Northern California's The River Times

Northern California’s

TheRiverTimes For those who live on or long for the water

Mossbrae Falls Manzanita Lake Sight fishing for trout in Lassen National Park.

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On The River Supply Redding’s new whitewater rafting and fishing shop.

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Prize Drawing!

Enter to win your choice of sunglasses. $300 value.

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Manzanita Lake

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Sight fishing for trout in the shadow of Mt. Lassen Spring 2015

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’ve learned more about fly fishing by watching trout refuse my presentations than by any other means.

The immediate feedback of an observed refusal lets you know that, from the fish’s perspective, something is wrong. Once you know that, you can get to work figuring out what it is by trying other flies and techniques, watching how the trout respond, and then changing or keeping tactics based upon success or failure.

It’s exciting! Seeing the fish you are trying to catch greatly increases your chances for sucess.

This is one of the reasons I have always loved fishing Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. With it’s large flats of shallow, clear water and large cruising rainbow and brown trout, the lake offers plenty of educational opportunities to observe the behavior of fish eating, or perhaps refusing your fly. And once you figure it out… Bam! Fish on, lesson learned. And it seems that I learn plenty of lessons every time I visit here.

Big rainbow and brown trout cruise the edges and flats of the lake looking for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects. Making it a bit easier to get close to these fish is the fact that the Manzanita Lake trail loop, skirting much of the edge is popular with visitors and helps desensitize the trout slightly by introducing

plenty of non-threatening humans. While these fish aren’t particularly spooky, they definitely are wary and a careful approach is required.

Even more important for success, considering this is a popular fishery and the fish have seen it all, is fly selection and especially presentation.

If your fly doesn’t act just like the naturals the fish will likely cruise right by without a sideways glance, they simply don’t recognize it as food. I’ve seen fish refuse a slowly sinking fly, just to come back and inhale the same pattern without a second thought as it’s ascending on the retrieve. Since the situation is so observable, your failure can become a successful learning experience instead of just a nice day enjoying the pleasant view of Mt. Lassen.

Sometimes, if the lake has been fished hard the fish can get spooked off the flats. If this is the case and you are committed to wade fishing, success can still be had by concentrating on the drop off areas and suspending nymphs from an indicator or slowly retrieving nymphs or stripping leeches. However, the lake also fishes well by boat and the fact that no motors (including electric) are allowed on the lake makes for a peaceful setting with no wakes.

And a boat does make more water available.

While these fish have been educated to inspect their meal with a discerning eye, fly selection is generally pretty straightforward.

Probably 70% of the time I’m there I’m fishing with either midge pupae, callibaetis nymphs (and hopefully dries) or damselfly nymphs.

If you’re getting refusals with these and can’t easily see what the fish are feeding on, stop fishing for a while and watch a fish to see how the fish is behaving and maybe even see what it’s taking, or put your nose right up to the water’s surface to see what’s going on down there. Likely culprits include terrestrials, landborn insects such as ants and beetles, blown in from the trees. While I’m generally fishing Bottom right: A fisherman employs the bow-and -arrow cast, handy when crouched amongst the brush with no room for a traditional back-cast.

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with nymphs, Manzanita Lake does have some great dry fly opportunities too. Also productive is stripping leech patterns as well as streamers such as woolly buggers to imitate the large dragonfly nymphs in the lake.

Typically I’m fishing with a floating line and a 9-12 ft leader tapered down to 5x. Most of the nymphs are either not weighted or only slightly weighted as the fish I’m targeting are in very shallow water so it doesn’t have to sink much, plus I want the fly to land with as little splash as possible to avoid spooking the fish.

Access is very convenient with pullouts just past the park entrance. From there one can work around the lake in a counter-clockwise route to the parking lot and boat launch on the South-East side of the lake, then retrace the path sight-fishing the way back, or do the same in the opposite direction. Be aware that Manzanita Lake is closed from the boat launch northwest to 150 feet West of the present inlet and 150 feet at the apex of a radius from the center of the inlet. This is a catch and release lake and you may only use single, barbless artificial lures.

