Submitted by Tom & Pam Farrell, Mar. 16-17, 2008
This was our first trip to SCR. I had conversed with Mike Kalpin over the phone a few times before making the trek from Western Washington to Northern California.
Day One: 16 March:
The weather was cool in the morning with mid 30's and no wind. I started to fish the north ponds, predominately in New Pond and Lone Bear. Landed 4 nice fish in the cove in New Pond as well a 2 fish in Lone Bear. I was using a floating line with 2 # 18 Peacock Pupa BH's. I noticed a few fish cruising in the area. These fish were in the 1 1/2 to 2 pound range.
The water quality and clarity was superb! My wife Pam joined me later and we linked up w/Mike Kalpin who was most helpful in guiding us to where the fishing has been favorable recently. We both made a few casts initially in Blackberry and Alder ponds. Landed 2 small fish in Blackberry with my wife also landing 1 fish. Alder showed no signs of fish. We then fished Tule & Cottonwood which was a welcome change. I landed about 8 fish in Tule and my wife Pam landed 3 fish in Cottonwood.
We both used the #18 Peacock Pupa BH fly with a small split shot. These fish were quite strong and came to the fly well. We then ventured to South Pond in the late afternoon. Many fish were noted cruising near shore feeding on midges. I landed 5 fish on the same BH flies with Pam loosing a few fish and landing 1 from the bank. A decent day with several more hook-ups and great weather.
Day 2: 17 March:
I started out in South Pond only hooking 2 fish. Not much activity in the early morning. I proceeded to Lone Bear about 1000 and landed 2 fish by 1130. My wife and I then proceeded to the middle ponds and enjoyed some decent fishing again in Tule and Cottonwood. We again used the #18 Peacock Pupa BH and also a #16 Peacock Pupa BH. We again fish Lone Bear late in the day. There was some sporadic midging and we both hooked a few fish and I landed 3 fish during the period.
I ended up the day with 15 fish and my wife with 1 fish landed. As a highly experienced anger, this Ranch was certainly challenging and the rewards great! Mike was most helpful and cordial and provided some good insights for my next trip. I'll be returning in May to try SCR again. Tight Lines!
Tom and Pam Farrell
Lakewood, WA
Submitted by David Mosher, Jan. 2-3, 2008
Thanks again for the great hospitality and excellent accommodations of Sugar Creek Ranch. Both Phil and I had a great time, what a way to start the New Year. As for the fishing, you could not ask for better fishing any time of year. This was my second consecutive winter trip to SCR and fishing was awesome both times. You can not beat the Winter Special rates.Here is the Report for Jan 2nd and 3rd, 2008The short report - Red Hot action in Twin Deer, Lone Bear and New Pond, for 15 - 25 inch fish. 25+ fish landed each, both days. Black or Green Leach patterns & Crawdad patterns were the preferred flies of choice for us. All kinds of weather, clear, cold, windy, rainy, it did not matter. Like last year, big and ugly worked well. We used 5 wt rods; with 5 wt intermediate sink line, 5x 4lb leaders, with 2.5 lb fluorocarbon tippet.The long report -Day 1We began Wednesday, January 2nd at Twin Deer casting from shore. It was a bit cold at first light, 24 degrees, slight breeze from he North and a little ice forming on the guides each cast. We got a few short strikes, but not much action for the first hour of so. We decided to check out the other ponds, so we went to Tule, which was frozen over about an inch thick so we could not fish there. From there we moved back to Cottonwood, which was about 1/3 frozen over. On the first cast the 3-4 fish attacked the fly and hooked up a nice 15 inch fish. After a couple hook ups it slowed a bit so we moved back to Twin Deer and got out the float tubes for a little 33 degree water tubing. About 11 am the wind clocked around and there was now a light southerly. The action picked up as the morning progressed and the fish seemed to really go on the feed. We landed a few nice, 20+ inch fish over the next hour or so. We then decided to try Lone Bear, this turned out to be the hot lake of the trip. It was pretty much non stop action the rest of the afternoon. From the first strip to the last, I expected and got bit most of the time. If 5 minutes passed with out a hook up, my fly usually had some grass or algae on it. Phil landed the big fish of the trip at about 28 inches on Lone Bear, and I landed the most fish. We moved between Lone Bear and the New Pond just to change it up, but the action was the same. Consistently good.We got back to the Lodge where Mike had the wood stove fired up and the place was toasty warm. We grabbed a bite to eat in Etna and then back to the Lodge for a bit of reading and a good night's sleep.Day TwoJanuary 3rd, we woke up to very different conditions. Wet, windy from the south at about 15-20+ mph and 41 degrees out side. I was very advantageous to have the float tubes this day as it would have been almost impossible to cast from much of the shore line due to the blustery conditions. Not sure what to expect, but eased into the Lone Bear water at about 7:30 am and had the first fish of the day on about 7:32am. As I said to Phil, as long as the fish are biting who cares what the weather is doing. This was classic Steelhead weather. We continued to fish with breaks to warm the hands until about 1:30 at which point we had caught all we needed to make the trip a great success. Also looking at the snow falling on the higher elevations, we knew the drive home would be fun.Thanks again for everything. The winter special is a great deal and the winter time fishing is even better. We look forward to coming back for some spring time fishing later this year.Best Regards,
Dave Mosher, Fairfield, CA
Phil Hein, Hillsborough, CA
Submitted by Leigh Kelly, Aug. 11-12, 2007
I want to thank you again for the amazing experience we both had while staying at your ranch.
On my husband’s third cast Saturday afternoon he caught what he described as, “The fish of a lifetime.” Although he caught several more that evening, none were the size of the first one.
However, what I really want to rave about is the experience I had as a non-fishing spouse. You have created an oasis for wildlife that I enjoyed as much, if not more, than my husband did fishing. Since I wasn’t fishing, I was able to sit in the many benches and tables you have beside the babbling brooks and relax to the sounds, as I observed osprey, herons, ducks and numerous birds. I watched as a beaver family waddled over the hill and slid into the pond right in front of me.
Because of the cool summer evenings we were able to sleep with the French doors open in the lovely master bedroom of the lodge you provided. I was awakened early Sunday morning to the noise of many deer rustling below our window. I got up, made a cup of coffee and sat on the deck watching the does with their spotted fawns walk within feet of me, completely unconcerned with my presence.
