Q: Is your shop Fly Fishing only?
A: Indeed our shop has always outfitted every Fly Fisher's needs, but we have also been sought by many conventional anglers in search of high quality casting and spinning rods as well. For decades we have manufactured, not only the finest fly rods but also the finest conventional rods, at prices that make sense. From light spin to heavy off-shore we are capable of accommodating our guides and clients alike. Custom builds are available upon request.
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Q: Who should I contact for a guided trip if I do not fly fish?
A: Even though we are fly specific, we are still the best contact for booking with a conventional guide. Reference our guide page or contact the shop for more information.
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Q: Are there good places to fish in your local area?
A: Absolutely! We are centered in the Sacramento River Valley of Northern California. The North Valley is a host to some of the most diverse waters in the world. The local area provides angling on high desert lakes, alpine lakes, warm water lakes, small streams, freestone rivers, anadromous tail waters and their tributaries. Please reference our links or guide pages, or contact the shop for more information.
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Q: What time of year is the best fishing?
A: We are fortunate that our local waters provide us with world class fishing year round. For many of the freestone rivers and streams, general trout season begins the last Saturday in April and runs until the 15th of November. For more information reference our guide page or contact the shop.
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Q: What are the best fly patterns to use on your local waters?
A: Our predecessor and beloved friend and founder the late Press Powell was commonly asked the same question. He always stated, "use the fly that you have the most confidence with, you'll fish it better." We feel that is the best advice no matter where you are in the world. However, we are also aware as anglers, that confidence often leans toward geographically specific fly patterns and can be critical for success.
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Our suggestions on specific patterns still remains simple. Focus on the size and silhouette of any natural. On our local tail water rivers the most prevalent naturals are May flies and Caddis flies. The local favorites are as follows;
Parachute Adams # 14-20
Quigley Cripple # 14-20
Pheasant Tail Nymph # 14-20
Elk Hair Caddis # 10-16
X-Caddis # 10-16
Bird's Nest # 10-16
Further more, during the late fall salmon spawn it is important to have your favorite colors of Glo-Bugs on hand. For the winter months it's recommended to add some Fry Imitations to the box.
On the still waters in our area the patterns that work best are common on most lakes anywhere. We recommend retrieving these patterns;
Wooly Buggers #4-10
Seal Buggers #8
J. Fair's Wiggle Tails #10
Fly selection for the small streams literally should be your favorite attraction patterns. Favorite patterns here at the shop are;
Stimulators #4-14
Prince Nymphs #8-16
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