California Fly Fisher

03/21/2025

Spring is here, and with it, the March issue of The Drift. In this edition, you’ll find tools to help make accessing the water easier, guidance for approaching your time on the water with intention, insights into the golden stonefly hatch, a farewell to a beloved Southern California figure, and more.

To catch it in your inbox, sign up for the newsletter for your monthly dose of inspiration, education, and community.

Here’s to longer days, warmer weather, and time well spent on the water.

03/08/2025

Fly fishing has long been a male-dominated space, but that's changing. As publisher of California Fly Fisher, I’m committed to bringing more diversity to the sport and to the pages of the magazine. I’m lucky to know and work with many incredible women who are pushing boundaries, leading conservation efforts, and absolutely crushing it on the water.

Here are just a few of the badass fly fisherwomen shaping the future:

📸 Rebecca Ramirez – CalTrout & Patagonia Fly Fishing Ambassador, CAFF contributor
📸 Autumn Harry & Taylor Feezor – Pyramid Lake guide & CAFF contributor (with me in the shot!) Autumn Harry Taylor Feezor
📸 Julia Mitchell – Founder of Rising to the Fly, CAFF contributor, fishing the Trinity Julia Mitchell
📸 Kesley Gallagher – CalTrout board member, multiple fly fishing world record holder Kesley Gallagher
📸 Sydnie Kohara – Striped bass fanatic & CalTrout board member Sydnie Kohara

Here’s to the women making waves in fly fishing—on and off the water! 🎣💪🌍

03/07/2025

Ever been told to "get off my land" while fishing? Know where you stand! The California Angler’s Bill of Rights in the Winter issue of California Fly Fisher by George Croton breaks down public access laws and the public trust doctrine to help you navigate waterways and know your rights.

https://calflyfisher.com/tips-and-techniques/the-california-anglers-bill-of-rights/

To stay informed about Truckee River access, join the Fly Tying Fundraiser and Social Event at on Saturday, March 15 at 6pm. For more details visit

George Croton


📷: Photo by Humberto
📷: Truckee River sign near the Hirschdale Bridge

02/25/2025

It's crazy to think it was this time one year ago that we announced the plans to bring back California Fly Fisher at the Pleasanton show. We've connected with so many in the community since then—subscribers, writers, photographers, brand partners—have produced three beautiful, content-rich issues, and launched a first-in-class website. We look forward to connecting with you this weekend—please stop by our booth and say hello.
And be sure to check out some of the many classes, seminars, and demonstrations being offered by California Fly Fisher editors and contributors:

🎣George Revel: Where to Fish and When: A Guide to Fishing CA, Fri 2pm; Casting Sinking Lines & Shooting Heads, Fri 4:15pm; How to Cast 100', Sat 11:15am; Fly Fishing Bay Area Surf and Bays, Sat 1pm & Sun 10:30; The Roll Cast, Sun 12:15pm Lost Coast Outfitters
🎣Mike Wier:Klamath River Fishing and Dam Removal, Sat 4pm & Sun 10am Mikey Wier
🎣John Sherman: Fly Fishing for Delta Stripers, Fri 2:30pm & Sat 3pm John Gregory Sherman
🎣Michael Malekos: Strategies and tactics for Catching Trout, Fri 4pm & Sun 10am
🎣Lance Gray: Fly Fishing Lake Almanor, Fri, Sat & Sun 12pm Lance Gray and Company
🎣Matt Heron: Fly Casting Faults and Fixes, Fri 12:15pm; Truckee River: A Guide's Perspective, Fri 3pm, Sat 11am & Sun 3pm; False Casting to Indicators, Sat 1:15pm Matt Heron Fly Fishing
🎣Ken Morrish: Skeena Steelhead A to Z, Sat 2pm Fly Water Travel

📷: Trout Creek Outfitters guide Nate Cutler on the Truckee River. Photo by Austin Zimmerman.

02/20/2025

What fly gets fish on the line for you? In the Winter issue's "River Flies Part II," Lance Gray checks in with guides around Central CA and the Eastern Sierra to learn what works for them. https://calflyfisher.com/tips-and-techniques/river-flies-part-ii/

📷 1: TJ Brady @
📷 2: (top left) Guy Jeans recommends the Tungsten Yellow Sallie Nymph on the Kern River; (top right) Brian Clemens and Joe Garza both recommend Fox's caddis poopah in cinnamon on the Yuba River; (bottom) Peter Santley recommends Hadden's dead drift crayfish on the Truckee mid-summer through fall. Photos by Lance Gray

02/13/2025

JUST IN...Orinda show added!
We're excited to bring you the International Fly Fishing Film Festival this year in locations across California. First up—Marin, Sacramento & Orinda. Get your tickets today! You don't want to miss this fun evening featuring great films, awesome raffle prizes, and a chance to connect with the fly-fishing community.

