Beginner fly selections

[Bass_Ackwards]

[size 3][font "Times New Roman"]What would be the recommended fly’s to start with? I think they call that the generals. I’ve read a bit and no one seems to have the same opinion, could this be due to regional variations? [/font][/size]
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[flygoddess]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Region and species. Are you asking about tying or beginner fishing? Around here and I will bet just about anywhere...WOOLLY BUGGERS. To answer more you gotta feed me more...info that is[/size][/black][/font][]
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[Dryrod]

[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I think that we will need to know a few things first before[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]at least I can recommend what are the go to flies.[/size][/font] [ul] [li][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]What part of the country will you be fishing?[/size][/font][/li] [li][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Kind of water. Ocean, river, lake etc?[/size][/font][/li] [li][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Fish species. e.g. trout, bass, crappie etc?[/size][/font][/li][/ul]
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[Bass_Ackwards]

[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]This would be for beginning fishing.[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Fishing would be in Northern Ca, on a reservoir (to start with) and the desired species is trout [/size][/font]
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[Discman]

I would have to say that some basic flies would be:

(Agreeing with FG) Wooly Bugger
Muddler Minnow

Adams
Elk Hair Caddis
Royal Wulff
Mosquito
Royal Coachman
Humpy
Royal Trude
Black Ant
Cinnamon Ant
Joe's Hopper

Prince Nymph
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Hare's Ear Nymph
Zug Bug
Copper John
Caddis Pupa

That's all I can think of right now. Specific sizes and colors will vary from area to area, one body of water to the next and even depending on the time of day. So whatever you do, get lots of choices and sizes. I would recommend talking with a local fly shop guy. I can recommend the Fly Shop in Redding (I am not sure where in Northern Cali you are) the number is (530) 222-3555. Give them a call and they might be able to set you up. But really look into a more local shop if you are a ways from Redding.
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[Scruffy_Fly]

Discman's list certainly is a good start for rivers anyway. I have not done lake fishing so I don't know about there. At least a number of them should be effective in a lake also. Size may need to be different for a lake than many rivers.

For the adams you should also have some parachute adams.
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[flygoddess]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#80bf00][size 3]Agree Scruffy, they will work on still water, but think dropper. Also for stillwater, a little harder to cast, but longer leader with Chironomids and a strike indicator.[/size][/#80bf00][/font]
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[Dryrod]