At an elevation of 5900 feet, the lake freezes over in the winter but is usually good to go from May through October. Manzanita Lake offers some of the best sight-fly fishing opportunities in Northern California and it’s very convenient to stay close by with the Manzanita Lake campground located just up the road. That combined with all the other recreation this area has to offer makes it a great family-friendly fishing trip.

For updated fishing reports check out The Fly Shop at www.flyshop.com or call them at (530) 222-3555.

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Redding’s new whitewater rafting and fishing supply shop.

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t’s no secret that Northern California is a watersports paradise. The sheer volume of cold, clean water flowing from the mountains of our region manifests itself in a number of recreational ways, even in drought years. Mark Proctor of Rifle, Colorado noticed this, as well as the fact that this recreation can be enjoyed 365 days a year and with many less layers of clothing than Colorado weather dictates. Mark, at the time operating his successful rafting and fishing shop, On The River Supply, also noticed the void of any full service whitewater business in Northern California. After further researching the area Mark packed up and moved to Redding, opening On The River Supply this past January.

Mark stakes his business on top notch customer service, expert knowledge and the highest quality gear. As far as he’s aware, On The River Supply is the only full service stocking dealer between San Francisco and Portland, featuring commercial quality rafts, rowing and

On the River Supply

fishing frames, inflatable kayaks, fishing rigs, standup paddleboards and river gear and accessories from the industry’s top manufacturers.

All of the items they carry are of commercial outfitter quality that you won’t find in the big-box sporting goods stores.

Some of the industry-known brands you’ll encounter are NRS, Patagonia, AIRE, Outcast Sporting Gear, Sawyer Oars, Down River Equipment, Salamander Paddle Gear, Seattle Sports and more.

On The River Supply also offers a rental program for those wanting to test out gear or those just looking to get out for a day. Of particular note is the fishing rig (seats 3); perfect for spending a day drift fishing the Lower Sacramento or the skinny water on the Trinity.

Behind the counter you can also find Ross Perry, a local former whitewater guide who spent his high school and college summers guiding on the Kalmath watershed. Ross’ favorite item in the shop is the Aire Sabertooth, a

frameless cataraft built for paddling class IV/V whitewater. Of the area’s whitewater recreation Ross states “There is nowhere better to conquer fears and experience places that most people aren’t lucky enough to get to explore.

We are lucky to live in an area with so much fun to be had!”

Ross also notes that Redding’s central location to amazing watersheds in virtually all directions makes it an ideal location for On The River Supply. “The North State offers an abundance of rivers to explore, all within a day’s drive and yet before now there were no stores servicing the needs of the rafting community.”

Current hours of operation are Tues-Thurs.

11:00-6:00 and Fri./Sat 9:00-7:00, though hours will likely be expanding during the summer. You can check them out at www. ontheriversupply.com and reach them at (530) 999-1240. Or stop in and chat with Mark and Ross in person at 1796 Churn Creek Rd. in Redding and check out all the great gear.

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Old Lewiston Inn Bed and Breakfast New owners share new lifestyle on the Trinity River

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year ago Jessica Cowherd and Dave Korinek were living in San Jose, tired of the corporate hustle and looking for a change of pace and lifestyle. They found both in The Old Lewiston Inn on the banks of the Trinity River in the quaint, historic town of Lewiston, CA. The Inn is a charming slice of area history built in 1876 and run as a B&B since 1995. The rooms are large and comfortable with private entrances and bathrooms. Balconies and patios overlook the lawn and river, located on the Fly Fishing Only section of the Trinity. In the morning a large, country-style breakfast is on the menu to help get you ready for the activities ahead. Vegetarian you say? No problem, as with everything else, they accommodate!

Lewiston is located only 45 minutes from Redding in a mountainous region of California teeming with recreation, much of it based around the clear flowing water of the Trinity.

As a trickle, the Trinity begins high up in the 8 

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nearby 500,000 acre Trinity Alps Wilderness area, a popular backpacking destination with many alpine lakes and streams. It then flows into Trinity Lake with its fantastic smallmouth bass fishing, houseboating and watersports.

From there it flows into Lewiston Lake, known for its great trout fishing. Upon its exit of Lewiston Lake, just above the town of Lewiston, it begins its unencumbered flow of over 100 miles to its union with the Klamath. This is the stretch renowned for its world class steelhead fishing with salmon and brown trout in the mix too. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are also very

Prize Drawing Your choice of Sunglasses! $300 value Provided by: Donald B Rhodes, O.D.

popular on the Trinity.