When we walked up to the north pond Sunday morning, we stood there watching a bald eagle soar overhead of the deer grazing by the pond. And last, but not least, as my husband attempted to catch fish on one side of the pond, I was on the other taking pictures of twenty inch trout swimming in front of me.
I know Sugar Creek Ranch is all about the fish, but if a bird and wildlife watcher wants the experience of the wilderness with the amenities of a resort, your ranch is the place to go.
Thanks again,
Leigh Kelly,
Lebanon, OR
Submitted by Kim Cowell, July 20 -22, 2007
Fished noon Friday to noon on Sunday with constant action. Mostly fish in the 10 - 14 inch range in the smaller ponds, but hit some big fish on the north ponds, new pond and the south pond.
Landed several fish over 21 inches and broke off a monster. Action was on dries (ants, midges and small mayflies) and wooly bugger type files in various dark colors fished both on floating and sink tip lines. Saw some really big fish bump my fly but not eat it which was hard to take. Changing flies a lot usually did the trick.
Mike had good advice and tips and made the trip more enjoyable for us.
Kim Cowell
Berkeley, CA
(see submitted photo in right-hand column)
Submitted by Harvey Hayashida, July 9-12, 2007
A four-day rod bending experience! My first fly fishing trip of this year.
July 9th. Started fishing around 4:00 pm. Rusty, technique poor, timing off, and tired from a 6 hour drive. First big hit, snapped my 4X tippet tied to a leech pattern. Caught many 8-14 inchers. I met Mike, the owner, and he advised me to believe any hit to be the big one. Not to set the hook so hard to avoid see a flying "dinker" fish. I did not loose any more flies to the fish, shrubs were a different story.
July 10th. Better rhythm and reflexes, lost a nice colored big one, a real jumper, who tossed the leech fly after one of its many jumps. What a thrill! Brought in a 22-23 incher, after a 15 minute fight, with many runs, and almost to my backing, with the help of Frank, from South Carolina, who netted it for me. In appreciation, I gave him the leech fly. Frank proceeded to catch his first big one on the leech fly, just as Mike, the owner, dropped by to see: "How we were doing?" Smiles all around, with a new friendship from an out of state-er.
July 11th. Caught many dinkers, 12, 14 inchers the biggest. Black leech pattern, was successful. Bead head with a dropper midge was also productive on a very windy day.
July 12th. Best big fishing day. Foam Ant Pattern in the evening. Nice big jumper, with vivid color, tossed the hook after one of its many jumps. Caught around 5 fish in the 22-23 inch size.
I was tired, content, and had the best fly fishing vacation in my life.
Harvey Hayashida
El Cerrito, CA
note: Harvey made a trip with friends to a private fishing ranch in the upper Owens River valley in CA. After the trip, which he did enjoy, he wrote back:
"Sugar Creek Ranch fish give better runs, longer battles, and beautiful jumps. I got my fishing partner to look onto Sugar Creek Ranch web site."
Submitted by Larry Garrison, June 4-5, 2007
We had the opportunity to spend two days at Sugar Creek. While I had fished here for many years, they were always one day trips. As always I was not disappointed with the size and quality of the fish my partner and I caught.
We used mostly all terrestrials which was a blast. The water was clear so we had to use light tippet resulting in a few break offs.
I had one fish in the Tule Pond take me clear across the pond, well into my backing, before breaking me off in the tules. My reel was almost smoking. We landed many fish over 25 inches in the North and South ponds. It does take patience to catch these big boys, but is it worth it.
Late in the second day I was down to my last fly. Remarkably the next fish I caught still had my fly in its mouth from in the morning. It was one of the bigger ones that broke me off. I at least was able to come home with two of the terretrial flies that worked.
While the middle ponds do not have as many big fish at this time it is the perfect opportunity for an inexperienced fly fisherman to learn the ropes.
As always we had a great time at Sugar Creek. We are already planning our two day trip for next year. Thanks again Mike for being a great host. I will send some pictures once I get the film developed.
Larry Garrison
Medford, OR
Submitted by George Shave, Mar. 13-14, 2007
Got to Sugar Creek at about 11:00 am. Conditions were clear and warm. Proceeded to the North Ponds to find several fish working the subsurface. Fished a size 20 black, sparse midge 12 inches under an a small indicator and had great success with that. Fish were ROCKETS...can't get over how thick these fish are. Also had lots of fun fishing a large olive Bunny Leach. Seems like they like it on the drop.
Next day headed over to the South Pond. In this pond there is more visible vegetation and a stealthy approach is even more important. At about 1:00 p.m. fish were working midges again. This time, I fished a dry midge very, very sparse and had takes on the midge. Landed several awesome fish and a few more on olive leach patterns.
I fish lots of places and don't typically pay to access property. BUT, I will say this place is worth the visit. The fish are healthy, strong, and smart. We will be back for sure.
George Shave
Sonoma, CA
Submitted by Galen Pettey, Feb. 23-24, 2007
Like every other trip to Sugar Creek Ranch, this one was quite memorable. Only this was the first time we have fished the ranch with over a foot of snow on the ground. Fortunately, the fish didn't seem to know the difference.
Standing in the snow at the South Pond (with large flakes steadily falling throughout the day) five weights in hand; we caught numerous four to eight pound fish on blue winged olives and size twenty and twenty-two black midge patterns. Many more fish were missed (it was hard to see those small flies in all that falling snow) and several were broken off. I guess 6x tippet and cold hands don't make for a high percentage of fish landed.
The only ponds that produced for us were the south pond and the three north ponds. Two of the guys that went caught the biggest trout of their lives at about six and eight pounds respectively. They both had opportunities to land even bigger fish, but they will have to return to Sugar Creek Ranch to achieve that goal.
Those of us who had fished there before (two of us have been there more times than we can remember) thoroughly enjoyed seeing Sugar Creek Ranch attired in true winter dress. The only thing more impressive than the beauty of our surroundings was any one of a number of photographs; with one of the guys standing in a pond in the midst of all that beauty holding a fish so big that it dwarfed even the largest of grins.
We all truly had a great time and I look forward to seeing you again this summer. I am already working on the crickets, hoppers and mouse patterns we intend to present as sacrifices to the monsters that inhabit your ponds. Until then - take care.
