valley steelhead tour 2012

2012

Valley Steelhead Tour

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Lance Gray & Company Valley Steelhead Tour Handbook © 2012

Table of Content Mission Statement Steelhead Page 2 Safety Page 3 Fighting Fish Safety Page 3 Instructors Page 3-4 Standard Rods Page 5 Switch & Short Spey Rods Page 5 Reels Page 6 Standard Lines Page 6 Switch & Short Spey Lines Page 7 Leaders Page 7 Tippet Page 8 Versileaders Page 8 Skagit MOW Tips Page 9 Indicators Page 10 Weighting Page 10 Knots Page 10 Dead Drift Setup Page 11 Recommend Equipment & Flies Page 12 Regulations Page 13-14 Informational Websites Page 15 Notes Page 15-16 Feather River Map Page 17-19 American River Map Page 20-23

Mission Statement

Lance Gray & Company is introducing “Fly Fishing Tours" – tours for anglers who want to learn more about particular fisheries, species or styles of fly fishing in Northern California.

Kirsten and I are proud to bring you these special tours. They will focus on all aspects of fly fishing, from Lake Almanor to chasing steelhead on the north coast to fishing private water. They are just a special way to bring you, our guest, a valued experience based on what you have come to expect from Lance Gray & Company.

The tours are designed for anglers wishing to gain knowledge of access points, hatches, flies and needed equipment in order to expand confidence, develop skills and log valuable experience while being directed through the process. They'll dramatically shorten the learning curve for anglers who want to fish these waters on their own.

Our goal is to provide the best knowledge possible for our guest.

Steelhead The Steelhead the “Winter Ghost” the fish that anglers live to fish for. The Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is very similar to pacific salmon in their life cycle and environmental needs. They’re in the same Salmonidae family as Salmon, Char, and other types of Trout. Steelhead range from the Pacific Coast regions of Asia, around to the straights of Alaska, and continuing down the Pacific Coast of North America and throughout the Great Lakes. Steelhead hatch in fresh water, where they spend the first years of their life. They then migrate to the ocean. Ninety percent of their growth occurs while they are in the ocean. After spending years in the ocean the fish return to fresh water to spawn. Unlike pacific salmon, a steelhead doesn’t necessarily die after spawning and is able to spawn more than once. The fish are strong, ruthless, and will give any angler an experience they

will never forget

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Safety

Safety is the number one priority while fly fishing and the successful angler must be prepared with a minimum of the following standard safety equipment: Wading Equipment A Wading Staff Sunglasses Hats Proper Clothing Sun Screen Water Once the steelhead angler is prepared, he or she must wade smart and safe. One good rule of thumb, “If you ask yourself “should I?” Follow your instincts and choose another path. Always error on the side of caution and you will catch more fish. Remember take your time and always use a wading staff. Slow and steady wins the race.

Fighting Fish Safety If the fish runs into a swift water way, let it go. Do not try to run after it on the bank or while wading. Trust your equipment, let the reel do the work, and be prepared to work the fish downstream slowly. Remember, steelhead waters are often slippery and/or unstable. It is always easier to fight a fish when you are not submerged or injured!

Lance and Kirsten Gray

Lance and Kirsten have more than 50 years combined experience in fly fishing. Lance started fly fishing with his father and brother Lincoln at age 7. In his teens, he began tying flies commercially for shops all around Northern California. At 17, he went to work at Powell's in Chico, working in the fly shop and building rods. He guided for Powell’s, conducted fly-tying and fly-fishing schools, and traveled. In 1993, Lance and Kirsten started Saltwater Innovations, a company that manufactured and distributed products for saltwater fly fishing. Lance’s Crystal Popper, Gray’s Billfish Fly, the KO Charlie line and the Raghead Crabs are all Saltwater Innovations products. Kirsten worked behind the scenes, handling the day-to-day operation running the manufacturing floor of the company. In 2003 they launched Lance Gray & Company, a full-service outfitter offering guided trips, fly-fishing schools, workshops and a travel agency. Lance conducts presentations at fly clubs and outdoor shows and both Kirsten and Lance supports local groups like Cub Scouts and 4H. Lance is a signature tyer for Solitude Fly Company and recently began writing, and had articles published in Angling Trade Magazine, California Fly Fisher, Sierra Fisherman and Northwest Fly Fishing. Kirsten is a

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fantastic photographer who's had images multiple published in periodicals and on websites.

