California Fly Fisher

California Fly Fisher is the definitive voice of fly fishing in the Golden State. From the steelhead rivers of the North Coast to the trout streams of the Eastern Sierra, each issue explores California’s rich angling landscape with vivid storytelling, expert advice, and stunning photography. Discover top destinations in and around the state, sharpen your skills with pro tips and techniques, and meet the people shaping the sport—from legendary anglers to emerging voices. With fly-tying insights, conservation features, and deep dives into California’s iconic waters, California Fly Fisher is more than a magazine—it’s a celebration of a unique angling culture.

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

California Fly Fisher

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

In This Issue

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Events

To Read

The Great Markleeville Smallmouth Debate

Stronger Knots

Spun Heads • Techniques for success on the water

Muddlers On The Skate

Richard's Notable Fish

The Fish I Remember

INTO the PIT

Why You Should Go • The canyon will fight you. The trout will humble you. Go anyway.

What's in a Name?

Fishing for Gold • In memory of my father, Scott McCarrell

FIELD NOTES • HYDROGEOLOGY: COLDWATER SPRINGS IN THE SOUTHERN CASCADE RANGE

GUIDE PROFILE

Heritage Trout Challenge • July 2024 found me dodging thunderstorms and lightning on a quest to find and catch one of California's hidden trout forms in its native range. My target was the Little Kern golden trout—a lesser-known relative of the celebrated state fish, the California golden trout.

McCloud River Redband Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss stonei • Isolated high in the upper McCloud watershed, the McCloud River Redband persists in only four small streams. Years of drought, habitat fragmentation, and hybridization with introduced rainbow trout have reduced populations to precarious levels. While emergency rescue efforts prevented extinction during California's 2013-2016 drought, the fish remains one of the state's most vulnerable native trout.

Know Your River • Understanding freestones, tailwaters, and spring creeks can make you a better fly fisher

Hot Creek • Wrong Mine, Wrong Place

An Untouched World • The High Sierra Backcountry

Trout

Why Fly Lines Matter • Part II: Saltwater Lines

If Fish Could Vote • An Interview with Representative Jared Huffman

The Film That Moved an Industry

Dr. Peter B. Moyle

Wading into Controversy

The Perfect Day

In His Eyes

Lake Almanor • Last year, during the Hexagenia hatch, I guided a client who had a superb night. He landed five fish and was now casting to fish rising on a large size 6 Hexagenia dry fly. After hooking a fish, he turned back to me and said, “I love this place!” with a huge smile on his face. After a 10-minute battle, he landed a 7-pound brown trout. That's what makes Lake Almanor special!

Pit River

Lessons From a Broken Foot