Galen Pettey
Eureka, CA
Submitted by Rick Hansen, Jan. 3-4, 2007
When asked what she wanted for Christmas, my eight year old daughter Danielle said "to go fishing with Dad." So, Christmas Eve, we called Mike and booked the Guide's House for the 3rd and 4th of January.
We started first thing in the morning fishing the South Pond - a front had moved in and was raining pretty hard. By noon, we had three nice fish (4-6 pounds) to the net, the first on a Rickard's Polar Minnow and the others on a #10 black marabou leach.
We were greeted with driving rain and wind that afternoon, but made the short walk to the North Ponds to end the first day. Dani nailed a beautiful chrome female that went 6 pounds on an olive leech.
Day two, the temperature dropped - 28 degrees and it was snowing hard. I had no clue what to expect, but when we arrived at the South Pool, there were feeding fish everywhere. Again, a black or olive leach on an intermediate line seemed to be the ticket for enticing a dozen rainbows, the largest a big hook jawed male that exceeded 8 lbs.
Overall, we caught and released 26 fish during our two day stay. As usual, the fishing was outstanding even though Mother Nature made every attempt to keep us off the water!
Don't be fooled by the reduced rates during the winter time - the fishing is great, and you just might have the place to yourself!
Rick and Danielle Hansen
Bend, OR
Submitted by Dave Mosher, Dec. 28, 2006
I fished the North Pond and got quite a few takes, with 5 fish landed by about 10:30. I fished the middle ponds mid morning for 3-4 takes and 2 landed. Then back to the North Pond for early afternoon, finally the line stopped freezing in the guides about then. 4-5 more takes with 2 landed.
Then finished at middle ponds from 3-4PM with 3 takes and 2 landed. All quality fish, biggest about 4.5 - 5 lbs. Great day but Cold on the hands all day.
Changed patterns all day, most productive was #8 olive bugger, white crystal bugger, 2 inch black leach with red egg head, and brown bugger. It seemed once I got 1 or 2 on a fly, they stopped taking that pattern. Also almost all the fish were taken on a VERY fast strip right near the shore.
Was a nice day, with very little wind.
Dave Mosher
Fairfield, CA
Submitted by Dave and Mary Ann Dozer, Oct. 20-23, 2006
We had some great fall fishing at Sugar Creek Ranch. The water had cooled down and fish were quite active. Black Beetles and Crickets on the surface, red blood worms under an indicator, or Sculpin patterns fished deep gave up the most fish.
Over the weekend, we were successful at landing many fish up to about 25". We were lucky to witness many of the largest fish (>30") in the north ponds that seemed to be schooling together, possibly getting ready for spawning. These trophy fish were extremely selective, and when hooked, easily broke our 5X tippets with a single head shake. Just seeing this gathering was a real treat.
With tremendous fishing opportunities for huge fish, great accommodations, and wonderful hospitality, Sugar Creek Ranch is certainly a fly fishing experience that can't be equaled.
Dave and Mary Ann Dozer
Corvallis, OR
Submitted by Thomas Fahey, Aug. 14, 2006
My son and I are novice fly fishermen. I caught a 28 inch monster trout. These are very smart fish, particularly in the still, clear water of August. The ponds are well maintained. Each pond is surrounded by mowed lawn.
Mike was extremely gracious. He gave my son and I a fly fishing lesson and bent over backwards to make our stay at the lodge enjoyable.
The lodge is wonderful. The rooms are large and the kitchen is fully equipped. Etna is a short drive if you want to dine at a restaurant. I recommend the Sugar Creek Lodge and hope to return again soon.
Thomas Fahey
Chico, CA
Submitted by Zack Thurman, June 7, 2006
The fishing was pretty good on the ranch today for me and my dad. We fished all of the ponds and caught fish in them all but had our best success in the South and Middle Ponds. The best flies for the day were Stillwater Nymphs in sizes #10 and #12 Chub Minnow in # 8 and Callibaetis Nymphs in #10 and #12.
We landed about 50 rainbows on the day and caught fish all day. With the water a little clearer and the fish were a little more picky and had to go to 5x with the Stillwater and Callibaetis Nymphs which did cost us a couple of bigger fish and used 3x to the Minnow Patterns which we got away with because we were retrieving the flies much faster.
Did a lot of sight fishing today which was fun and had a pretty decent damsel hatch came off as well. In the late evening there was a pod of bigger rainbows feeding on minnows in the North Pond which was exciting to see and we did get some of those fish. Thanks Mike for another fun day on the ranch.
Zack Thurman
Chico, CA
Submitted by John Weber, May 29, 2006
Talked with your brother (Dan) while Dena and I were at our favorite spot at the middle ponds. He helped me land a big fish on his rounds. I hooked 15 fish in the middle ponds and long distance released 5 but netted 10. They were going for 16-18 black Griffith's gnats or black ants.
Noticed all of the good work around the ponds and was told that it was your girlfriend who can handle a chainsaw. My hat is off to her.
All of the fish I netted barely fit into the net. Dena loves your place and slept better there than at home.
I fished the Yakama River in the rain with my son up in Washington. The trip was worthwhile just to see him but the weather did not cooperate. I caught more fish in one day at Sugar Creek than I did in two from a drift boat up there.
Tight lines,
John and Dena Weber
Pacific Grove, CA
Submitted by Larry Garrison, June 6, 2006
I have had the opportunity to fish Sugar Creek Ranch several times over the last few years. Each time I leave I wonder how the next trip could be any better and I am never disappointed.
My long time fishing buddy and I started early in the day with a few different flies both surface and subsurface. Both of us started catching fish right away. As we moved from pond to pond and the two flies that has the best results were ants and beetles. Underneath the seal bugger was the ticket.
All the fish we caught were over twenty inches with some as big as 28 inches. All the fish made spectacular runs and jumps. Some of the battles lasted as long as fifteen minutes. Needless to say our trip was a huge success.
My fishing buddy always loves the ranch and says he has never caught such strong, acrobatic fish any where else. We caught fish in all the ponds with the biggest coming from the north and south ponds.
While I have fished Sugar Creek at least once a year for the last few years I always look forward to returning. The fish seem to get bigger and stronger every year.