- Marin, 3/11 - www.flyfilmfest.com/larkspurca/
- Sacramento, 3/13 - www.flyfilmfest.com/sacramentoca/
- Orinda, 3/18 - https://www.flyfilmfest.com/orindaca/

Southern California locations coming soon.

Lost Coast Outfitters
Fly Fishing Specialties
California Trout

The Tower Theatre

02/12/2025

Big tides, big flies, and even bigger calico bass! "The Hunt for Trophy Calico Bass" by Glenn Ueda takes you into the midnight madness of chasing these fierce fighters under moonlit waters. Ready for the challenge? Read the full article here: https://calflyfisher.com/destinations/midnight-madness/

📷 1: Hooking and landing trophy calico bass is serious business. The author with his trophy.
📷 2: A tiny tick, 8 inches or 8 pounds, one never really knows until the line goes tight.
📷 3: Waiting for the golden hour to end and the real action to begin.
📷 4: Hundreds of searching casts, veteran fly angler Dave Tanabe's persistence and patience were rewarded with a stunning trophy of his own.
Photos courtesy Glenn Ueda

02/06/2025

We're excited to bring you the International Fly Fishing Film Festival this year in locations across California. First up—Marin and Sacramento. Get your tickets today! ou don't want to miss this fun evening featuring great films, awesome raffle prizes, and change to connect with the fly-fishing community.

- Marin - www.flyfilmfest.com/larkspurca/
- Sacramento - www.flyfilmfest.com/sacramentoca/

More locations added soon.

Lost Coast Outfitters
Fly Fishing Specialties
California Trout

02/05/2025

Why would anyone want to deal with cold feet, frozen fingers, and the occasional snowstorm? Solitude and big fish. That's why.

In our Winter 2025 issue, Matt Heron reveals expert tips and techniques for landing trophy trout in "Winter Solitude and Trophy Trout," while Michael Malekos shares how to prepare, adapt, and thrive in frigid conditions in "Embrace the Cold."

Don't let winter keep you off the water—master the cold and make every cast count.
📖 Subscribe today!

📷 1: Matt Heron and dDave Lass on the Little Trukee. Photo by Jason Shields
📷 2: North Fork Yuba after a winter storm. Photo by Phil Reedy
📷 3: Ice can accumulate on the rod's guides in winter. Photo by Jason Shields

01/31/2025

Inform. Inspire. Educate. Connect.

Every issue of California Fly Fisher speaks to the heart of California's fly-fishing heritage. From the rugged steelhead waters of the North Coast to the serene trout streams of the Eastern Sierra, we capture the essence of these places with thoughtful storytelling, expert knowledge, and striking photography. For anglers who seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of these waters, each page offers something truly enriching.

Join a community that values the beauty, diversity, and conservation of our state’s waters. Subscribe today and connect with California’s fly-fishing legacy. calflyfisher.com
📷:

Experience the redesigned, elevated print magazine shipped to you every quarter. Includes full digital access to our archives.

01/29/2025

Winter 2025 Spotlight Destination: Pyramid Lake 🎣

Discover the legendary Lahontan cutthroat trout of Pyramid Lake—a prehistoric giant that tells a story of survival and revival. Our latest California Fly Fisher feature dives into the history of this native trout, its remarkable comeback, and expert insights on when, where, and how to fish for them.

From prime fishing seasons to must-know techniques, we’ve got everything you need for a successful trip. Don't miss this epic winter adventure—read more in our Winter 2025 issue! Subscribe today!

📷 1: Natih Sherman with a 20.5 lb LCT, a personal best. Photo by John Sherman
📷 2: The Lake's namesake pyramid, roughly the size of the 350-foot tall Luxor. Photo by Bob Gaines
📷 3: Lahontan cutthroat trout, the "fish of a lifetime." Photo by Bob Gaines
📷 4: Tight lines on a stormy Pyramid Lake. Photo by Jason Shields
📷 5: Inclement weather often produces the best fishing at Pyramid Lake. Photo by Bob Gaines

01/18/2025

The sunny weather has made for some great days on the river, but as expected the bite at Pyramid has been tough this week. Because of the chilly mornings, look to get on the river by around 10:00 to …

01/16/2025

Who's chasing steelhead this weekend. Or better yet, who's not? Conditions look great!

📷: Fly Water Travel

01/10/2025

Need to get your hands on the Winter issue? Grab a copy at any of the partner fly shops around the state. https://calflyfisher.com/where-to-find-us/
Buy a thing or two while you’re there. You know you want to!



Lost Coast Outfitters TROUT CREEK Outfitters Bob Marriott's Flyfishing Store Fish First Fly Shop The Fly Shop Mountain Hardware and Sports Fishermen's Spot Fly Fishing Specialties The Trout Fitter Sierra Hardware Marin Outdoor Trading Company Trinity Fly Shop Sierra Fly Fisher Ted Fay Fly Shop