Mt. ShAStA REGION - Fly Water Travel

Kris Hamrick works the spring-fed waters of the upper McCloud. Photo: Ken Morrish
M. S R
T
he greater Shasta bioregion is home to some of the West’s most scenic and diverse trout fisheries including the upper
and lower Sacramento, the McCloud, Pit, Hat Creek, Fall River and the Klamath. These systems are our home waters
and we are uniquely qualified to help you set up a wide range of day and multi-day trips to this captivating region.
S T
Veteran guide and outfitter Craig Nielsen of Shasta
Trout is our go-to-guy for day and multi-day trips on
California’s upper Klamath, McCloud, and upper Sacramento rivers. His crew of guides knows these waters
intimately and together we can help you design an
exciting and productive trip to these hallowed northern
California systems. Year-round fishing is available.
Rate: Day trips average $400 per day
C L
Nestled between Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen on the banks
of the Pit River, Clearwater Lodge is an ideal hub for
fishing Hat Creek, the Fall River, as well as the McCloud
and Pit. In addition to being the Shasta region’s only full
service fishing lodge, Clearwater is one of the nation’s premier fly fishing schools with scheduled multi-day classes
taking place throughout the season. Stays of varying
lengths are available from late April through October.
Rate: $1,195 per person for a 4 night/3 day package
F R
Ask legendary angler and fly tier Bob Quigley where
he likes to fish in northern California and he will tell
you Fall River. And if you ask Bob where he likes to
stay, he will tell you Spinner Fall Lodge or the Circle
Seven Guest Ranch, both located overlooking Fall
River. Spinner Fall is a simple, full service facility that
caters to hard-core fishermen. The Circle Seven is a
complex of attractive rental homes with full kitchens.
Both facilities have private put-ins, boat rentals and
experienced guides. If you think quality dry fly fishing in California is a thing of the past, think again!
Stays of varying lengths are available from late April
through October.
Rate: $1,000 per person for a 4 night/3 day package
at Spinner Fall Lodge. $1,270 per person for a 4
night/3 day package at Circle Seven Guest Ranch.
WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM
Fly Water’s Brian Gies mid “D loop” on the Trinity. Photo: Ken Morrish
T T
A
California’s most
s California’s top system for
the upper river; however, the lower
consistent system for
adult fly caught steelhead,
sections of the Trinity offer more
fly caught steelhead
the Trinity is a remarkable river
than forty miles of water with
that means many things to many
remarkably little competition and
people. There are countless ways to fish the Trinity and
some of the most immaculate classic runs one could
multiple reaches still rarely seen by the majority of visitimagine. These lower sections of the Trinity can fish
ing anglers. Due to the sheer number of fish, the upper
well as early as September, thus greatly extending the
river is rightly considered the system’s bread basket.
river’s season.
This section of the Trinity fishes exceedingly well from
At Fly Water Travel we work with many of the
river’s best independent guides including Jon Hazlett,
mid-October through January. Numerous day floats
Gino Bernero, and the pros at Sac River Outfitters. So
produce high catch rates for nymph fishermen making
whether you are looking for a simple day trip or multiit the most popular venue for visiting anglers.
day packages with full meals and accommodations (at
For those keen on swinging flies and/or perfecting
the Strawhouse Resort), know that we look forward to
spey fishing techniques, the Trinity also has a great
deal to offer. Swinging flies can be done effectively on
helping you plan your perfect trip to the Trinity.
1-800 -552-2729
Season: September –
February
Fish Species: Summer
steelhead and brown trout
Lodge Capacity: 8 anglers
Rate: $1,300 per person for
a 4 night/3 day package at
Strawhouse Resort
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Often overlooked by Western anglers, the systems of the greater Klamath Basin consistently provide spectacular fishing for trophy rainbows. Photos: Ken Morrish
T K B
I
n addition to being the Pacific Northwest’s most prolific trophy trout fishery, southern Oregon’s greater Klamath basin may also be its best kept secret. From May through October anglers can fish the meandering, spring
creek-like Wood and Williamson Rivers, the ultra rich shallows of Klamath Lake, and the aggressive boulder strewn
reaches of the upper Klamath canyon — all home to substantial, wild trout. The region offers easy access to Crater
Lake National Park and a wide range of accommodations from rustic ranch stays to a full service resort with golf,
spa, assorted ecotours, and horseback riding.