Mike has done a great job creating a marvelous fishery and he is a very dedicated host. If you are looking for an awesome still water fly fishing destination do not look any farther. You will not be disappointed. I never am.
Larry Garrison
Medford, Oregon
Submitted by Zach Soinila, Apr. 21, 2006
I fished the ranch for the first time on an overcast, but warm day Friday and things started off slowly for me at the first pond. Many fish were midging and I had several grabs, but no hook-ups. After a long winter it was awesome to see all that crystal clear water and cruising trout.
After I moved on to explore another smaller lake, I started to catch lots of trout on a copper john under an indicator. The takes were slight most of the time, but sometimes very aggressive.
Determined to catch some fish on dries, the 3rd lake proved to do the trick as they repeated drilled a griffith's gnat (size 14) and then a big ant pattern. The takes were explosive at times, and I truly enjoyed the experience of casting from shore into these smaller ponds. I also used a crawdad pattern to bring up a few fish, but I was spoiled from the dry fly action.
In all, I fished every lake but one and caught fish in every one. They were all big (18"-24"), strong fighters and beautiful rainbows.
I would also like to add that I brought my 3-year-old daughter with me and I cannot say enough about the grounds and the stuff for a young, inquisitive girl (or boy) to see and do there. It was extremely safe along the water and the grassy areas, bridges, and small streams made for good exploring.
We drove all around the ranch and saw deer, ducks, bald eagles, ospreys, and jumping trout. You could drive up to almost every lake, and she thoroughly enjoyed her long day (8:30-7:30) with dad. I only wish she could have taken some pictures. Oh well, I'll be back again soon!
Zach Soinila
Chico, CA
Submitted by John Imsdahl & Bob Beverlin, Apr. 8-10, 2006
Like clockwork, Bobber and Donn Erickson drove in separate cars up my driveway at 5:30 AM, Saturday, April 8th. We were headed for the Sugar Creek Ranch "Seven Sacred Pools" for two nights of fishing with Bill & Diane Moy, Greg Bonovich, and his son Nicholas, and a guy named Phil from Redding. Our mission was to meet everyone at 8AM at the Black Bear Restaurant in Redding.
At the Redding Fly Shop, John and Bobber got some excellent advice from Cary Boyden and John Daniels about what to use. Essentially, the advice was to use little Red Midges, Black and Gold and Black Midges in sizes 16-22, and an assortment of Wooley Buggers. All of these turned out at various times to be just the ticket.
In my "minds eye" I had imagined SCR to be some kind of "resort", obvious from the road and certainly containing some kind of "decorated" entrance. What we found was an ordinary gravel and dirt driveway entrance, with an ordinary green metal gate, and a small old wooden sign on a 4x4 that read "Lodge ->". From the road there are piles of river rock "tailings" from an old gold mine, but you cannot see any real body of water or ponds, and certainly there is nothing that screams "resort". The driveway entrance lead to a 2 story, "tri-level" because of the sunken living room, with an underneath built in two car garage and laundry. Strangely, you entered into the breakfast nook and kitchen as the "foyer", with a sunken living room to the right, a dining area to the left, a family room to the rear, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths upstairs and a half bath downstairs. Nevertheless, there was plenty of room for eight and the fully equipped kitchen only required that you bring food and beverage.
The fishing was superb, hot, terrific, and the fish were large, "monster", fat, heavy bows and browns. There is a "Norman" in one of the ponds that can snap, and did mine twice, any 5x leader away from the knots. There are plenty of pictures of "Norman" and he looks to be about three (3) feet long. Since we all had different experiences at different times, I had landed 7 large trout on Blood Midges Saturday night. Sunday, Midges of black, black and gold, red, size 16 to 22 could not even stir a fish. Donn had good luck on Saturday and Sunday catching nine in just a short span of time on Sunday. Bob Beverlin, the Bobber, caught plenty of fish throughout and was probably the best caster in our Club group.
The ponds are crystal clear, fed by springs and water that has been filtered through gravel and sand, and you can watch disinterested large trout circle any Midge offering you provided. But, put on an Olive Green Wooley Bugger, with a colorful blue tassel tail, strip it slow enough, and well, we have pictures. Bobber had gotten up with the Sun and Redding Phil on Sunday and had pounded some of the larger lakes, but I believe he was skunked for the morning. Nevertheless, we must have landed 20 large trout each (of the Club members) in a one full day and two half days and had at least half as many hookups.
Finally, Monday came too soon and was one of my finest days. With all of the lousy weather, cancelled trips, rushing rivers, this was the first time I had wet a fly in 2006. Despite a private "lesson" (i.e. 10 minutes) with Lefty Kreh, sessions with Mel Kreiger, lessons from Jeff Putnam, and countless winter readings, I casted like crap. Up to Monday, I managed to find every bush, tree, reed, I could not "load the rod", had casts that only went fifteen feet into the wind, and I cut up two brand new leaders after trying to unscramble them following feeble attempts at the Single and Double Hauls. Both Donn and Bobber reported their casting challenges with elevated lawns or those nasty thorny bushes. Somehow, like a golf swing, my casts finally came together on Monday, and after taking off the indicators and Midges, the Wooley Buggers were being eaten by really big trout.
SCR is not cheap, but if you want grassy lawn free cast zones, your own private pond or 2-5 acre lake, plenty of active large trout on the seven ponds, a comfortable "lodge" where all you have to bring is the wine, beer and food, then log into www.sugarcreekranch.com and check out some of the "monster fish" others have caught.
I would say that the three members had an excellent, and memorable, time and that Sugar Creek Ranch is one of the only places you can find large active trout in clear pools in this rainy spring 2006. I already want to go back with my fellow Fly Fishers of Davis brothers and to paraphrase Paladin: Have rod, beer, wine and food, will travel.
John Imsdahl & Bob Beverlin
Flyfishers of Davis (CA)
Submitted by Todd Ellingwood, Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 2006
My oldest son Randy & I started our morning fishing the North Ponds under very inclement weather conditions: snow, rain and wind that at times made it quite challenging to cast and catch fish. We hammered the trout using the 'Randy Special' orange, conehead, size 4 bunny leaches. The trick was to let the flies sink to the bottom of the pond, usually taking 3-4 minutes, using a sink tip line and 9 1/2 ft. 4x leaders. We had many takes on the drop. An eratic retreve really made the trout aggressive!
