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LTFF Upper Sacramento River Fish-outs -- Level 2 Students only
These two Upper Sac River Fish-outs on June 8 and June 9 (Group 1, fishing with mentors on June 8) and (Group 2, fishing with mentors on June 9) are exclusively intended for currently registered Level 2 students in the GGACC's "Learn to Fly Fish" (LTFF) program. Registration for these fish-outs is limited and based on a lottery system. There will be 8 openings for each group.
The Upper Sacramento River is one of Northern California's best known fly fishing rivers for rainbow and brown trout due to all the wadable riffles and pocket water, especially in its upper stretches, which are relatively easy to access from both Interstate 5 and the railroad tracks that parallel much of the river from Lamoine at the south end up to the Cantara railroad bridge that's just north of the historic town of Dunsmuir. Unlike the Lower Sacramento River, a big tailwater river, that flows out of Lake Shasta, this upper river follows a much more picturesque landscape of forested mountain sides and canyons, including the stunning mountain crags in Castle Crags State Park that borders this river. Most of the I-5 exits along the interstate here lead to some sort of access to the river.
We are introducing a special opportunity this year, courtesy of two of our FFI certified casting instructors---Steve Morikawa and Jeff Hogan. Steve and Jeff will be leading a "tight line" clinic for each day--with instruction on novel techniques you may have not seen. Students will receive on-the-water training and coaching on tight line techniques on the Upper Sac...a perfect place to introduce and hone these skills. We will have additional club mentors, allowing for a 2:1 student to mentor ratio.
It should be noted that the Upper Sac features excellent pocket water lending itself well to tight line techniques. However, various locations can present challenging wading conditions. You should be prepared accordingly.
Registration fees include ingredients for you to make your own lunch at the campground prior to morning departure. You are expected to arrive at the meeting spot, wader up and be ready to listen/learn. The fish-out leader will distribute flies to you and assign you to your guide for the day.
Gear Needed: Other than any camping gear that you may decide to bring, your fishing and other gear should include: a 4 or 5 wt fly rod with floating line, at least 2-3 9ft. 4X leaders, mono tippet spools in 3X-5X, fluoro tippet in 4X-5X, a few medium sized indicators of your choice, split-shot in at least AB & BB sizes, forceps, nippers, gel (or liquid) silicone fly floatant, dry-shake desiccant floatant, and a small or medium sized fly box (preferably watertight). Flies will be provided as part of the registration fees. Entomology and fly imitations will be discussed in prep meetings prior to the fish-out to help you purchase some extra flies to bring along or tie your own before the trip. While not necessary, if you have a euro-nymphing style rod setup (eg...10-11ft, 3-4wt with soft tip)--bring it!
Bring a pack of some sort, or a fishing vest with a large back pocket, suitable to carry your fishing gear, lunch, and at least one liter of drinking water, plus a packable rain jacket or water resistant shell if there is any chance of rain or cool weather. You must have a wading staff with a lanyard, a hat with brim or bill, polarized sunglasses, and at least one wading belt for your waders.
Bring waders and wading boots (felt-soled or studded rubber-soled) and, if you think that you might prefer to wet-wade if it's really hot, a pair of neoprene guard socks (to wear over cotton wading socks to both fill your wading boots and help keep sand out of your socks). This river may be running pretty high still due to snow-melt and running pretty cold, so be sure you bring waders along in your vehicle no matter what you decide to do there.
Don't forget your CA 2024 fishing license (it's a long drive back to get a duplicate copy), also sunscreen, and bug repellent. Optional gear includes sungloves, a buff, a landing net on a stretchy lanyard, a marine safety whistle, tiny first aid kit, small toilet paper or kleenex pack, and a little notebook & pencil and maybe a stream thermometer if you are really getting into it.
Camping or Lodging Options: We have reserved group campsites at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, which is a short distance first to the west and then south of the I-5 exit near the town of Mt. Shasta. (Use Google or other map apps to get interstate exit and street directions to the resort.) Travel time from the City is about 4-1/2 hours -- without accounting for traffic, so be sure to leave early enough to not be making others unhappy by setting up your camp after most others have gone to sleep.
We have reserved group camp sites at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. Fees for these campsites are included in the registration fees. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort will have restroom facilities available for campers. You must bring your own camping and cooking gear and food/drink for your stay at Lake Siskiyou.
Camping is strongly encouraged to get better acquainted with your fellow students. However, if you need a motel instead, there are motel accommodations possible in the nearby towns of Mt. Shasta, Dunsmuir, and McCloud.
Registration fee of $140.00 is non-refundable and covers , DIY lunch, flies, and campground fees. It does not cover your travel costs, motels (if you decide not to camp), food (except lunch), or guide gratuities.
For questions, contact: Charles Marsh (senor.charles@gmail.com)