Given that it is such a convenient trip from Redding, the inn offers a quick respite from the hotter temps in the Sacramento Valley.

The owners can be reached at (530) 778-3385 or jessica@theoldlewistoninn.com. Standard room rates are $110 a night. Check out www. theoldlewistoninn.com for more information.

Jessica and Dave take pride in making your getaway a special experience and strive to make your stay a happy and memorable one. The classic line “arrive as strangers, leave as friends” couldn’t be more true here. And upon subsequent trips to The Old Lewiston Inn you will be arriving as friends, again and again.

This prize is a pair of Smith, Maui Jim, or Oakley polarized sunglasses at a value up to $300! This fantastic prize is provided courtesy of Donald B. Rhodes, Optometrist. Donald B. Rhodes, O.D. is committed to providing thorough eye exams, and skilled eye care in a friendly, relaxed, yet professional environment. They offer the latest lens technology as well as a large and diverse selection of frames and contact lenses. Their sunglass boutique displays the latest fashion, sport specific and vintage styles. Check them out!

Donalad B. Rhodes, O.D. 3753 Churn Creek Rd. Redding, Ca. 96002 (530) 222-2500 www.drhodesod.com

Register To Win:

Go to www.riversedgeproperties.com, click on “Prize drawing.” Winner will be notified by email to select their desired pair. Drawing will be held on May 31st. Good luck!

Interested in providing a prize for the The River Times?

Contact: dan@riversedgeproperties.com Spring 2015

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California 100 100 mile, one day Sacramento River event open to all paddle sport enthusiasts

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oin Rivers for Change on Sunday May 24th, 2015 for the third annual California 100! The 100-mile one-day paddling race on the Sacramento River begins under the Sundial Bridge in Redding and finishes near Chico. This moving water, round the clock event is open to all paddle sport enthusiasts in sea kayaks, marathon canoes, surfskis, outriggers, prone paddleboards and anything else you can paddle. Standup paddleboarders are the fastest growing divisions and roughly 45% of all racers are women. The top finishing time is 9:46:27, which is over a 10mph average.

The Sacramento is a well mannered giant due to its low gradient with flows expected to be at or above 7,500 cfs on race day. The largest rapids are class II, though the current can be swift. Potential hazards include semisubmerged logs, brush and the every chilly Sacramento River water (high 40s-low 50s).

The mild climate, sweeping vistas, easy access points and reliable flow combine to make this a wonderful venue for paddle sport of all sorts, accommodating the experienced marathoner and the first timer as well.

The event benefits Rivers for Change, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to connect more people to their rivers, connect adventure to conservation and promote an understanding 10 

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of rivers from source to sea. More information about them can be found at www.riversforchange.org. Registration closes May 10th.

Temporary fishing Closure On Lower Sacramento River In Redding Recommendations by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to provide dual areas of protection to Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon were approved by the state Fish and Game Commission on April 17. An emergency regulation closing 5.5 miles of spawning habitat above the city of Redding on the Upper Sacramento River will go into effect on or about April 27 (Fish and Game will monitor the salmon and river conditions to determine when to lift the closure, hopefully around the beginning of August). Enhanced protective measures were also included in the ocean sport and commercial fisheries regulations for the 2015 season.

“We are taking proactive measures on two fronts to protect these endangered fish both in the ocean and on their natal spawning habitat,” said CDFW Chief of Fisheries Stafford Lehr. “The fishing communities have stepped forward to support these measures and work towards long-term sustainability of the resource.

None of us wanted to be in this situation, but heading into a fourth year of extreme drought calls for extreme measures.”

The emergency regulation closes all fishing on the 5.5 mile stretch of the Sacramento River from the Highway 44 Bridge where it crosses the Sacramento River upstream to Keswick Dam. The area is currently closed to salmon fishing but was open to trout fishing. The closure will protect critical spawning habitat and eliminate any incidental stress or hooking mortality of winter-run salmon by anglers.