Mid-day we fished Tule, Cottonwood, Blackberry & Alder with remarkable success using a size 10, un-weighted chartreuse and black bunny leach that Mike can supply you with. Also, size 16 & 18 chartreuse GBH Copper Johns' under a size 16 Elk Hair Caddis indicator worked very well. By evening, many weather fronts had moved through the area making the fishing challenging but still lots of fun.
Saturday morning when we woke up, we were treated to a spectacular display of Nature's artistry, as the whole valley was lightly dusted in snow. A real Kodak moment! We pretty much followed Fridays' regimen by fishing the north ponds until about 12:30, breaking for a quick lunch back at The Lodge and then fishing the middle ponds.
Each of the ponds produced an abundance of very strong and colorful trout 18" - 28". A few of these trout took us into our backing, several simply inhaled our flies and bit through our leaders. What a blast!
The accomodations at the Lodge are AAA and Mike's hospitality is terrific.
Great time spent flyfishing with Randy, priceless!
Todd Ellinwood
San Rafael, Ca.
Submitted by Dan Hawkey, Mar. 26-28, 2006
Great Outing. We were new to the area and to stillwater fishing but really did well. Mike was a great help in giving us some pointers and with his advice we got into some great fish. Both of us caught at least 30 fish each day and all were from 18-23 inches with girth and power. Leeches and eels worked the best. Considering the wild weather (wind, rain, cold ) we were in fish most of every day.
Can't wait to come back!!
Dan Hawkey
Tualatin, OR
Submitted by Bill Tamaras, Oct. 22, 2005
Thanks for another GREAT day at your "PONDS". Needless to say I had another fantastic outing and your fish were VERY willing to take my "offerings".
I love the small middle ponds and they did not disappoint! The fish took everything starting with small midges at first light. In fact there was so much surface action on Tule Pond it looked like it was raining. There were so many trout sipping off the surface!
Then the big stuff really started working and the trout were very hungry. As the day got warmer they started keying on the beetles, ants and hoppers (in the big north ponds), and it was almost too busy.
Once again thanks for a wonderful fishing experience.
Looking forward to fishing the ponds next time we are up in the Fort Jones area.
Best Regards to your family,
Bill Tamaras
Redwood City, CA
Submitted by Greg Jones, Sept 14-16, 2005
Just a note to let you know we made it back home with big smiles on our faces. Really enjoyed our trip to Sugar Creek catching large rainbows.
I especially enjoyed fishing on Wed the 14th as it started out a typical fishing day with the three of us catching fish on the North ponds early. As I upped my fish count around noon we took a break and moved to the middle ponds. I was having a stellar day catching one after another until my two buddies couldn't take it anymore and left me alone at Cottonwood pond while they went in search for more big ones at Tule pond.
Well, I sat down on a log and tied on a small hopper about the same time a large cruiser swam by. I presented the fly and off he went. The fish was taking out line a high rate until he hit my backing, when suddenly everything separated and I could only watch dazed, as my 80 feet of fly line and fish swam off to the other shore. In my quick thinking I ran and climbed to the other side in hopes of retrieving the line and fish, only to get completely hung up and skewered to the blackberry bushes protecting the shore.
My next predicament was to extricate myself from the bushes as the fish I could see was turning and heading back where it all started. After ripping a little skin and marking up my feet and shredding my net , I was able to make it back to the safer grassy beach where I could contemplate my next move. Seeing the fly line about 30 yards off shore with fish attached I thought if I could swim fast enough without scaring him in another direction I might have a chance.
So, off came everything except my underwear and I dove in . I quickly swam to the line made a last ditch grab and snagged my line with fish on it . Then I quickly swam back to the shore where all this started and hand retrieved flyline fish and all. After a safe release of a beautiful 23 inch rainbow, I ran in my underwear to Tule pond to share my story with my buds who could only stare at me puzzled and bug- eyed. You had to be there.
Well I dried off took a break and we all had a good laugh before heading to the South ponds for the evening fish. For me this was the capper of a memorable day as the last of about thirty fish I hooked that day turned out to be the big one.
A 27 inch hot fish caught on a size 22 midge pupa.
Sheldon kindly ran the entire length of the pond to snap a photo (now in the gallery) before I released the fish to fight another day. I was beat on Thursday as were the rest of us, our final day but still managed to catch 10 large fish before having to hit the road. Again ,we really enjoyed out short time and will never forget the swim.
Best Regards,
Greg "Jonesy" Jones
Submitted by Robert S. Hodge, July 12, 2005
Monday July 11th (evening) and Tuesday July 12th -- I arrived at the North ponds around 5:00 p.m., my meeting point with Jeremy Weston (San Jose) who was meeting/treating me to a day at SCR. It was in the low to mid 90's so not much happening on the surface...my favorite method to fish SCR in on the dry, you can fish wet most anywhere, but it is a rare location that you'll have a size 22 Adams slurped by a 30" trout!
So, off to the South pond where we met Mike. Did the usual greeting, followed by Mike's latest report..."Chernobyl Ant from 7:00pm till dark", of course the only fly I didn't have! No ants, back to the old faithful Adams. It was still hot out but some fish were slurping emergers in the surface film. There were a lot of fish in the narrows just in front of the parking area so I decided to see if I could find a "Dummy". As I was casting I heard some splashing behind me in the middle of the narrows, sounded like a baby in the bath. As I turned to see what the commotion was, I could see a SCR trout (about 30") eating an 18" water snake! This was the second time I have seen this feeding activity at SCR, and next trip I'll bring bigger flies!
Tuesday morning started around 6:00 a.m. with the Adams and 6 fish landed by 9:00 a.m., and one over 30" that made quick work of my 5X tippet. The rest of the day we moved around to all the ponds and ended up at the North ponds till about 4:30. All in all it was another great trip to SCR, 20-30 nice trout landed on dry flies. With 6 spectacular grabs from trout that were laying in 10" of water just off the bank...where they were surprised to find a hook in that little fly lying just off the brush!
