Shasta Trout – Lower Sac Film

I threw together a short flick from a trip we took back in April 2011 (see earlier post).

You’re a lazy man Lopez

Big Bad Browns

This week I was in Minneapolis, MN for a work conference.  After doing a little research I found that the trout streams had been closed to fishing since September 30^th and the forecast called for temperatures in the mid 30’s. I decided to leave my fly rod at home. However, sometimes things have a funny way of working out. Let’s just say an opportunity presented itself and by late afternoon, I found myself fishing a nearby lake in Wisconsin for cruising browns.  Immediately after arriving it was clear these trout were in spawning mode and congregating along the rocky shorelines and weed beds.  The water was cold and clear but the trout weren’t too spooky. They were selective however, probably because they had other things on their minds.  That didn’t mean a well placed nymph and a little bit of luck wouldn’t produce a grab. I missed a few but landed most. Some smaller Rainbows, but all the browns were big and bad ass.

I fished till dark (which is arriving way too early these days) and was able to finish the day with a nice female.

Who says business trips can’t be fun?

Lower Deschutes River

I haven’t fished much since moving to Oregon and I’ve updated my blog even less. Due to a busy schedule these last few months, I’ve only been on the water a few times, even after buying a new Outcast Cataraft Pontoon boat. I did manage to float down the Lower D twice. The steelhead were in but I was targeting trout and focusing on improving my rowing skills.

Too busy to get into the details, so I’ll let the pictures tell the story…

This Is Fly – Environmental Piece, Project Home Water

Check out yours truly on Page 99 at This is Fly and help in getting the Klamath Damn removed…

Fly Fishing is a joke

I usually don’t post other videos up here but I couldn’t resist. It really hit home for me on so many levels.

Lazy Lopez Leaps North

We’re packing our bags and heading North! I’ve accepted a job in Portland, Oregon with a highly respected company (to be named later).  It’s been an amazing run in San Francisco – 11 years!. I’ve really enjoyed living in Northern California and taking advantage of all the beautiful water and mountains the area has to offer. I actually won’t be much farther away from some of my regular spots, but I know I will definitely miss this city and the back country lakes and streams I’ve discovered in the Sierra’s these past few summers. That’s not to say there won’t be any where I’m going, in fact, there will be more and they will be much closer.  I can’t wait to check out what Oregon and Washington State have to offer. I understand it’s a steelheader’s game up there : ) Can you say coastal rivers? Hmmmm…. I better start practicing my spey cast.

I’ll be new to the area, so if anyone has any recommendations please shoot them my way; Local rivers, Back country fishing, favorite fly shop, best place to grab a beer, etc… And those of you who I’ve fished with, do come visit. We’ll have a guest room waiting for you.

This is Fly – Sticker Spotting

The crew over at This is Fly were good enough to send us some stickers recently, so we plastered them all over our pelican cases. If you aren’t familiar with TIF, check them out. They’re a unique, cutting-edge, online-only fly fishing magazine.

Shasta Trout – Lower Sac – Film update

I spent two days on the Lower Sacramento River with Craig Nielsen of Shasta Trout this past week. I brought my friend Jeff along in hopes of getting some additional video footage for the upcoming Shasta Trout Promo Reel. The goal was to film Craig doing some instruction, and of course catch some fish! Jeff has been fly fishing for a long time, but he was excited at the opportunity to learn some new nymphing techniques.

Our first day on the water was a bit rainy. It drizzled most of the time, with the sun poking it’s head out every now and then. The fishing was actually quite good but my camera gear stayed inside of its protective dry pelican case most of the day.

Thankfully day two turned out to be gorgeous. The fishing was also great and we were able to get some decent shots. Especially at this side channel, where we pulled over to wade.

Jeff applying his newly acquired techniques.

Even the filmmaker got to get in on the action…

I’ll be spending the next few weekends editing. Looking forward to seeing how the new camera did. Stay tuned…

Klamathon Lodge Spey Casting Workshops – Shasta Trout Video

March 13-15th Introductory Spey and Switch Rod Immersion
March 11-13th Masters on the Spey at Klamathon Lodge

Top Spey and switch rod casting instructors, Craig Nielsen and Jeff Putnam are presenting a two day, two handed casting immersion program at the Klamathon Lodge March 13th through the 15th. The program is perfect for folks who have begun or would like to begin casting with two hands and are looking to master the basics. We still have space remaining, and the all inclusive price is only $695. Contact us now as space is limited and we anticipate filling quickly.

All lodging, meals, snacks and non alcoholic beverages are provided as is transportation to the river, including boat access to prime runs each day. Rods, reels and lines will be available for guests to sample and use. The Klamathon Lodge is located on the banks of the most productive section of the Klamath River with a fabulous run just a few steps from the door. This weekend is limited to six anglers double occupancy, invite a friend!

We also still have one space remaining in our Master’s on the Spey Weekend at Klamathon Lodge, March 11th through the 13th, Priced at only $795. Our fall weekend was a tremendous success. Leading California Two Handed Casting Instructors Chris King, Jeff Putnam, Jon Hazlett and Craig Nielsen offer an all inclusive weekend Klamath River Spey and Switch Rod on stream workshop. All of the guides are certified casting instructors with the Federation of Fly Fishers. The two night two day weekend includes demonstrations, on stream instruction and guided opportunities to cast for and catch both half-pounder and adult steelhead on the legendary Klamath River.

Shasta Trout
Craig & Jerri Nielsen
512 Sarah Bell
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-5763
craig@shastatrout.com
jerri@shastatrout.com