July 25th - Fishing Report

Written By Patrick Bock

Fishing across Northern California is Heating up

Summer’s Still On — and So Are the Fish

Alright, I’m back. I know it’s been a while since the last report—turns out having a baby is a full-time job. Olive was born June 1st, and she’s already running the show at home. Between figuring out swaddles and sneaking in naps, I haven’t been on the water as much as usual… but I’m getting back out there, and so should you.

Flows are just right, bugs are buzzing, and fish are eating like they’ve got something to prove. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are warm, and this is that mid-summer sweet spot where you can get into fish on dries, nymphs, or hoppers—take your pick.

Quick heads-up though: be sure to bring your stream thermometer. Once water temps hit 65°F, it’s time to get off the water, switch to a colder stream, or even change target species. These fish fight hard and need that oxygen—let’s keep ‘em healthy and happy so we can do this again next year.

Also, if you’re new to fly fishing or want to level up your game before fall, don’t miss these two upcoming clinics:

Spots are limited and filling fast—don’t let another season pass you by while you’re stuck watching fish pics from your buddies. Let’s get you geared up and out there

Fishing Report

  • The salmonflies have left the chat, but the dry fly action is still going strong. Pocket water is alive, fish are active, and mornings in the mountains are basically therapy — especially if you forget your phone in the car.

    Best Times to Fish:

    • Early mornings – Still the MVP. Cold water, crisp air, no sweat.

    • Late evenings – Spinner falls and caddis bring the after-hours action.

    • Midday? Maybe nap in the shade or explore that tributary you've always ignored.

    Must-Haves:

    • Foam Ants & Beetles (#14–16) – Always in style.

    • Stubby Chubbies / Hoppers (#12–14) – Especially around meadow creeks.

    • Elk Hair Caddis / Missing Link (#14–16) – Last light magic.

    • Parachute Adams (#16–18) – The Swiss Army Knife of dries.

    • Bird’s Nest or Walt’s Worm (#14–16) – When they’re being shy.

    Mountain Trick:
    If you spook a fish in a small creek, sit down for 5 minutes. No talking. No casting. Just vibe. Then make the cast. It’s like trout yoga.

    Rule to Live By:
    Once that thermometer reads 65°F, it's time to stop. Whether you’re on the Upper Sac, Deer Creek, or a mystery stream you “can’t name online,” respect the fish and the fishery. Fish early, keep them wet, and pivot to something warmwater-friendly if needed.

    Flows are in that just-right Goldilocks range, and while the water’s warming, shaded stretches and spring-fed creeks are still keeping things fishable — if you’re smart about it. A stream thermometer isn't optional right now — it's your best friend that tells you when to stop fishing and start hiking.

    Best Times to Fish:

    • Early mornings — cold water, low light, no regrets.

    • Late afternoons to dusk — caddis hatches and spinner falls are the mountain version of happy hour.

    • Midday? Bring shade, a beer, and low expectations.

    What’s Working (Still Dry or Die Season):

    • Foam Ants & Beetles (#14–16) – Hit banks, under trees, and wherever it feels sketchy to cast.

    • Stubby Chubbies (#14–16) – Hoppers are happening in the meadows and they’re landing in the creeks.

    • Elk Hair Caddis – Tan, black, olive (#14–16) – They’re everywhere right now.

    • Mercer’s Missing Link – Olive and black still crushing it in the last hour of light.

    • Parachute Adams (#16–18) – A classic because trout can’t read labels.

    • Walt’s Worm / Bird’s Nest (#14–16) – Trail these when you just need something to eat.

    Bonus Tip:

    If your dry fly isn’t getting attention, try saying something mean to it and watch it suddenly start working. Just kidding. Kind of.

    Reminder:

    Once temps hit 65°F, call it. The trout are already stressed from doing trout stuff all day — let’s not steam them too. Keep them wet, fish early, and go chase bass or carp if things get too warm.

  • The Lower Sac is doing what it does best — producing fat rainbows that eat like they have zero financial awareness. Flows are stable, boat traffic is manageable, and the dry-dropper bite in soft water is worth setting your alarm for.

    Best Bite Windows:

    • Early morning – Those first two hours are gold.

    • Evenings – Caddis come out to play and the fish follow.

    Flies to Run:

    • Olive Hot Spots / Two-Bit Hookers (#14–16) – Still a staple.

    • Fox’s Poopah / Caddis Pupae (#14–16) – Fish the soft seams.

    • PMD Split Case (#16–18) – Especially late in the day.

    • Hopper-Dropper combos – Find a shady bank and test your reflexes.

    Float Tip:
    Short-line those riffles and inside seams. You don’t need to bomb 60 feet to find fish — you just need a good drift and enough caffeine to see the take.

