NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STEELHEAD
Anthony Carruesco
Steelhead have rightly earned the nickname “fish of a thousand casts,” and when you pursue them by swinging flies on two-handed Spey rods, even that number can seem conservative. So why do we travel long distances and wade icy rivers for the chance at a single grab—or, on a good day, two—from these anadromous rainbow trout? The answer is simple: the sudden, startling take, followed by the leaps and runs of a wild native steelhead, makes every effort worthwhile. It’s the Dodger Stadium of fly fishing, minus the great weather.
Steelhead are rainbow trout that leave their home rivers to spend a year or more in the nearby ocean, where they grow larger and stronger before returning to their spawning grounds. They inhabit the coastal rivers of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. They can be fished by swinging classic fly patterns or more commonly by two fly nymphing techniques. There are distinct winter and summer runs which are fairly predictable.
Although British Columbia is considered the mecca for trophy steelhead, Northern California’s rivers have recently delivered excellent returns in both numbers and size. Our November presenter, ANTHONY CARRUESCO of AC FLY FISHING with stunning images, will take us on a tour of Trinity, Eel and other NorCal steelhead hot spots.
ANTHONY’S STORY
Anthony found a passion for fly fishing at a young age. Following that passion to the foothills of gold country and beyond to the vast tundras of Alaska and finally back home to Northern California, where he has turned his passion into a career. Growing up in competitive sports and being a former collegiate athlete, his drive to persevere and always find his clients fish is apparent on the water.
A natural leader, Anthony has put together a group of like-minded guides with superior work ethics that want nothing more than to see their clients have a great time and be successful on the water. His confidence and positive demeanor is infectious, and a trip with him is certain to make for some of his clients most memorable vacations. When he is not guiding, you’ll find him chasing the white ball on manicured fairways or chasing anadromous fish on the coastline. Anthony
and his guides are keen to teach – they expect and welcome anglers of all skill levels and can provide all the gear that a newcomer might need. In his words, “The team at AC Fly Fishing has worked extremely hard to build our reputation as the top lower sac fly fishing guides that Northern California has to offer.
We take great pride in creating the gold standard when it comes to guided Fly Fishing here in the North State. With decades of cumulative experience whether it be Trout, Steelhead or Bass, our guides have mastered the best freshwater fisheries that exist in the Northern California. We consider Redding, CA our base of operation where we are ideally situated in the middle of Northern California’s premier freshwater fisheries.
Before booking your next fly fishing trip, please read our reviews below and weigh your options carefully. Come and experience a guided fly fishing adventure a cut above the rest. The AC Flyfishing website (www.acflyfishing.com) is full of testimonials to this amazing and often overlooked fishery along with the latest fishing reports.