[cool][font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Perhaps one of the following bodies of water might be available to you in NoCal. Here are some suggestions on fly use. I prefer the use of streamers. Woolly Buggers works well. I will also use a Clouser Minnow since it might entice a BMB to come for lunch.[/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][size 3][green]Fly Fishing Keswick Reservoir
Keswick Reservoir is essentially the Lower Sacramento River... before it becomes the Lower Sacramento River. This reservoir flows through a wild and scenic river canyon, where spotting eagles, osprey, bobcat, and deer are all common occurrences, and the trout are equally wild. [/green][/size][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]The rainbows in this portion of the Sacramento System are all native fish, averaging in the 14-22 inch range. Indeed, fishing on Keswick is often comparable to fishing on the Lower Sacramento, drifting indicators and weighted nymphs with the current, although dry fly and streamer fishing options are often available. [/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Access on this stretch of water is very limited; our guides utilize jet boats to motor upstream and drift back down. Keswick fishes well throughout the year, with the prime time being the winter, spring, and early summer, from November through June. [/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][size 3][green]Fly Fishing Lewiston Lake
If Keswick Reservoir marks the true beginnings of the Lower Sacramento River, so does Lewiston Lake function as the "headwaters" of the Trinity River. Lewiston is essentially a holding channel between Trinity Lake and Lewiston Dam; as it meanders peacefully through weed-lined channels, it often bears remarkable resemblance to a spring creek. [/green][/size][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Fly fishing on Lewiston Lake is a great deal like fishing some of the bigger spring creeks of the west, such as Fall River or Silver Creek. Anglers on Lewiston Lake will find themselves sight-casting to large trout, usually casting light tippets (5X and 6X) with small flies (#18-22), with a variety of techniques, from indicator nymphing to small dry flies. [/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Lewiston Lake is a true trophy trout fishery, and one of the best places anywhere to hook and land trout in the 4-6 pound range, and trout up to 12 pounds are landed each year. Lewiston is open year-round, but prime time on the lake runs in the winter time, from November through April. July, August, and September can also be productive. [/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][size 3][green]Fly Fishing McCloud Reservoir
Many anglers driving into the McCloud River have driven right past McCloud Reservoir, admiring its emerald green waters, gaping at the bald eagles perched above its shores, and wondering if there might actually be some decent fishing in its waters. The answer is yes, although hardly anybody ever fishes it. McCloud Reservoir is one of those special places where you almost always have the entire lake to yourself, with the exception of the eagles, osprey, bear, and mountain lions and are frequently seen cruising the shorelines. [/green][/size][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Our guides fish McCloud Reservoir out of jet boats, primarily from November through May. The fish in the reservoir are a mixture of rainbow and brown trout averaging 13-24 inches, and almost all wild fish. There are some great dry-fly opportunities here as well, working the mouths of creeks with October Caddis in the fall and Stoneflies in the spring. Nymphing techniques always work, and there’s no better place in California to streamer fish for big brown trout. [/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][size 3][green]Fly Fishing Iron Canyon Reservoir
Iron Canyon Reservoir is another fishery that receives very little pressure, and features both stillwater options and areas with current, more akin to stream fishing. Indicator nymph fishing predominates the effective techniques throughout the winter months, and dry flies can be quite productive as well, especially in the springtime. [/green][/size][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]The fish in this scenic reservoir are a mixture of brown and rainbow trout, with an equal mixture of wild and hatchery fish. This is one of the best places anywhere to simply hook a lot of fish, with 50+ hookups a likely possibility any day on the water, and fish averaging 13-24 inches. We generally fish Iron Canyon out of drift boats, efficiently working the edges and current seams. [/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][size 3][green]Fly Fishing Baum Lake
Located near Hat Creek outside of the town of Burney, Baum Lake is a “spring creek lake,” meandering through weedy channels in a beautiful, open valley. It is a truly great winter fishery, from November through April, with high numbers of rainbow and brown trout ranging from 12 inches to 8 or 9 pounds. All manner of techniques work on this beautiful lake, from indicator nymphing to small dry flies to streamers. [/green][/size][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Motors are absolutely not allowed on Baum Lake, so it is also a quiet, peaceful winter-time experience. Our guides generally use their drift boats on the lake, drifting in the soft current and casting along the edges of the weed beds. [/size][/green][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][size 3][green]Fly Fishing Eastman Reservoir
Anyone who enjoys fishing Fall River should give Eastman Reservoir a try. Eastman is essentially a part of the Fall River, yet it remains open throughout the year. Located in the Fall River Valley, the views of both Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen are stunning from this pristine piece of water, further bejeweled by an amazing abundance of waterfowl. [/green][/size][/font]
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Eastman is a trophy trout fishery, not ideal for beginning anglers (but a true chess game for anyone wishing to test their skills on huge, wary trout). February through May is the prime time on this reservoir, when rainbows ranging from 15-23 inches and up to 7 pounds feed on a wide variety of aquatic insects, including stoneflies, mayflies, and midges. These are wild, powerful fish, with lots of room to run, so make sure you have plenty of backing on your reel before booking a trip to this fantastic fishery.[/size][/green][/font]
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[Bass_Ackwards]

Most of the places mentioned are a bit of a drive for me, I'm in the Bay Area. I do go to my wife’s parents in Modoc so I do go by Fall River (if that is the river by Fall River Mills) about every other year and do plan on getting up there this spring.

Thanks for all the spots to think about and the fly selections. After reading your description I may be doing some traveling this year to check out the suggestions.
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[Dryrod]

[cool][font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Something else to consider. Fly Fishing Cluba can be a great resourse for beginnners and seasoned ones as well. They go on outting, provide fly casting and tying instructions to name just a few benefits. I would suggest attending a meeting or two before committing yourself. Here is a list of clubs located in northern Ca. [/size][/green][/font]

