This isn’t just a fly fishing trip it’s a fly fishing adventure. There are days when we are the only anglers on the river! The day starts off with a three mile decent down a one lane dirt road. You will catch glimpses of this beautiful river peeking through the oak and pine trees as we make the 1500ft drop down to this wild trout stream. The Middle Fork is a tail water fishery located on the east side of the Foresthill Divide. The snow runoff released from the bottom of Oxbow Reservoir keeps the water cold even through the hottest parts of the year. The access to this seven mile stretch of river is limited and difficult which leads to very light fishing pressure.
Spring
It's finally time to get out on the water! The watershed awakes from its long winter slumber as well as the wild trout. The bright green foliage is a magnificent back drop for an 8-10 hour trip. Egg patterns work behind spawning sucker fish. Little yellow stoneflies nymphs under an indicator can be deadly as well as Yellow Sallies.
Summer
Streamer Time! The water temps now have warmed up making these wild tout eager to move to slam streamers. Sculpin patterns are a must have in the fly box. Many different techniques will work this time of year. The Middle Fork has a large population of crayfish and swinging them or dead drifting these patterns can entice monster eats. If you like to fish terrestrial patterns the hoppers are on the move and the fish are looking up for an easy meal.
Fall
With winter just around the corner and the fish trying to fatten up before the inevitable long cold spell it equates to a great time to be on this river. The fish are still willing to chase streamers and the grabs can be amazing. Make sure you have plenty of backing on your reel this time of year! The big browns really go into terminator mode and it’s a great chance to land that “Screen Saver” trophy.
"The best trip I have taken - worth it just for scenery alone. Awesome trip" - Tony Sturgeon We will start bookings for June 1st and end on October 1st.
Recommended Lodging:
Holiday Inn - Auburn
120 Grass Valley Hwy
Auburn, CA, 95603 Phone: 530-887-8787
Best Western - Auburn
13450 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA, 95603 Phone: (530)-885-8611
Middle Fork American River Gear & Equipment List