The Commission also adopted ocean sport fishing regulations, which will mirror federal regulations approved earlier. CDFW, in consultation with representatives of California’s sport and commercial salmon fishing industries, recommended additional strategic protective measures for winter-run Chinook salmon to

the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC).

Following a two-month evaluation process, the PFMC recommended federal regulations that provide for sport and commercial seasons off California designed to target more abundant stocks, including Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon, while minimizing contact with winter-run Chinook.

“The CDFW proposal to reduce the allowable ocean harvest rate on winter-run salmon and change the timing and location of ocean fisheries south of San Francisco was accepted by the PFMC after in-depth analysis, review and discussion,” said Marci Yaremko, CDFW’s representative to the PFMC. “The Commission concurred with these recommendations, realizing their conservation benefit to all winter-run.”

It is highly unusual for a state to propose even stricter guidelines on a listed species than required by the federal Endangered Species Act. However, CDFW scientists believe the additional protection provided in the emergency river closure and additional ocean fishing restrictions will help a significant segment of the winter-run population to avoid losses.

“Given the gravity of the current situation, the Commission recognizes the need for highly protective measures,” said Commission President Jack Baylis. “It is imperative that our fisheries are given the best protections.”

Information taken from cdfgnews.wordpress.com.

TheRiverTimes A quarterly publication for Northern California’s water based community.

Questions, comments or ideas? Let us know! dan@riversedgeproperties. com; 530-410-3336 Get on our mailing list at www.riversedgeproperties.com

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River’s Edge Properties Connecting buyers and sellers of waterfront property A division of Shasta Land Services, Inc. Lic. # 01775146 Dan Rhodes dan@riversedgeproperties.com 530-221-8100

www.riversedgeproperties.com Indian Creek Lodge

$1,750,000

Located on the Trinity River. This is a unique recreational business opportunity for a successful and well run waterfront lodge. The lodge comprises 8.64 acres and nearly 200 yards of riverfront on a great stretch for steelhead, salmon and brown trout. The 16 unit lodge is a turn-key operation with recent, extensive upgrades, comfortable accommodations and facilities for cooking, dining and meetings.

Located 36 miles west of Redding, CA.

Trinity River Adventure Inn $695,000

Ideal opportunity for someone who wants to get back to nature and run a thriving business on the beautiful Trinity River, renowned for it’s steelhead, salmon and big brown trout.

Trinity River Adventure Inn is a 4 season resort featuring unique cabins on a spectacular stretch of river, also popular for kayaking and rafting adventures. Full, supportive training by owners.

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Trinity River Home

$270,000

Cold Water Ranch

$880,000

Trinity River Land

$72,500

Great steelhead fishing property on the Trinity River’s popular Steel Bridge Rd area. Two bed, two bath, very nice (2001) manufactured home has open living room and kitchen. The residence has a large attached deck overlooking the lawn and river. Located on 5 acres with property crossing the river. This is a great piece of property for the fisherman as one can easily wade in from the property and catch steelhead!

Cold Water Ranch! The name says it all. 22.59 beautiful open acres in Shingletown with water rights providing gravity fed water and irrigation throughout the ranch. Permitted for future home to replace 2nd residence. Beautiful 2 story primary residence boasts a bright and open floorplan with large deck overlooking the landscaped yard, garden, ponds and pasture.

Serene setting about 30 mins from Redding

Build your fishing retreat on the banks of the Trinity River’s Fly Fishing Only Section. Located in the charming and historic town of Lewiston, the Trinity is renowned for it’s fabulous steelhead and salmon fishing and has some BIG brown trout, and rainbows too! This 1 acre parcel has a BLM buffer strip between it and river and provides access to immediately start your days fishing! 45 minutes from Redding.

Fall River Trout Ranch $2,440,000

The Fall River Wild Trout Ranch is a rare find on the upper stretch of Fall River in the heart of the great fly fishing that this river is famous for. Unbelievable estate quality home overlooking Fall River. Access over your own private bridge. Has two homes one 5744 sq ft.

And a 1200 sq. ft. caretaker house. Also has heliport,hanger, plus barns shop and boat dock. irrigated pasture.

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dan@riversedgeproperties.com Spring 2015

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Shasta Land Services, Inc. 358 Hartnell Ave., Suite C Redding, CA., 96002