Greg Vinci

Greg Vinci literally had dirt between his toes from the time he could walk. He was always clamoring to get outdoors, and when his mother wasn’t looking, he was wandering off to discover the nature to be found in the nooks and crannies of his Los Angeles back yard. As he grew older, he gained a fascination for the waters that descended from California’s mountains and the elusive trout that made it their home. Upon being exposed to the fabulous Steelhead fishing available in the American River that runs through his adopted home of Sacramento California, he became a passionate “metal header”. From late August of each year until the beginning of duck season in November, he spent as much time as possible chasing those chrome rockets up and down the river. Today he travels throughout California searching for trout wherever they can be found.

After twenty years as owner of Sierra Pacific Products, where he designed many popular fly tackle product lines, Greg now writes articles and contributes photography to several fly fishing and outdoor magazines. He feels blessed that he is able to partake in three of the things he loves the most, fly-fishing, photography and writing and get paid for them too. He also works as a marketing consultant/product developer and is a Signature Fly Tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants. His most recent project has been to develop the web site www.california-flyfishing.com, which is a portal to all of the most popular fly-fishing waters in the state of California.

http://www.california-flyfishing.com/

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Recommended Equipment Rods

Standard Rods

Today’s steelheader needs a single handed rod that does more than simply deliver a fly. They need a stick that can cast, mend, reach out, and fight fish. The ultimate steelhead rod should be able to handle all of these tasks in the worst weather. It must be able to allow you to cast with little effort, as well as be able to punch through the highest wind. Steelhead rods can range from 6-8 weight rods in lengths from 9-10 feet. When purchasing make sure the rod is a medium to fast action and that the butt has reserve power to give that extra punch. Good steelhead rods should have a fighting butt addition to the rod.

Switch & Short Spey

Switch and Spey fly rods range from 10 ½ feet to over 15. The longer length of these rods compared to their traditional counterparts comes with advantages of increased casting distance and easier mending. Switch and Spey rods differ. The Switch Rod is generally around 11 feet long and has a shorter grip. These rods are lighter and are more apt to be used with single handed casts, spey casts, or a combination of both. “Switch Rods” are multi-tasking fly rods specifically designed to allow a variety of single and two handed casting options. The primary goal of a Switch Rod is to allow the caster the ability to achieve the maximum targeted forward distance with the least amount of expended energy. Spey Rods are two handed rods usually no less than 12 feet long. The primary advantage of Spey Rods is their ability to cast large flies a long

distance. In the hands of a proficient fly caster, these rods have been known to consistently cast in excess of 100 feet with greater ease and control than a traditional single handed fly rod. A Spey Rod in the hands of a proficient caster can also minimize the space needed for the back cast, opening up more water to fish. Matched with the proper fly line an angler can experience increased performance and accuracy. Because these rods have such great advantages, they are often called upon as the weapon of choice by the discerning steelhead angler. Fly lines for Switch and Spey Rods can often be confusing. Switch Rods can use short spey lines to cast and turn over heavy tips and large flies. They also excel with single-handed steelhead taper lines, usually over lined 2 or more sizes. This allows the angler the versatility and weight to load a spey type cast, while fishing the heaviest single hand nymphing rigs. For Spey Rods more specific lines are used. As a rule of thumb, the shorter the line, the easier it is to learn to cast. Fishing these rods with short thick “Skagit lines” helps turn over heavier sink tips with large flies. It also uses longer belly lines for better presentations when fishing smaller flies. Whether you fish a Switch or a Spey Rod, these rods are at the forefront of today’s steelhead experience.

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Reels Steelhead reels are another animal all together. The Steelheader must have a reel that is hard working and capable of have having at least 150 yards of backing behind a standard line. It should be constructed out of material that can withstand the elements and conditions found on today’s steelhead fisheries. The drag must have a low inertia start up factor and must be able to withstand long runs but still be able to handle the short bursts of wild, frantic, hard-fighting steelhead. Another key requirement of the steelhead angler’s reel is low maintenance.