    Temp Check:
    Lower Sac stays cooler longer thanks to cold releases, but once you hit those backwaters and side channels, don’t assume — check your temps. If it’s too warm, it’s time for plan B (carp, bass, cold beverage).

    Track current flows here: CDEC Flow Info

    If you’re after that high-volume, high-quality action that the Lower Sac is famous for—this is it. Don’t miss out.

  • It’s a Nymphing Game (With a Side of Sizzle)

    The Low Flow is high and a bit crispy. Still fishable? Yes. Technical? Definitely. Worth it? Absolutely — but only if you’re out early and off before the trout turn into soup.

    Best Windows:

    • First light to about 10:30 a.m. – Water is coolest, fish are active.

    • Evening only if temps stay under 65°F – Bring your thermometer.

    Fly Picks:

    • Frenchies & Tailwater PTs (#16–18) – When in doubt, Euro it out.

    • Olive Hot Spot (#16) – BWO nymph game still holding strong.

    • Caddis Poopahs (#16) – Fish the riffles and swing 'em through tailouts.

    • Parachute Adams / CDC Caddis (#16–18) – Light dry fly action in the AM and PM if you’re lucky.

    Pro Tip:
    If you’re getting micro-grabs and refusals, go down a size and lighten that rig. Or just yell into the trees. That works too. (No it doesn’t. But it feels good.)

    ⚠️ Water Temp Warning:
    Once 65°F hits, you’re done. No exceptions. Let ‘em rest, keep ‘em wet, and maybe go explore a shaded creek instead.

    Evenings? They’ve been absolutely lights-out for anyone stripping or swinging—those higher flows push fish into soft water pockets and slower runs, making it perfect terrain for ditching the bobber and covering some real water. If you want action and a chance to put some distance on your cast, this is where to be.Go-to flies:

    • Same nymphs as above (Z-Wing Caddis, Walt’s Worm, Bird’s Nest, etc.)

    • Soft Hackle Caddis (#14–16)

    • Sculpzilla (#8–10)

    • Baby Gonga (#8–10)

    • Mini Intruder-style streamers (#8–10)

    • Silver Hilton and other classic swing bugs

    Cover water, swing wide, and don’t be surprised if a big one turns on.

  • the High Flow Feather's still pushing water like it's got something to prove, and if you're chasing chrome (or trying to), now’s the time to swing, strip, or nymph until your arm falls off.

    No, we’re not seeing big numbers of fresh fish, but if you want to practice your cast on one of the most beautiful tailwaters around and have a legitimate shot at a summer steelhead, this is your jam.

    Best Times to Fish:

    • Early morning – Before the tubers show up and the sun gets weird.

    • Late afternoon – Caddis and yellow sallies bring the evening snack window.

    What’s Working:

    • Same Flies as the Low flow

    • Perdigons (#14–16) – Euro or indicator, they’re the workhorses.

    • Olive Caddis Pupae (#16) – Dead drift or swing it on the lift.

    • Thin Mints / Sculpzillas – If you're stripping streamers, don't forget to hang on.

    • Soft Hackles – Yellow, olive, or natural. Fish ‘em just below the surface like you mean it.

    💡 Bonus Tip:
    Try swinging soft hackles in the tailouts. It's not just for the U.K.—it works here too, and the grabs are *chef's kiss*.

    Reminder:
    Bring your thermometer. If the water’s pushing 65°F, it's time to head for the hills (or bass). These fish already have enough stress in their lives dodging herons, otters, and your buddy’s sloppy casts.

  • Welcome to Trico season — that magical time when fish lose their minds over flies the size of a comma. If you’ve ever wanted to feel simultaneously enlightened and deeply humbled, this is your stream. Hat Creek isn’t just fishing. It’s fly fishing’s final exam.

    Mornings are where the magic’s at. The Trico spinner fall is happening early, and fish are keyed in on spent spinners with laser precision. If your fly lands two inches off? Sorry, try again. If your leader spooks the pod? Game over. But when you get it right? Chef’s kiss.

     Trico Hatch Game Plan:

    • Time it Right: Be on the water by 6:30–7 a.m. Spinner falls don’t wait for your breakfast burrito.

    • Flies That Fool 'Em:

      • Trico Spinners (#20–24): Spent-wing patterns are key. Keep it low-riding.

      • Griffith’s Gnat or Renegade (#20–22): For masking drag or when they’re being suspicious.

      • Trico Nymphs or Micro May (#20–22): Drop one off a dry for double duty.

      • CDC Comparaduns (#22): If they’re sipping emergers mid-column.

    • Presentation Matters: 12'–14' leaders, 6x tippet (yes, really), long casts, and zero drag. Any drag at all? You’re just feeding fish without the satisfaction of a hookset.