Northern California Fly Fishing Clubs [ul] [li]Arcata, NORTH COAST FLYFISHERS [li]Arnold, CALAVERAS FLY FISHERS [li]Arroyo Grande, SANTA LUCIA FLY FISHERS [li]Belmont, [url "http://www.peninsulaflyfishers.org/"]PENINSULA FLY FISHERS[/url] [li]Campbell, [url "http://www.flycasters.org/"]FLYCASTERS INC OF SAN JOSE[/url] [li]Chester, CHESTER AREA FLY FISHERS [li]Chico, [url "http://www.stormnet.com/caf"]CHICO FLY FISHING CLUB[/url] [li]Colusa, [url "mailto:armosdryfly@colusanet.com"]COLUSA FLYCASTERS[/url] [li]Davis, [url "http://www.mother.com/flyfish/"]FLY FISHERS OF DAVIS[/url] [li]El Cerrito, [url "http://www.grizzlypeakflyfishers.org/"]GRIZZLY PEAK FLYFISHERS [/url] [li]Etna, SISKIYOU FLYFISHERS [li]Fall River Mills, [url "http://www.dnai.com/~ccate/FRWTF.html"]FALL RIVER WILD TROUT FOUNDATION[/url] [li]Fairfield, SOLANO FLY FISHERS [li]Fremont, [url "http://www.missionpeakflyanglers.org/"]MISSION PEAK FLY ANGLERS [/url] [li]Fresno, [url "http://www.fresnoflyfishers.org/"]THE FRESNO FLYFISHERS FOR CONSERVATION [/url] [li]Granite Bay, [url "http://www.gbflycasters.org/"]GRANITE BAY FLYCASTERS[/url] [li]Glen Ellen, VALLEY OF THE MOON FLYFISHERS [li]Goleta, PACIFIC COAST FLYRODDERS [li]Grass Valley, GOLD COUNTY FLY FISHERS [li]Livermore, [url "http://www.livermoreflyfishers.org/"]LIVERMORE FLYFISHERS[/url] [li]Lodi, AMADOR FLY FISHERS [li]Los Altos, PALO ALTO FLY FISHERS [li]Merced, [url "http://www.elite.net/~tjohnson/fishing.htm"]MERCED FLYFISHING CLUB[/url] [li]Modesto, STANISLAUS FLY FISHERS [li]Monterey, [url "http://www.montereypeninsulaflycasters.org/"]MONTEREY PENINSULA FLY CASTERS [/url] [li]Napa , [url "http://www.napavalleyflyfishermen.com/"]NAPA VALLEY FLY FISHERMEN[/url] [li]Nevada City, GOLD COUNTRY FLY FISHERS [li]North East Sierra [url "http://flyfish.ableweb.net/"]HIGH SIERRA FLY CASTERS[/url] [li]Oakland, [url "http://www.oaklandcastingclub.org/"]OAKLAND CASTING CLUB[/url] [li]Penn Valley, GOLD COUNTRY FLY FISHERS [li]Pleasanton, [url "http://www.melkrieger.com/GWhome.htm"]GOLDEN WEST WOMEN FLYFISHERS[/url] [li]Red Bluff, TEHAMA FLY FISHERS [li]Redding, SHASTA FLY FISHERS [li]Riverside, [url "http://www.deepcreekflyfishers.org/"]DEEP CREEK FLY FISHERS [/url] [li]San Jose, [url "http://www.flycasters.org/"]FLYCASTERS OF SAN JOSE [/url] [li]Santa Cruz, [url "http://www.santacruzflyfishermen.org/"]SANTA CRUZ FLY FISHERS[/url] [li]San Luis Obispo, SANTA LUCIA FLYFISHING CLUB [li]Santa Rosa, [url "http://www.members.tripod.com/~RRFlyFisher/index.html"]RUSSIAN RIVER FLY FISHERS[/url] [li]Sacramento, [url "http://www.cffu.org/"]CALIFORNIA FLY FISHERS UNLIMITED[/url] [li]Sacramento, [url "http://www.theladybugs.com/"]THE LADY BUGS FLYFISHING CLUB[/url] [li]Salinas, [url "http://www.salinasvalleyflyfishers.com/"]SALINAS VALLEY FLY FISHERS [/url] [li]San Francisco, [url "http://www.ggacc.org/"]GOLDEN GATE ANGLING & CASTING ClUB [/url] [li]S.F. Bay Area, [url "http://www.melkrieger.com/GWhome.htm"]GOLDEN WEST WOMEN FLYFISHERS[/url] [li]San Francisco, GOLDEN WEST WOMEN FLYFISHERS [li]San Luis Obispo, SANTA LUCIA FLYFISHING CLUB [li]San Rafael, [url "http://www.northbay-tu.org/"]NORTH BAY CHAPTER TU CLUB[/url] [li]Sonoma, VALLEY OF THE MOON FLY FISHERS [li]Sonora, Tuolumne County Flycasters [li]Stanford, PALO ALTO FLY FISHERS [li]Stockton, [url "http://deltaflyfishers.com/"]DELTA FLY FISHERS [/url] [li]Sutter Creek, AMADOR FLYFISHERS [li]Tahoe City, [url "http://www.ttff.net/"]TAHOE-TRUCKEE FLYFISHERS [/url] [li]Taylorsville, FEATHER RIVER FLY FISHERS [li]Tracy, [url "http://www.tracyflyfishers.org/"]TRACY FLY FISHERS[/url] [li]Walnut Creek, [url "http://www.diablovalleyflyfish.org/"]DIABLO VALLEY FLY FISHERMEN[/url] [li]Yreka, SISKIYOU FLYFISHERS [li]Yuba City, [url "http://www.bobsflyshack.com/ECPowell.htm"]E C POWELL FLY FISHERS[/url] [/li][/ul]
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[Dryrod]

[center][cool][font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Wow how about this club house belonging to the Golden Gate Fly Casters Club?[/size][/green][/font][/center] [center]
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[Thudpucker]

[cool] Dry Rod, your amazing!

Someday post me a photo of a Black Niergis(SP?). My Uncle uses it for Rainbows (Planted) in his little Gated Community lake.
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[Dryrod]

[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3][pirate]Hey there Thudpucker - is it your intention for me to lose sleep? [] Couldn’t come up with a meaning for the term Niergis. [/size][/green][/font][font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]The closest would be Nigris. Nigris is Latin for the word black making the term redundant to say the least. Any other suggestions as to the spelling of that fly's name? By the way is your uncle the originator of that fly?[/size][/green][/font]
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