Standard Lines RIO’s new indicator line has been designed for the specific application of

casting indicator rigs with ease - whether for trout or steelhead. The thick

diameter tip and short front taper easily turns over the largest of

indicators, while the ultra-long head and back taper make it very easy to

mend and control the way the fly fishes at great distance. The line is

manufactured with RIO’s latest high tech coatings: XS Technology for a

super slick, dirt repelling coating, AgentX for an ultra smooth surface and

high floating running line and Super Floatation Technology that creates a

high floating tip. The line also features RIO’s DualTone color concept to

easily show the angler the perfect loading point for each line size. A

welded loop on both ends makes for easy rigging and fast leader changes.

The highly visible tip can be used as an indicator - especially when Czech

nymphing.

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Switch & Spey Lines

Skagit Lines Skagit lines are the most effective way to cast heavy tips and large flies on Spey or Switch rods. The Skagit line ranges from 20-35 feet. For shorter switch rods, shorter Skagit lines work best because they pack a lot of mass in a short length. They turn over exceptionally well and are very easy to learn. These Skagit Short Spey lines need tips attached to fish. Verisleaders and MOW heads can be used.

Leaders & Tippets

RIO Fluoroflex tapered leaders are the solution when a nearly invisible

presentation is required for wary fish. Fluoroflex leaders are 100%

fluorocarbon with high abrasion-resistance and excellent knot strength.

The leaders have a long butt section that will turn over flies effortlessly.

X" Diameter Diameter Strength Strength

7X 0.004" 0.102mm 2lb 0.9kg

6X 0.005" 0.127mm 3lb 1.4kg

5X 0.006" 0.152mm 4lb 1.8kg

4X 0.007" 0.178mm 5lb 2.3kg

3X 0.008" 0.203mm 6lb 2.7kg

2X 0.009" 0.229mm 8lb 3.6kg

1X 0.010" 0.254mm 10lb 4.5kg

0X 0.011" 0.279mm 12lb 5.4kg

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Tippet

Fluoroflex Plus is 100% fluorocarbon and the strongest, thinnest

fluorocarbon on the market with incredible strength, for example: 5 lb

for 5x material and is nearly invisible to fish. Fluoroflex Plus is incredibly

supple and ties excellent knots even to nylon tippet.

Versileaders

6 ft (1.8 m), 10 ft (3 m) and 15 ft (4.5 m) leaders with a high tenacity

nylon core coated with a super low modulus polymer mixture.

Verisleaders feature an ultra smooth welded loop in the butt end making

it easy to connect to the fly line.

For 2010 RIO has introduced a selection of 6 ft long sinking Spey Verisleaders that

are ideal additions to sinking heads and sink tips.

The floating Spey Verisleader is perfect for forming the anchor when

spey casting Scandinavian style.

These leaders are ideal additions to all Spey lines and in particular RIO's

AFS heads and AFS Outbound lines

Densities: Floating, 1.5 ips (3.7 cm/s), 2.6 ips (6.6cm/s), 3.9 ips

(9.9cm/s), 5.6 ips (14.2cm/s), 7.0 ips (17.8cm/s)

X" Diameter Diameter Strength Strength

7X 0.004" 0.102mm 2.5lb 1.2kg

6X 0.005" 0.127mm 3.6lb 1.7kg

5X 0.006" 0.152mm 5.0lb 2.4kg

4X 0.007" 0.178mm 7.0lb 3.3kg

3X 0.008" 0.203mm 8.5lb 3.9kg

2X 0.009" 0.229mm 12lb 6kg

1X 0.010" 0.254mm 13lb 5.9kg

0X 0.011" 0.279mm 15lb 6.8kg

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Skagit Mow Tips

Skagit MOW Tips are exceptionally easy casting, fish catching machines.

MOW Tips are based on the type of sink tips that Skagit maestros Mike

McCune, Scott O’Donnell and Ed Ward have designed and used for

years. Not only are the MOW tips exceptionally easy to cast, but they also

give anglers far more precision in depth control than has ever been

possible in the past.