Hope to see you soon,
Robert S. Hodge
Grants Pass, Or
Submitted by Steve Broadley, May 25, 2005
Challenging fishing at its best! It took a while to find a couple of patterns that would produce consistently. My best producing dry was a size 16 ant on 6X tippet. Sculpins stripped slowly along the bottom also produced well. The two day tally was approximately 30 fish with several 20" - 24" fish.
Steve Broadley
Submitted by Bill Vance, Apr. 22, 2005
Well, what can I say? I not only caught the largest trout of my life, but the next dozen or so were also larger than any trout previously landed. Sugar Creek is a phenomenal fishery, huge rainbows in some of the clearest water you will ever see. The fact that these are naturally reproducing fish makes the experience even sweeter.
Don't get the idea that these fish are easy. Not so! My wife and I worked hard for the 29 fish we netted in two days, however the rewards were heart pounding runs, spectacular jumps and frequent glimpses of our backing. Our best results came on some of Denny Rickards patterns, AP emergers, Peacock Callibaetis nymphs, stillwater nymphs and shiner patterns.
We will be back! Thanks Mike and Kal.
Bill Vance
Submitted by John Nesheim, Apr. 15-17, 2005
Wow, what a great time we had at Sugar Creek Ranch! My fishing buddy Charles and I pulled in late Friday night and immediately got hungry as we walked in the Lodge, smelling the great food Mike was cooking.
After stashing our gear in our room, we introduced ourselves to the other guests and Denny Rickards, who was doing his famous stillwater clinic the next day. "How was the fishing, guys?" was my first question. With a small grin, Denny and the other Thursday fishers said "OK." Silence. So of course I had to ask, "OK, how many fish did you catch?" The answer from the first guest was "I had a good day, caught 25. But Denny did a bit better. He caught 44."
The fish are huge and abundant, getting fat (we caught 16 - 20 inch girths on 22 - 28 inch rainbows and steelhead) on abundant bugs and minnows.
Catching them requires some skill, and we came to learn. After three days of working at it, using Denny Rickards' system and Mike's tips, we had hooked a lot and landed a bunch each day. We left very satisfied and highly recommend Sugar Creek Lodge to ambitious fishers.
Beginners, please note: there were four beginners that did Denny Rickards' clinic. They had never fly fished before. They had rods and reels and not much else. They all caught large torpedoes! Mike says that is not unusual.
The return drive was beautiful, through gentle canyons on a very good road. We rode in silence, absorbing God's amazing creation. And will remember the trip as one of our most enjoyable.
John Nesheim
Submitted by Galen Petty, Feb. 4-6, 2005
Once again the trip over to Sugar Creek Ranch was well worth the drive. What an awsome place to escape to when winter weather has all of the coastal streams high and muddy. The fish were strong and absolutely beautiful; a lot like the anadramous fish I pursue on a regular basis in Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte counties.
The lodge was enjoyed more than ever with the winter chill in the air, and the new deck and stairs into the lodge were a nice improvement. A hot cup of coffee with a spectacular sunrise makes even those moments spent not fishing well worth the trip.
The fish were as unpredictable as usual, but with a little effort it was not too difficult to figure out how to bend a rod -something that was done far too many times to keep track of. Sure there were some long distance releases, some short distance releases, some break-offs and not just a few hook sets that were too early or too late. I guess that is to be expected when you see an 11-pound rainbow sipping your midge off of the surface.
Fish were landed on crawfish patterns, black leeches, chartreuse leeches, various baitfish imitations, chironomids and adult midge imitations. The flies we fished ranged in size from #26 to #2. Talk about needing more than one rod rigged. I have yet to figure out how to throw (and I mean throw) a #2 crawdad imitation on a 6x leader.
Thanks again for the opportunity to fish your ponds. I will spend the next few days nursing my sore shoulder and elbow. Ah the price we pay for catching so many big, strong, fiesty and beautiful trout.
Galen Petty
Submitted by Steve Metaxas, Feb. 4-6, 2005
Yes. I went back. The weather was clear, colder then your last date, w/ sunrises and sunsets that would make a English school teacher speechless. And yes - Mike takes it for granted :)
The fishing started out w/a bang w/fat hogs in spawning colors. I went down deep w/ leeches and minnow patterns but had to switch to fish the hatches. The midges were out in force in sizes too small for me to tie on, tiny sizes that made you need younger eyes and smaller fingers to tie. If you could tie them it was a good day to be there.
The 4 - 6 lb trout were breaching in the ponds like whales. It made you think you were watching one of those expensive flyfishing movies- he one's you could only watch and NEVER do. WRONG, this time YOU are there! The whole four days of flyfishing was worth it , just for the magical fish that were breaching in front of me. It was like your first date and luv. You can"t put it into words.
Let us say I'm booking my next trip. You want Rainbows (on dries, midges, and leeches) that make you wimper in the nite so your wife thinks you're having bad dreams? Just be where I am/was. Your words and vocabulary will increase to levels you never thought they could reach. yesyesyes. Trust me. In this high-tech, cell-phone, faxing society, sometimes one must just sit back and watch the simple things in life that make you grin like you did in high school - watching these massive trout taking midges on the waters for 10 minutes...
It made my work much easier to take.. enjoy and smile.. Life's too short to miss this.
Steve Metaxas
Submitted by Larry Garrison, Nov. 12, 2004
We started fishing at the north pond on a frosty November morning. The fish were already actively feeding on emergers. My first few casts with subsurface flys and an egg pattern with a strike indicator proved ineffective. After about a half an hour I switched to a #20 emerger pattern. The first fish I had on was over 24" and in no time, after a strong run, spit the hook. I was much warmer all of a sudden. I caught several nice fish in both north ponds with that fly. My fishing partner was having success using ants, beetles and a size 14 parachute adams he tied himself.
At noon we decided to go to the south pond, per Mike's recommendation. He said there had been a Mayfly hatch midday on Thursday. Upon reaching the pond I put on a crippled Mayfly emerger pattern in a rust color. We fished there for about an hour and I caught three beautiful trout. One was an acrobat, jumping several times and the other two made multiple runs across the pond. These fish are really strong!
We then ventured to the middle ponds. My friend was still catching fish on his parachute adams, but I didn't have much luck on the three middle ponds.
