Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam)
river in California
The cold, clear water released from the dam provides excellent habitat year-round, making it a reliable fishery.
Typical stable and moderate fall flows on Clear Creek
- 01Typical stable and moderate fall flows on Clear Creek, despite warmer-than-average early October temperatures.
- 02Strong Baetis and prominent October Caddis hatches are expected, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 03Midges remain a consistent subsurface food source, active throughout the day.
- 04Steelhead are beginning their migratory push, with resident Rainbow and Brown Trout actively feeding.
- 05Focus on nymphs and egg patterns in shaded, deeper pockets early, then transition to dry flies during afternoon hatches.
Past reports week by week
1 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis (Dry)
October Caddis are a prominent hatch in fall, providing a significant food source for Steelhead and trout.
Buy at AmazonDeep Sparkle Pupa
October Caddis are emerging, and fish will be keying on the pupae drifting in the current.
Buy at AmazonBaetis Nymph
Baetis hatches are excellent in the fall on Clear Creek, and nymphs are a primary food source for all trout species.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (BWO)
Fall Baetis hatches are prolific, and this low-profile dry fly effectively imitates the adult mayflies.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent subsurface food source in tailwaters like Clear Creek, active year-round and particularly important in fall.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Fall is egg season, and Steelhead and resident trout will readily take egg patterns below spawning fish.
Buy at AmazonIntruder (Steelhead)
Large attractor streamers are highly effective for aggressive Steelhead in fall, especially when swung through deeper runs.
Buy at AmazonSoft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
As caddis are active through fall, swinging a soft hackle can imitate emerging pupae or drowned adults, drawing strikes from all trout species.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Clear Creek Gorge
Popular section below the dam known for deep pools and strong currents.
Junction with Sacramento River
The lower reaches of Clear Creek where it meets the Sacramento, a key migration point.
Whiskeytown Dam Outflow
Immediate tailwater section offering consistent cold water.
Fly shops within 40 miles
The Fly Shop
Trinity Fly Shop
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California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
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Quick answers
Common questions about Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam).
What flies work best on Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam) right now are October Caddis (Dry) (80% confidence), Deep Sparkle Pupa (80% confidence), Baetis Nymph (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam)?
Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam) holds Steelhead. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Clear Creek (Shasta County - below Whiskeytown Dam) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.