Each spring, the lower American River near Sacramento becomes host to one of the most prolific runs of American shad on the West Coast. While these anadromous fish may lack the prestige of fellow ocean-going species such as salmon or steelhead, . . .
Read Morecalifornia fly fishing
Podcast: California Trout Fishing, with Charlie Robinton
This week my guest is Charlie Robinton, one of the experts from the Orvis Outfitter team (the people who answer your technical questions when you call, chat, or e-mail). Charlie is an expert in California fishing, and he gives us a . . .
Read MorePodcast: Great Fly-Fishing in California, with George Revel
This week my guest is George Revel of Lost Coast Outfitters, the only fly shop in downtown San Francisco. George is a lifelong fly fisher (he was a tournament caster when he was a teenager) and has . . .
Read MorePodcast: Expert Tips on Small-Stream Fly Fishing in California and North Carolina
This week, we continue our exploration of small streams with Brown Hobson of Asheville, North Carolina and Brian Slusser of Truckee, California. Both are experienced guides and love small stream fishing. Even if you don’t . . .
Read MoreTrout Bum of the Week: Sara Serrata

Spring fishing on Nevada’s Pyramid Lake produced this big Lahontan cutthroat.
Photos courtesy Sara Serrata
Sara Serrata is a passionate fly fisher, mother, and preschool teacher. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but she now lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Northern California. Sara is an ambassador for Brown Folks . . .
Read MorePhotos and Story: Into the Yosemite High Country
Written by: Matty Wong

Wild brook trout in crystal-clear water made for some exciting fishing in the backcountry lakes of Yosemite National Park.
Photos by Matty Wong
The weekend had finally arrived, and a few of buddies and I had permits to camp at the summit of Twin Lakes in Yosemite National Park. It was a seven-mile hike in with a 50-pound pack, but we were determined. Once we got to the first lake, . . .
Read MoreStory: Struggle, Hope, and a Return to the River
Written by: Pauly Larkin

Pauly Larkin appreciates his time on the water all the more for his struggles.
Photos courtesy Pauly Larkin
Earlier this summer, I stood in the McCloud River, breathing in the fresh air, listening to the fresh snowmelt clashing against the rocks. I had made it home, to a place I feared I would never . . . .
Read MoreClassic Pro Tips: How to Fly Fish California Beaches
Written by: Nathan Cook, Fishing Manager of Orvis San Jose

Barred Surf Perch are the dominant species on the coast.
All photos by Nathan Cook
Living and working in Silicon Valley means two things: enjoying the sun for 300 days per year and longing to get to the mountains on my favorite trout streams, about 3-hours away. While those. . .
Read MoreVideo: Big Sharks on the Fly in “Mako” Trailer

By now, you’ve surely seen the viral video of a mako shark jumping multiple times while on the end of an angler’s line. (See it here, but watch out for salty language.) Angler’s Eye Media returned . . .
Read MorePodcast: Local Guide Secrets for California Steelhead and Trout with John Rickard

John Rickard hoists a North Coast steelhead.
Photo via facebook
This week’s podcast features John Rickard, an Orvis-Endorsed Guide with Wild Waters Fly Fishing in Mt. Shasta, California. Our main topic is winter steelhead in California, but John also gives . . .
Read More