The Tule pond was next. When we arrived the fish were actively feeding on emergers of some sort. Again my partner caught fish on his parachute pattern. I did not have much luck with my selections until I chose a brown and black bunny leach. Why I picked that fly-who knows! It was a weighted fly which was very hard to cast. The first cast hit the water with a splash and I saw a "V" coming towards the fly at a high rate of speed. After one strip I had a violent strike and the fight was on. What a beautiful fish-easily over 25" with a thick body and brillant colors. Over the next 30 minutes that big ugly fly produced eight fish with none being under 20". WOW!!
We finished the last hour of the day at the north ponds. My partner and I went home with sore forearms and smiles on our faces. We easily caught over 30 fish. These are the kind of fishing days a guy dreams about. Fortunately, I have had this experience several times at Sugar Creek Ranch. I recommend this place to anyone. You have to work for the fish, but once you figure out what they are taking-HANG ON! Thanks, Mike, for being a great host once again.
Larry Garrison
Submitted by Britt Phillips, Dec. 15, 2004
Excerpt from a journal about a four-day fishing trip: Then day two, up to Sugar Creek Ranch and the high quality fish Mike has developed there, west of Weed. My rod of choice was my Scott S3 9' 6wt sweetheart rod and began the day with my Cutt-Nip scud on a long, 14' leader. It was cold when I started fishing and the first two fish were sluggish coming in. When the sun came up a bit and warmed up the air and water, the fish really lit-up!
The larger ones took several runs and did not come in easily! Mike, the owner, said some of his fish came from Eagle Lake!! Some from Oregon, ala steelhead strains and some steelhead through the gravels from the Scott River. After the sixth fish, I tried different combos of flies. Crane, midge, brassie, Griffiths Gnat.........Nada! Groan! Back to the scud, a couple of LDR's.. Then, as quickly as the day started, it shut off like a light switch at about 2:30 PM. Got cold quickly.
I would recommend Sugar Creek Ranch anytime. The lodge is modern, clean and efficient. There is space for RVs and the such and the ponds...but more, the fish. Go there, it is well worth it, and if you do, mention my name to Mike. I would appreciate it a lot.
Britt
Hole in the Wall Fly Shop
Submitted by Dan Dozer, Sept. 27-30, 2004
We had a wonderful time on our first visit to Sugar Creek Ranch. We landed nearly 50 fish in the 18" to 26" range, and lost several that were much larger. Deer hair mice in the early morning, black ants and midges during the day, and black crickets and small serendipity patterns in the evenings worked well for us. But, it was green and orange crayfish or olive sculpin patterns fished deep that seemed to be irresistible to the largest rainbows.
The hospitality that Mike, Cal, and Bob offered was great, and the accommodations in the lodge were very comfortable. We're definitely looking forward to a return visit for more great fishing.
Dan and Mary Ann Dozer
Submitted by Rich Lewis, August 20, 2004
Those fish are the strongest fishes I have fought in fresh water. They even rank with some saltwater fishes pound for pound. The individual trout that impressed me so much nearly kicked my butt.
I used hoppers & crickets almost exclusively-even in the morning. I did catch a few on a mini-baitfish pattern, a buffalo head nymph--but the game seemed to be on top with the terrestrials. I had tied big #6 hoppers and crickets and those drew vicious strikes.
My biggest fish on a hopper was a 9 pounder in the lower North Pond. I could pretty much single out individual fish in the pods and cast to them. That was great fun. I cast the flies between the fish and shore, and the lunkers pounced! Heart stopping really.
If I counted grabs and locking horns-I'd say I tangled with 60 plus fish. I actually landed a few more than 40. The smallest was 16" and I know a few went 5#, 6# and one was 7# for sure. The 7#er was in the South pond.
I had a 6#er on at Tule Pond that thought it was a Marlin. That fish was hell bent.. He finally threw the hook after 5 jumps arcing across the whole pond. Another monster at Tule sucked in the Hopper from the surface. I never saw it. It immediately ran line out at a steady clip with head shakes and promptly imbedded itself in the weeds and would not budge. It simply would not come up, or out. I finally broke the 3X fluro trying to ease it out. I can only imagine how big it was.
On my last morning, after talking to Kal the eve prior, I re-rigged with a fresh leader and 3X tippet and tied-on a big Mouse. I slipped down to South pond at 5:15 a.m. in the dark. I made a perfect 45-foot cast off the point toward the East.
When the mouse plopped on the water, there was an explosion that nearly stopped my heart. A big trout engulfed that mouse and it was off to the races. I saw a net there on the ground and used it to scoop up a 25-28 inch Bow. That was quite an experience in itself.
Our stay at the Ranch was tremendous! We literally had the lodge to ourselves for three days, and there were only a few other anglers on the property.
Rich Lewis and Family
El Segundo, CA
Submitted by Mark Livingston, July 11-14
Our group of about 8 close friends and family members go on an annual "guys" fishing trip. For the past 8 years we have been going to various "private" waters throughout Northern California, and while we always have a great time and experience some wonderful fishing, nothing comes close to Sugar Creek Ranch.
I had fished the ranch in 1997 on the recommendation of Ray Beadle, and although I only had a day the size and power of the fish have always been in the back of my mind.
On this year's trip everyone caught lots of fish. We had fish in the teens and too many in the 5 to 8 lb class to count.
Some of the highlights were...
• Harry catching fish after fish on a 6 inch bunny fly that was probably best suited for sailfish!
• Duwayne had every fish in one of the middle ponds fighting over a white bugger...until he finally lost it and didn't have another to tie on
• Tim was consistant fishing with a #22 griffiths gnat on 6x...a fish every 30 minutes or so the entire trip
• Nino, who hasn't flyfished in years caught his largest trout ever, and proved to everyone, that a "good" fisherman will always catch.
• Mike landed a legitimate 10# plus bow that made his trip!
• Chris, who gave up time surfing in Indo had as much fun as anyone, and fished harder and longer that any of us
• Jim with his new XP and smooth style was always into a fish, when he wasn't video taping everyone else!
• Papa, at 89 years young, had a great time and landed some nice ones!
Mike, Cal and Bob were the best hosts anyone could ask for! We were warmly welcomed and had a wonderful time with these guys. I can't say enough good things about them.
If you are looking for great fishing...look no further. Sugar Creek is the place by which all other private waters should be judged.
