Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
What's new in the shop?
Sierra's Trout Fishing Adventure (including links to full gear list)
Putah Creek & Trinity River Fly Fishing Report
What's new in the shop?
New Lucky Craft LV-500 Colors Have Arrived!
We're excited to announce the arrival of several new colors for the popular Lucky Craft LV-500! Whether you prefer the subtle allure of Baby Blue Gill or the flashy appeal of MS Crack and MS Gun Metal Shad, we've got you covered.
With over 25 colors in stock, our online store offers a wide selection to suit any fishing condition. Place an order of $50 or more and enjoy free shipping within 2-3 days.
Stop by Sweeney's Sports to check out our latest inventory or shop online today!
Yeti Shot Glasses - The Perfect Stocking Stuffer
Stack, pack, and knock one back with the Shot Glasses.
Four shot glasses & carrying case
1.7 oz shot glass capacity
Stacks and packs together
Double Wall Insulated
Brighten Up Your Holidays with Luxpro
Stop by Sweeney's Sports to explore our new Luxpro line! These powerful and versatile lights are perfect for a variety of outdoor and indoor applications.
With a range of products, including flashlights, floodlights, and headlamps, Luxpro offers up to 2000 lumens of brightness. These high-performance lights make ideal gifts for the upcoming holiday season, offering exceptional value and functionality.
Stop by Sweeney's Sports to explore our new Luxpro collection and discover the perfect light for your needs.
Streamer of the Week - Umpqua Double Gonga & Gamechanger Pearl
It started as a Matuka meets Wooly Bugger. But the finished Double Gonga has well thought out features: Bugger tail of dense marabou, but a fuller wrapping of schlappen for greater profile and motion in the water. Lead eyes on the underside of the hooks to ensure it rides hook down.
The Umpqua Game Changer is one of the most life like articulated streamers ever created. This fly actually swims as it is stripped! Another high quality Umpqua pattern, built with the finest materials and hooks available. Quite simply... they are the finest flies that money can buy!
This week in Fishing
Fall Family Adventure: Trout Fishing, Scenic Trails, and Solitude in the Sierras
Fall is the perfect time for a Sierra mountain adventure with family and friends. The season brings vibrant colors, icy lakes, and streams teeming with hungry trout, creating a scene of epic beauty and abundance. It's hard to understand why fall is considered "off-season" because, for adventure lovers, it's a goldmine: no crowds, affordable cabin rentals, and plenty of fish on the bite. Let’s dive into an itinerary you can easily replicate for your own unforgettable fall weekend!
Day One: Off-Roading and River Fishing
We were fortunate to be invited by friends to their cabin in Arnold. After gearing up, we set out for some off-roading, heading towards an old quarry that has been converted into a shooting range. The 30-minute drive offered spectacular views, and while my Jeep Cherokee’s adjustable suspension handled the rough road well, most SUVs or trucks with competent drivers should manage the trip comfortably.
At the quarry, we set up metal targets and practiced our aim. It was a great bonding experience, with my friend—a competition shooter—coaching my daughter on her technique. Afterward, we returned to drop off our equipment and headed to Dorrington to explore the North Fork of Stanislaus River.
Parking at the trailhead, we hiked a mile down to the river. Although my Jeep could probably have handled the rugged trail, the rocky terrain made me glad we decided to walk. Along the way, we spotted some impressive rock formations and steep ridges, making the journey as captivating as the destination itself.
Before hitting the river, we stopped at Ebbett’s Pass Sporting Goods, where the owner, Sharon, advised us that the river's high flows might hinder fishing success. Nevertheless, we were eager to explore. While fishing was challenging due to the swift current, the experience was memorable. Jumping boulders and taking in the crisp autumn air amid stunning fall colors was reward enough.
Day Two: Trout Fishing at Lake Alpine
The next day, we rose before dawn and set off for Lake Alpine, equipped with worms and PowerBait. This time of year, the lake's water level is low to prepare for spring runoff, so we walked across the dried lakebed to reach a steep rock formation—a likely spot for deep water, which often holds fish.
We cast our bait into a promising area and waited patiently in the freezing morning temperatures. Around 7:30 a.m., our patience was rewarded with a solid bite, which lasted until 9 a.m. Rainbow garlic PowerBait and suspended worms proved effective, allowing us to enjoy catch-and-release fishing with some tasty keepers for future dinners.
After the main bite cooled, we found that a suspended nightcrawler was the most appealing setup. This technique can be tricky but is highly effective for trout. Here’s how to do it: Use a sliding sinker rig with a 3-4 foot leader, hook the worm in a few spots so both ends wiggle, and then inflate the worm with a worm blower. Test it in the water to ensure it floats before casting, just as you would with PowerBait.
After a rewarding morning at the lake, we gathered the family for a robust hike to Cougar Rock. Tired but rejuvenated, we returned home Sunday night, ready to dive back into the week’s routine with renewed energy and appreciation for the outdoors (and warm indoors:).
Below is the list of the gear I used with links to each product on our website. We appreciate your support if you choose to purchase with us. Our pricing is highly competitive and we ship fast, right to your door.
Trout Gear
Rod: Okuma SST Trout
Reel: Okuma Avenger 2500
Trout Tackle & Bait
Powerbait: Rainbow Garlic
Worm Blower: Magic Worm Blower
Main Line: Sufix Advance Mono
Leader Line: 6lb Test Seaguar Fluorocarbon
Powerbait Hooks: Eagle Claw Treble
Floating Worm Hooks: Gamakatsu Light Wire Hook
This rod and reel combo is versatile and reliable, handling streams, rivers, and lakes with ease. I took only this one setup on my trip, and it covered everything I needed without a hitch. For an affordable price, it’s a package that delivers both fun and fish, making it a perfect companion for all your future trout fishing adventures.
Fly Fishing Report
By Pete Rodrigues
Putah Creek & Trinity River Fishing Report
Date: 11-14-24Location: Putah CreekFlow: 88 cfsFishing Conditions: Fair
Putah Creek Report by Catch Happy Guide Partner Robbie George
The flows on Putah Creek have dropped below 100 cfs, which has made the bite more challenging. The fish are still active but require a bit more work to get a grab. Focus on the deeper pools along the creek for your best chance at a hook-up. With the slower water, presentation is crucial—getting your flies to move naturally will make all the difference. If you're having trouble, try switching to smaller, more realistic fly patterns to match the conditions.
Recommended Flies for Putah Creek:
Nymphs
Barr Emerger
WD-40
WD-50
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail
Zebra Midge
San Juan Worm
S&M Nymph
Trinity River Report
The fish are here! We've had some exceptional days on the boat this season with a great mix of adult steelhead and big half-pounders in the river. This means there are plenty of opportunities to hook into a large adult steelhead. The fish are holding in both shallow and deep sections and are scattered throughout the river system, so cover all areas!
Recommended Flies for Trinity River:
Pat's Rubber Legs
Duracell
Red Copper John
Solitude Golden Stone
Beads
For more fishing adventures and guided trips, connect with The Bend Company Fly Fishing Guide ServiceGuide: Robbie George
Website: www.thebendcoflyfishing.com
Phone: (707) 812-4671
P.S. We’re excited to announce the launch of ShopSweeneys.com! Now you can explore our top gear, tackle, and more—handpicked for your next fishing adventure—all online. Whether you’re gearing up for the Napa River or beyond, we’ve got everything you need to make each trip a success. Check it out!
As always,
We truly appreciate every time you walk through our doors. Thank you for choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars with us. It's a privilege to be of service.
Click Here to Subscribe to the Gun Shop Newsletter
Click Here to Subscribe to Fishing Adventures and Education
コメント