     Midday Shift:
    Once the Trico window closes, switch gears. Nymphing in the riffles with small mayfly nymphs, zebra midges, or perdigons can still get it done. Otherwise, use this time to sit in the shade and question your life choices (and tippet knots).

     Stream Thermometer PSA:
    Trico mornings = cool water. Midday sun? Not so much. Keep a thermometer handy and pull the plug if things get close to 65°F. Or climb higher and chase cooler water or more forgiving trout.

     Pro Tip:
    If a fish eats your Trico and you miss the hookset? Just tell people you were “letting it develop.” Confidence is key.

  • The Yuba’s trout are still around, but first you’ll have to actually get to them. The usual suspect — Hammonton Road— is still closed, and even the side access routes have turned into either private property standoffs or full-blown 4x4 adventures. If you manage to find a legal way in, congratulations: you’ve earned every fish you hook.

     Low Flows + High Sun = Tough Love
    Flows are around 950 cfs, which sounds nice on paper but fishes small on this river. Combine that with clear water, blazing sun, and some heat-rattled trout, and you’ve got a finesse game ahead of you. This isn’t “cast and blast.” This is “sneak, whisper, and pray.”

     What’s Working:

    • Nymphs:

      • Frenchies, Perdigons, and Two-Bit Hookers (#14–18)

      • Caddis Pupa and Baetis-style bugs

      • A micro rubberlegs never hurt anyone

    • Dries: If you’re committed (or delusional), a small chubby or caddis in the evenings might pull a fish or two from a foam line. Don’t expect a movie scene. Expect one chance and a trout with trust issues.

    • Euro Nymphing: This is a fantastic way to pick apart pocket water if you know what you're doing (and maybe even if you don’t).

     Summer Tips for the Yuba:

    • Fish early and fish smart. First light to about 10:30 a.m. is your window.

    • Bring a stream thermometer. If water gets to 65°F, it’s time to pack it up or find a cooler river. Don’t be the reason a trout doesn’t make it.

    • Don’t wade unless you have to. You’re not helping your chances by announcing yourself like a linebacker.

     Access Reality Check:

    • Hammonton Road: Closed. There are rumors of a potential workaround involving three gates, a handshake, and a sacrificial offering, but we can’t legally endorse that.

    • Alternative Access: Scout carefully. There are ways in, but they take effort — and a serious vehicle. Think less Subaru Crosstrek, more Mad Max.

     Pro Tip:
    If you do find fish eating and you blow your shot, don’t panic. Just loudly blame the wind, even if there isn’t any. It’s tradition.

Final Word

Northern California is lit right now—bugs in the air, fish looking up, and every stream and river doing its best impression of a postcard. Whether you’re floating big water, sneaking into a canyon creek, or chucking hoppers at the banks, it’s all happening. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to go fishing, this is it.

This is that stretch of summer we’ll all be dreaming about when the heat turns brutal or we’re stuck inside tying flies and talking about “that one perfect evening rise.” The conditions are right, the fish are on the chew, and the only thing left is you, showing up and making a memory or two.

Pro tip: if you’re still working on reading water or second-guessing your rig, I’ve got a couple of great ways to fix that:

  • Intro to Fly Fishing Clinic – August 23
    New to the game or want a tune-up? This clinic is your shortcut to confidence.
    $200 per person

  • Feather River Steelhead Clinic – September 20
    Fall’s closer than you think, and steelhead don’t forgive sloppy presentations. Let’s get you ready.
    $200 per person

And as always, I’ve got availability for guided trips throughout the rest of summer—from quick half-day evening sessions to full-day floats. Whether it’s trout, steelhead, or “anything that pulls,” I’ve got you covered.

Bring your thermometer, respect the temps, and get out there while it’s still prime.

Let’s make some casts, swap some stories, and maybe even teach a fish a lesson or two.

Tight lines,

PJ

Bock Fly Fishing

Let’s Get You Hooked (Before Summer Books You Solid)

Let’s be real — if you wait much longer, you’ll be reading someone else’s fish story while sweating in your office chair wondering why you didn’t pull the trigger. Don’t let that be you.

Prime dates are flying off the calendar like a 5-weight in a gust of wind. Whether you’re itching for cold mountain creeks, looking to level up before steelhead season, or just need an excuse to ditch your inbox and touch a wild trout, I’ve got room — for now.

And hey, don’t forget your stream thermometer. If water temps hit 65°, it’s time to bounce, find cooler water, or pivot to a different species. No one likes poached trout.

So here’s your move:

Book your trip.

Claim your date.

Make some memories before the heat cooks your excuses.

Because let’s be honest:

Every cast is an adventure — and right now, it’s basically a party out there.

Patrick Bock
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Memorial Day And Beyond