L D
The key to the Williamson River’s giant trout lies in
the hyper-trophic shallows of Klamath Lake where
wild rainbows can grow to 20 inches in three years. As
the lake warms, these rainbows migrate into the cold
flowing tributaries, the most notable of which is the
Williamson. A river of many moods, the Williamson
requires the visiting angler to utilize every trick in the
book and the rewards are worth it. Some days the catch
exceeds 20 inches and fish upwards of 12 pounds are
possible. Lonesome Duck offers three attractive log
homes with full kitchens, complimentary boats, 1.5
miles of private bank access and a pool of the river’s
finest guides at their fingertips. For groups that like
their own space and preparing their own meals, this is
the ideal hub.
Rate: Call for details
Y R
Nearly 100 years ago the Hyde family homesteaded
a remarkable piece of land where Oregon’s renowned
upper Williamson River bubbles up from the ground.
The Hydes offer the visiting angler a truly western experience. Widely recognized for their skills as ranchers,
anglers, and stewards of the environment, the Hydes
provide their guests rustic accommodations, access to
seven miles of a cold, clear flowing spring creek, a large
prolific private lake, and a chance at landing wild trout
that can top the magical 30 inch mark. While primarily
a wild rainbow fishery, the Yamsi is also home to the
largest river-born brook trout in the West. For anglers
who relish solitude, independence on the water and
the challenge of low gradient spring creek style fishing,
the Yamsi Ranch is a treasure. While most packages are
lightly guided, fully guided packages are also available.
Three day minimum stay requested.
Rate: $1,125 per person for a 3 night/3 day package
with 1 day guided fishing
R O
Located six miles south of Klamath Falls, Roe Outfitters offers a full service fly shop, as well as the region’s
broadest range of guided fishing trips and waterfowl
hunts. Whether you are interested in guided float trips
on the Williamson or Wood, small stream walk and
wade dry fly fishing, or stalking trophy fish on Klamath
Lake, Roe Outfitters can make it happen. Roe Outfitters offers exclusive float trip access to the remarkable
and rugged upper Klamath River canyon in Oregon.
This rough and tumble section of river has avoided
press for many years but has been a coveted personal
playground for the staff of Fly Water Travel. Due to
the demanding nature of the wade fishing, we never
envisioned it as a guidable venue until Roe Outfitters’
skillful utilization of self bailing rafts. With a relatively
short spring and fall season, don’t delay in being one
of the first to enjoy the West’s most exciting trophy
rainbow system.
Rate: $1,625 per person for a 4 night/3 day package
at Running Y Ranch Resort.
1-800 -552-2729
Morning light bathes Casey State Park on Oregon’s upper Rogue. Photo: Ken Morrish
T R
A   U R
Located a mere 45 minutes from the prime summer
steelhead waters of the upper Rogue, Ashland provides
a charming, civilized hub for fishing the upper Rogue.
Prime summer steelhead fishing extends from August
through November and can be incredibly productive for
anglers of all skill levels. With many fine restaurants, the
renowned Shakespeare Festival, elegant accommodations
and shopping, Ashland has become a popular fall destination for couples. This is truly one of the only places in
the world where you can put in a full day on the river,
enjoy a gourmet meal in town, and then polish off the
evening with a Shakespeare play.
Rate: Day floats average $425 per day
W  S R F
This is the classic 50-mile float trip through Oregon’s
most famous designated “Wild and Scenic” river.
The heart of the state’s best “half-pounder” fishing,
anglers of all skill levels can enjoy excellent fishing
from September through mid-November. Rife with
whitewater, stunning scenery, wildlife, and great
fishing, the “Wild and Scenic” Rogue is one of the
West’s truly classic trips. Guiding provided by Rogue
Canyon Outfitters with accommodations at three
distinct lodges along the way.
Rate: $1,585 per person for a 3 night/4 day float trip
M’ L
This is the region’s oldest and most established full
service fishing lodge. With tasteful accommodations
overlooking the river, fine dining and daily guided drift
boat trips targeting adult and “half-pounder” steelhead,
Morrison’s remains the region’s classic fall steelheading
destination.
Rate: $1,555 per person for a 4 night/3 day package.
WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM
From the fourth of July through late October, the North Umpqua is a mecca for dry line steelheaders. Photo: Ken Morrish
T N U
O
regon’s North Umpqua
Oregon’s North Umpqua
have enlisted the river’s finest
River is the quintessential
guides including Tony Wratney,
River is the West’s most scenic
Cascadian river — steep, swift,
Scott Howell, Mike Peters and
and challenging summer
crystal clear, and incredibly beauRich Zellman. Their knowledge
steelhead river
tiful. It is also an American classic
and dedication to the North
that has captured the souls of countless anglers and
Umpqua are unsurpassed and days spent with
drawn them back year after year to test their skills
them are intense, physical, and more often than not,
against one of the most challenging and rewarding
rewarding.
races of steelhead in the world.
With accommodations at the historic and reThe North Umpqua’s 32 miles of “fly only”
fined Steamboat Inn, this is a classic steelheading
water are among the most radically regulated waters
experience unlike any other. Due to the comfort and
in the West and prohibit the use of weight throughamenities provided by the Steamboat Inn, the many
out the prime summer months. For those who seek
hiking trails, nearby wineries and proximity to Crater
the challenge and rewards of catching a steelhead
Lake National Park, this is also a great getaway for
on a dry fly, this is the ultimate playing field. We
non-angling, nature loving companions.
1-800 -552-2729
Season: July – October
Fish Species: Summer
steelhead
Lodge Capacity:
8 anglers
Rate: $1,250 per person
for a 4 night/3 day
package at Steamboat Inn
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
The spectacular canyon of the Grande Ronde is a paradise for swing fishermen. Photo: Walter Hodges/tenandtwomagazine.com
Season: September –
early November
Fish Species: Summer
steelhead
Lodge Capacity: 6 anglers
Rate: $1,350 per person
for a 4 night/3 day lodge
package; $1,600 per person
for a 3 night/4 day float trip.
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
S L
I
The ultimate spey fishing
f the name of this lodge seems
fish the Ronde in late October and
boot camp for anglers
biased, wait until you meet the
early November.
keen on improving
guides! Located on the Grande
Limited to six anglers per
their skills
Ronde River, near Troy, Oregon,
week, this is not only an operation
this low key, high value operation
that prides itself on fishing hard,
is where some of the Northwest’s finest steelheaders
but also a place where anglers can learn a great deal
and spey casters congregate for a final month of guidabout steelhead fishing and the art of spey casting.
ing and instruction. Renowned spey instructor Scott
Often described as a miniature Deschutes or a tiny
O’Donnell heads a crew of diehard steelhead guides
replica of the Thompson, the Ronde has cast its
who love the Ronde and the steelhead it sustains.
spell on many of the sport’s most distinguished
Originally built as a private home for legendary
steelheaders and spey casters. We invite you to join
Creedence Clearwater Revival vocalist John Fogerty,
their ranks.
Speywater Lodge is a seasonal flash in the pan that
Multi-day guided floats with the same guide crew
operates as a lodge for less than 30 days a season. This
are also available on the lower river in September and
comfortable home is the ultimate hub from which to
October.
WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM
Surrounded by harsh desert, the Deschutes is a rich, captivating oasis for trout and steelhead anglers. Photo: Ken Morrish
T D R
T
here is good reason that the
deluxe, multi-day float trips
With day trips and multi-day
Deschutes is Oregon’s best
on both the upper and lower
float trips for both trout and
known river. The Deschutes is a
portions of the river. Best done
steelhead, the Deschutes is
desert oasis rife with wild rainas three night, four day floats,
one of the West’s most unique
bows, hearty steelhead, whitethese trips offer anglers the best
and captivating systems
water and stunning scenery. At
shot at the river’s trout and
Fly Water we pride ourselves on our relationships
steelhead and represent one of the West’s greatest
with the guides who know the Deschutes best. They
downriver fishing adventures.
include Colin Carr, Brian Silvey, David Renton,
While the Deschutes is open year-round, steelTom Larimer, and Chris O’Donnell. For private
head floats from Macks Canyon to the mouth are
water venues in the surrounding region, we are also
typically done in July and August. Upper river floats
offering several unique opportunities through John
target trout from May through September and shift
and Amy Hazel’s Deschutes Angler.
towards a steelhead emphasis in September and
While we are happy to arrange day trips on
October. Steelhead jet boat trips on the lower river
the river, the quintessential Deschutes trips are
are also available.
1-800 -552-2729
Season: May – November
Fish Species: Rainbow trout
and summer steelhead
Lodge Capacity: 2-8 anglers
Rate: $1,600-$2,000 per person
for a 3 night/4 day float trip
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com