuttle saves you time, you fish sooner and spend more time on the water. Shuttles are available for all float trips.
Hat Creek
It looks like a spring creek and fishes like a spring creek but it's actually a tailwater. It's not big but it holds big fish. You're often greeted by a bald eagle pair that hunts and nests nearby. Dry fly or nymph, it's a gem. Hatches are prolific, both in the morning and in the evening. The crystal clear water will test your dry fly presentation skills.
• Type: Walk + Wade
• Location: 4.75 hrs from San Francisco
• Fish: Wild rainbows and browns
• Season: 365
• Rates: $600 (full) / $475 (half)
A 50% deposit secures your trip date. I accept Venmo or Credit Card. You'll receive an electronic receipt to confirm your trip.
Shuttles are $50. A shuttle saves you time, you fish sooner and spend more time on the water. Shuttles are available for all float trips.
Upper Sac
The Upper Sac is a tailwater that looks and fishes like a freestone. The fish are wild and strong. There's dry fly and nymphing opportunities. With many miles and access points, it's a place to get away from the crowds for some challenging fishing. Evenings often offer dry fly action in the spring and October caddis in the fall.
• Type: Walk and Wade
• Location: 4.5 hrs from San Francisco
• Fish: Wild rainbows and browns
• Season: March through November
• Rates: $600 (full) / $475 (half)
A 50% deposit secures your trip date. I accept Venmo or Credit Card. You'll receive an electronic receipt to confirm your trip.
Shuttles are $50. A shuttle saves you time, you fish sooner and spend more time on the water. Shuttles are available for all float trips.
Lower Feather
The lower Feather flows out of Oroville Dam and through the nearby wildlife area. There's a good run of fall and spring steelhead. We indicator nymph in fall but in spring, when the stars align, we have days full of wet and dry action. The average steelhead is 18-22" with a mix of wild and hatchery fish. You can also swing up fish, especially in spring.
• Type: Float or Walk and Wade
• Location: 2.5 hrs from San Francisco
• Fish: Mixed steelhead
• Season: October through April
• Rates: $600 (full) / $475 (half) / Shuttle $50
A 50% deposit secures your trip date. I accept Venmo or Credit Card. You'll receive an electronic receipt to confirm your trip.
Shuttles are $50. A shuttle saves you time, you fish sooner and spend more time on the water. Shuttles are available for all float trips.
Lower Sac
A world famous tailwater, the Lower Sac is known for excellent year-round fishing for wild rainbow trout. Also known for big fish, there's always a chance you'll your personal best. This is an especially good fishery for beginners looking for multiple shots at fish in a day.
• Type: Float
• Location: 3.5 hrs from San Francisco
• Fish: Wild rainbows and mixed steelhead
• Season: 365
• Rates: $600 (full) / $475 (half) / Shuttle $50
A 50% deposit secures your trip date. I accept Venmo or Credit Card. You'll receive an electronic receipt to confirm your trip.
Shuttles are $50. A shuttle saves you time, you fish sooner and spend more time on the water. Shuttles are available for all float trips.
Q + A
Policies and License Info.
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PAYMENT, CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS
I accept Venmo or Credit Card to take deposits and payments. In the event of an emergency or other circumstance that prevents you from reaching the meeting place on time, please call me at 415-254-7749 and leave a detailed message including the time at which you left the message and a phone number where I can reach you.
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Weather/water condition cancellations are left up to the guide. I fish rain or shine, unless the weather is unsafe, such as extreme high winds, lightning, hail or extreme rain that could be dangerous. I can refund or reschedule your trip in full in the event of any of these circumstances.
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(Cal Fly Fishing is not responsible for lost or damaged items incurred on a guided fly fishing trip. I put the safety of my guests as my top priority; regardless, there is inherent risk involved in all outdoors pursuits, and receipt of confirmation reflects acknowledgment of risk.)
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Inclusions: Your angling trip includes: lunch on the river, drinks such as water and various sodas, personal guide for (1-2 people), fishing and casting instruction and a 7-8 hour day (full-day) or 4-5 hour day (half-day). Non inclusions: Fishing licenses, and Steelhead Report Cards are not included. Payment Policy: A 50% deposit is required to secure your trip date. Cancellation later than 14 days prior to your trip will result in forfeiture of your deposit. The remaining 50% of the trip total is due immediately at the end of your trip. I accept, cash and Venmo.
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MEDICAL ISSUES OR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
There is some risk involved in fly fishing, whether from the boat or walk and wade. It's important you make me aware of any pertinent medical or physical issues that may impair your fishing. Fishing is fun, getting hurt or having a medical issue while on the water isn't. I work with folks who have all kinds of disabilities or special needs. Please let me know about your limitations so I can give you the best experience possible.
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LICENSE
A valid California Freshwater Fishing License is mandatory for anyone 16 or over. A Steelhead Report Card is required for fishing any anadromous waters in the state (Lower Sac, Yuba, American, Feather, Trinity ). Any necessary licenses can be purchased on-line at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing. I can't guide you without a valid fishing license and/or a Steelhead Report Card when one is required.
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GRATUITIES
A 15% -20% gratuity is industry standard. I appreciate all tips because they help offset expenses like lost flies, other gear like indicators, food and they recognize the high level of service I deliver.
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MARIJUANA AND ALCOHOL POLICY
I don't allow marijuana or alcohol use during our trip, walk + wade or float. This is for your safety, not to put a damper on your day. We have sharp objects flying through the air at high speed, we're on a rocking boat or walking on slippery rocks. Neither substance improves your fishing success either. Let's stay safe and enjoy a drink at day's end to celebrate.
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KEEPING FISH
I practice catch and release for all wild fish – they're special and we want to help their populations stay strong. If you want to keep a hatchery fish, that's what they're there for, so I'm all in.
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​Gear, Food and Clothing
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GEAR
All necessary gear is provided. There is a $50 boots and wader rental fee for walk + wade trips. Rods, reels, flies, leaders, nets etc … are provided as part of your trip. If you want to fish your own gear or if you're left handed, please let me know prior to the start of your trip.
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FOOD
A sandwich, chips, cookies and water is provided for full day trips. Half day trips don't include food, please bring whatever you want to eat. It's important you let me know if you have any food allergies or restrictions.
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CLOTHING
Weather conditions can change quickly in California, especially during transition periods like spring and fall. I usually suggest layers in the fall and winter. In summer, I recommend light hiking pants, not shorts, and a light weight, long sleeve shirt to protect you from the sun. Regardless of season, I always recommend at least a ball cap. Sunglasses are always a must have, to protect you from the sun or an errant cast. ​
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Hopefully, all the information above is clear and helpful. If you have questions about anything in the above or in general, please ask me so we can talk and clear up any concerns.
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