California Fly Fishing Guides

When it comes to California fly fishing, this state has pulled out all the stops. Sure, you can fish in the state’s coldwater streams, rivers, and lakes for trout and salmon, but you can also find fly fishing guides in California to take you saltwater fly fishing for inshore species. In fact, you can even find California fly fishing charters to take you out to deep water offshore to target some really big fish.

California is so into fly fishing that numerous schools teach anglers flyfishing techniques. If you’re a novice fly fisherman and want to learn the skill, or if you’re an experienced fly angler who just needs to perfect his technique, check out one of these special schools.

Great Places for Freshwater Fly Fishing in California

The Lower Sacramento River is a great place to flyfish for steelies and large rainbow trout. In fact, this spot has the largest population of wild ‘bows in the entire state. Even in the hot months of summer, the river remains cool because of water released from nearby Keswick Dam. The most efficient way to catch trout here is with a float trip, and you’ll find great California flyfishing guides available to help.

Hot Creek, near Mammoth Lakes, has abundant populations of rainbows and browns, with many fish measuring fifteen inches or longer. The creek is fed by mountain water and springs, creating a great environment for trout.

Baum Lake is located in the Cascade Mountains and is a prime fishing venue for big rainbow and brown trout. Fed by Hat Creek, the water in the lake is always comfortably cool for the fish. No gas engines are allowed on the reservoir, so it’s especially nice for wade fishing and float tubing.

The Lower Klamath River provides superb steelhead fishing and beautiful scenery. This part of the river is wide, so it’s great for fly fishing. The gentle current also makes it a great spot for wading.

The Trinity River is pristine and rugged, with great flyfishing opportunities for salmon, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. Some of the best fishing on the Trinity is below the Lewiston Dam on Lewiston Lake. There are numerous access points, along with local California fly fishing guides who know the river well.

Freshwater And Saltwater Fly Fishing In California

One of the most popular places for saltwater fly fishing in California is right in the surf, where the water is shallow. This is also the spot that often serves as a teacher to those just beginning to saltwater fly fish. Regular catches include white sea bass, surf perch, and corbina.

Many saltwater species, like freshwater fish, are attracted to structure. Casting a fly around bridges, rocks, sea walls, and piers will produce catches of calico bass, sheepshead, and sand bass.

If you’re after larger prey, book a California flyfishing charter to take you to deep water. Here, you’ll have the chance to catch dolphin, tuna, bonito, albacore, barracuda, and jacks. Believe it or not, some very big sharks have also been taken with fly rods.