The MOW tip concept is simple; keep the tip length the same, regardless

of how long the sinking section is. The majorities of MOW tips are 10 ft

long and feature a combination of floating and sinking line that gives

anglers the greatest depth control. The six tips are as follows:

1. 10 ft floating tip 2. 7.5 ft of floating line seamlessly integrated into 2.5 ft of sinking tip 3. 5 ft of floating line seamlessly integrated into 5 ft of sinking tip tip 4. 2.5 ft of floating line seamlessly integrated into 7.5 ft of sinking tip 5. 10 ft level sinking tip. 6. 12.5 ft level sinking tip Each tip features RIO’s new skinny welded loop in both ends for the easiest and fastest rigging.

There are three different sets of MOW tips available, Heavy, Medium

and Light. The Heavy MOW tips utilize T-14 in all sinking sections. The

Medium MOW tips utilize T-11 and the Light MOW tips utilize T-8 for

all sinking sections. As a guideline, Heavy MOW Tips are best on Skagit

line of 575 grains and heavier, with the Medium MOW Tips most

suitable for Skagit lines between 475 and 575 grains and the Light MOW

Tips being most ideal on Skagit lines lighter than 475 grains. Though this

is a guideline, fly size is actually most important and big flies will cast

easiest on the Heavy Tips, while light flies will respond best on the Light

MOW Tips.

Length Sink rate Weight Strength

6' 1.5 45 grns 24 lbs

6' 2.6 45 grns 24 lbs

6' 3.9 45 grns 24 lbs

6' 5.6 45 grns 24 lbs

6' 7 45 grns 24 lbs

10' Flt 60 grns 24 lbs

10' 1.5 65 grns 24 lbs

10' 2.6 65 grns 24 lbs

10' 3.9 65 grns 24 lbs

10' 5.6 65 grns 24 lbs

10' 7 70 grns 24 lbs

15' Flt 85 grns 24 lbs

15' 1.5 100 grns 24 lbs

15' 2.6 100 grns 24 lbs

15' 3.9 100 grns 24 lbs

15' 5.6 100 grns 24 lbs

15' 7 100 grns 24 lbs

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Indicators, Weighting & Knots

The indicators that a steelheader need for the “Dead Drift”, “Swing” and “High Sticking” techniques is Greg Vinci’s Insta-Set Indicator.

Non-toxic shot only.

Knots We use only one knot, the nail knot. It is an extremely strong knot. It

performs every task you need to do.

It joins fly line to fly line backing.

It joins a butt section to the fly line.

It joins two different diameters of monofilament or fluorocarbon.

Connecting flies to tippet.

Forming loops or running dropper flies of the main leader.

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Setups

Dead Drift

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Feather River Gear

Standard 9-91/2 foot rod 6-8wt Weight Forward Floating Line Switch or Short Spey Rod 6wt Skagit or Scandi Short Mow Tips & Versileaders 3x Leaders and Tippet

Flies Fox’s Caddis Pupa Olive Size 14 Bird’s Nest Olive Size 14-16 Trina’s PT Size 16 Gray’s X May Olive Size 16 Anderson’s Bird of Prey Tan Size 16 Gray’s Ice Nest Size 16 Amber Wing Prince Size 14 Gray’s Atherton Size 6 Green Butt Hilton Size 6

American River Gear Standard 9-91/2 foot rod 6-8wt Weight Forward Floating fly line Intermediate Sink Tip fly line Switch or Short Spey Rod 6wt Skagit or Scandi Short Mow Tips & Versileaders 3x Leaders and Tippet Flies Wooly Bugger Brown & Black Size 6 Black Comet Size 8 Prince Nymph Size 12-16 Copper John Size 12-16 Glo-Bug Peachy King Size 6-8 Glo-Bug Champagne Size 6-8 Lincoln’s TS Black Size 6 Real Egg Orange Size 14 Gray’s X May Riding Hood Size 16

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American River

(5) American River (Sacramento Co.) from mouth to Nimbus Dam.

(A) From Nimbus Dam to the Hazel Avenue bridge piers.

Jan. 1 through July 15.***

2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession Closed to salmon fishing. No take or possession of salmon.

July 16 through Dec. 31.***

2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession 2 Chinook salmon***

(B) From Hazel Avenue bridge piers to the U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing about 300 yards downstream from the Nimbus Hatchery fish rack site.

Jan. 1 through July 15. Only barbless hooks may be used.***


July 16 through Sept. 14. Only barbless hooks may be used.***


(C) From the U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing about 300 yards downstream from the Nimbus Hatchery fish rack site to the SMUD power line crossing at the southwest boundary of Ancil Hoffman Park.

