Equipment Checklist
for your Stillwater Guided trip
- 4 or 5 weight fly rods,
8 1⁄2 - 9 feet long
Much of the fly fishing on our regional lakes is casting dry flies
on long delicate leaders, making light fly rods ideal. Even when
we’re fishing small nymphs, the slow moving currents mean
that we don’t need to use heavy split shot so the same 4-5
weight fly rods work great. A powerful 3 weight can work, but
you may struggle at times, especially if there is any wind whatsoever.
If you think you may be fishing streamers on sinking lines, a
6 weight rod may be a good idea, too.
- Reels should have a good
drag system and be equipped with a floating fly line. Intermediate
and full sinking fly lines can also be effective for swinging
or stripping small nymphs, wet flies, and streamers.
- Every angler needs to have a current California
fishing license.
- Waders are not necessary
for guided trips on lakes. Fishing on the lakes is done
entirely from boats. Dress comfortably based on the season and
weather. Waders can be a good idea during the winter months, however,
for getting in and out of the boats.
- Rods, reels, flies and gear
are generally not included on guided trips.
You will be expected to bring your own equipment, unless arrangements
have been made prior to the trip. Please call us if you need to
order some flies, tippet, or anything else you might need.
Miscellaneous Tackle Suggestions:
Other items to consider bringing are:
* Hat * Sunscreen * Polarized Sunglasses * Bug Spray
* Clippers/ Hemostats * Camera * Wading Staff
* Layered clothing system, including rain gear (seasonal)
Stillwater Flies:
The most productive flies for fishing on
the various Northern California Lakes can change throughout the
season, and sometimes what works one year doesn’t work
as well the next. Listed below are some general fly pattern suggestions,
based on a few of the fly patterns that have worked consistently
over the years. For the most up-to-date fly suggestions, give us
a call at The Fly Shop at 800-669-3474.
If you are meeting your guide at The Fly
Shop on the morning of the trip they will likely recommend some
flies before you head to the river, based on what’s
been working for them. If you won’t be meeting at The Fly
Shop in the morning, please call ahead and we can recommend some
additional patterns based on recent reports.
Northern California Lakes have some great
seasonal opportunities for both dry fly fishing and nymphing.
You should come to the river prepared to fish both styles, with
well-stocked nymph boxes and different dry fly patterns. If you
like fishing streamers, they have their place on the different lakes,
too, fished on sinking lines.
Leeches:
#8
Beaded Crystal Buggers
#8
Seal Buggers
#8
Zuggers
#6
Fox’s Cone Buggers
#8
Halebopp Leech
Damsels:
#12
Stillwater Nymph
#14
Zack-Attack Damsel
#14
TFS Damsel
Nymphs:
#14-16
GB Pheasant Tail Nymph
#14-16
Poxyback Callibaetis
#14-16
Zallibaetis
#14
Fox’s Callibeeotis
Midges:
#12-18
CB Frostbite
#16-18
Chromie
#10-16
Blood Geysers
#18
Zebra Midges
Dries:
#16
Last Chance Cripple (Callibaetis)
#14-18
Parachute Adams
#16
CDC Hackle Stacker (Callibaetis)
#12-16
Deer Hair Ant
#20
Quigley’s Spider Midge
#18
Mini Midge
#12-16
Foam Beetle
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