Jan. 1 through July 15. Only barbless hooks may be used.***


July 16 through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used.***


(D) From the SMUD power line crossing at the southwest boundary of Ancil Hoffman Park downstream to the Jibboom Street bridge.***





(E) From the Jibboom Street bridge to the mouth.***


2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession Closed to salmon

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fishing. No take or possession of salmon.***



Dec. 12 through Dec. 31.***

2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession Closed to salmon fishing. No take or possession of salmon.***

Feather River

68) Feather River below Oroville Dam (Butte, Sutter and Yuba cos.).

(A) From Fish Barrier Dam to Table Mountain bicycle bridge in Oroville.

Closed to all fishing all year.

(B) From Table Mountain bicycle bridge to Highway 70 bridge.

Jan. 1 through July 15. Only barbless hooks may be used.

1 hatchery trout or 1 hatchery steelhead** Closed to salmon fishing. No take or possession of salmon.

(C) From Highway 70 bridge to 1,000 feet All year. 1 hatchery trout

below the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall. or 1 hatchery steelhead** Closed to salmon fishing. No take or possession of salmon.

(D) From 1,000 feet below the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall to the mouth. For purposes of this regulation, the lower boundary is defined as a straight line drawn from the peninsula point on the west bank to the Verona Marine boat ramp.***


1 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** Closed to salmon fishing. No take or possession of salmon.

July 16 through Dec 11.***

1 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** 2 Chinook salmon***

Dec. 12 through Dec. 31.***

1 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** Closed to salmon fishing. No take or possession of salmon.***

For up to date information from DFG http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/FreshFish-Mar2011/ccr-t14-ch3-art3.html

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/FreshFish-Mar2011/ccr-t14-ch3-art3.html

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/FreshFish-Mar2011/ccr-t14-ch3-art3.html

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Fly Shops Kiene’s Fly Shop http://www.kiene.com/ 1-800-400-0359

The Fly Shop http://www.flyshop.com/ 1-800-669-3474

Sierra Stream Fly Shop http://sierrastreamflyshop.com/ 1-530-345-4261

Bulletin Boards Kiene’s Fly Shop http://www.kiene.com/

Dan Blanton’s Bulletin Board http://www.danblanton.com/bulletin.php

California Fly Fishing www.california-flyfishing.com

River Flows Feather River http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryLonger?662 American River http://cdec.water.ca.gov/stagePlots/afo20.png

Notes

http://www.kiene.com/

http://www.flyshop.com/

http://sierrastreamflyshop.com/

http://www.kiene.com/

http://www.danblanton.com/bulletin.php

http://www.california-flyfishing.com/

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryLonger?662

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Notes

Notes

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Feather River

1 2 3 4 1- Feather River Hatchery 2-Hatchery Riffle 3-Bedrock Park Riffle 4-Riverbend Park Boat Launch

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1

2

3

4

1-Riverbend Park Boat Launch 2- Bridge Riffle 3- Out House Riffle 4- Matthews Riffle

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1 2 3

4 5 6

8 7

1- Bridge Riffle 2- Out House Riffle 3- Matthews Riffle 4- Robinson’s Riffle 5- White Gate Riffle 6- Steep Riffle 7- Eye Riffle 8- Outlet Boat Ramp

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American River

2 1

1 – American River Fish Hatchery 2- Sailors Bar

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1

2

1 – Upper Sunrise Riffle 2-Lower Sunrise Riffle

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1 2

1 – Rosmore 2- Grismill

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1 2

1- Watt Riffle Number 1 2 – Watt Riffle Number 2

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Thank You

For attending Lance Gray & Company’s Valley Steelhead Tour.

We proudly use these products.

http://images.search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A2KJke24yfRO.isAzaWjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpcGszamw0BHNlYwNmcC1pbWcEc2xrA2ltZw--/SIG=13b77ve42/EXP=1324694072/**http:/cgi.ebay.com/Redington-Pursuit-Fly-Rod-8wt-9ft-6in-4pc-Fly-Fishing-/380294942058

valley steelhead tour 2012

Documents

steelhead page

knots page

versileaders page

reels page

indicators page

weighting page

tippet page

instructors page