The new house is great with everything you could possibly need including a fly tying bench!
I will also add that the Etna Brewery delivered on its promise of awesome beer! The summer ale was just about the best brew I have ever had.
Mike, Cal and Bob we look forward to our 2005 trip. Thank you so much.
Submitted by John O'Donoghue, June 5, 2004
Mike,
I wanted a moment to thank you for the great time I had at your ponds on June 3rd, 4th & 5th with my fishing partner Paul Fox. I have had the opportunity to fish half a dozen different private lakes and ponds. Sugar Creek Ranch has them all beat with fish that are large, selective, and in perfect condition.
The highlight of the trip was our last morning sight fishing with adult damsel patterns in the south pool. We had 30"+ long fish swim up to within inches of our flies, most would take a good look & say "No Thank You". These fish can really be picky! It took a near perfect presentation to fool them in the shallow gin clear water. Once we did get them to eat, some of the big boys ended up taking us deep into the backing and left us with a broken tippet and an ear to ear grin.
A guy could get spoiled fishing here, it’s a very special place. You get so many opportunities at large fish it's a great place to hone your skills. I consider myself a competent stillwater fisherman. My three days on Sugar Creek Ranch advanced the learning curve a bunch! I hope to make my visits a yearly event.
John O’Donoghue
Bend, Oregon
Submitted by Allan Slattery, Apr. 30, 2004
Dear Mike,
Wanted to let you know about our visit to Sugar Creek Ranch on April 30.
My results were:
Chartreuse Bunny Leech – 4 hookups, one landed 23"
Callibaetis Cripple Size 14 – 8 hookups, 6 landed sizes ranged from 6" to 18"
Griffith’s Gnat Size 20 – 4 hookups, 2 landed, largest 16 _" One monster broke off the 5X tippet and has a Gnat in his lip.
These are the strongest, best conditioned trout I have ever landed. Every hookup resulted in several sizzling runs. These fish used every trick in the book: leaps at the end of their run, head shaking, rolling, and my fishing partner had one swim upside down and turn a sommersault. He caught a 21" fish on a size 22 midge. What a battle that was!
I have fished other private ponds in Northern California, but never experienced the power and fight of the trout we caught at Sugar Creek Ranch. While it took us several hours of experimentation to find the right flies, the surface feeding during the last 3 hours of daylight was breathtaking and non-stop action.
I have to introduce another fishing partner to your fabulous fish.
Allan Slattery
Shingletown, CA
Submitted by Zack Thurman, Apr. 15, 2004
Your ranch is awesome!!! I have fished it three times now and haven't been disappointed. One beauty I caught in the South Pond was 31" long, but we forgot the girth measurement. I caught the fish on a # 8 Burnt Orange Seal Bugger with a slow 8" pull n pause retrieve.
The flies that were most productive were the Stillwater Nymph, Chub Minnows, Seal Bugger in various colors ,and the Callibaetis Nymph. The line we used was the Cortland Clear Camo and used 12-15 ft leaders tapered to 3x and 4x depending on whether we used the Minnow Patterns on the buggers and nymphs. The best retrieves were slow pull and pauses with the Buggers and the Nymphs and fast continous pulls with the minnow patterns.
My dad and I had a great time. We caught about 50 fish between the two of us.
Thanks again and I can't wait until I return again.
Zack Thurman
Submitted by Robert Meiswinkel, Apr. 10, 2004
We had an epic day on the ranch on Saturday. Fishing midges was as good as it gets, and I got schooled by all the fish over 8 lbs.
I have caught so many big fish in my life from around the world, that I almost take it for granted that once I hook em' they are mine. Not on Saturday though, the fish won.
Thanks for the reality check. See you when the first Callibaetis come off. Keep me posted.
Robert
Submitted by Galen Pettey, Apr. 4, 2004
As always, we had a great time at Sugar Creek Ranch. The fishing, especially in the middle ponds, was outstanding. We caught more fish than we could even begin to number - most of which fell in the three to six-pound range with a couple of fish in the eight to ten-pound class.
In addition, we hooked a few fish that were too big to estimate weight on. The north ponds yielded some fish that weighed more than even a 1X tippet and a smooth Abel drag system could handle. I suppose that the five-inch crawdad imitation tied on a 1/0 hook helped in making the all too brief connection to one of those monsters, but it was nice to see a parabolic bend in my seven weight.
My friend Joel enjoyed fishing streamers the most. There is something addictive about the ferocity of a wild fish hitting something he perceives to be rapidly escaping food. Chartreuse, black and burnt orange bunny leeches and mohair leeches in size eight were the most productive for us, but fry immitations and epoxy minnow patterns also produced well and caught some very nice sized fish.
Dry fly action was a bit slow, but midge immitations in black, gray and white did catch some very nice fish on the south pond. Interestingly enough, the largest fish I caught in the south pond this trip were deceived by mini-crawdad imitations.
Both of our wives enjoyed their stay at Sugar Creek Ranch, though neither one fished. The lodge is very nice and clean, and a great place to take five. Laurie, a novice photographer, got inumerable opportunities to practice photographing fishermen, fish and wildlife. Jenny enjoyed trying to keep up with her two year old son Joshua, who got to help dad reel in a few fish. Both women admitted that the guys appeared to be having more fun than should be legal.
This trip, as have all others to Sugar Creek Ranch, not only met, but surpassed our expectations. It is why I keep going back. Mike, Meg and Kal - as always - our stay at your place was better than we could have hoped for. Thanks! We will see you again soon!
Sincerely,
Galen Pettey
Submitted by David Hollister, Mar. 26, 2004
Thank you for an outstanding two days. Both the accommodations and fishing were first class. A storm front came thru causing some wind on Thursday followed by a dusting of snow Thursday night. The fishing was outstanding both days. I worked, primarily, the middle ponds using a clear intermediate line with a Jay Fair wooly nymph (both burnt orange and rust). Fish were hitting when the fly hit the water, on the drop and also on the strip (some at my feet).
I had roughly 30-40 fish to hand on Thursday (vast majority from middle ponds, 2 from south ponds) and 20-30 on Friday (all from middle ponds, skunked fishing out of the float tube for an hour at north ponds).
All fish were thick, aggressive and incredibly hard fighting. Largest fish was in the 22-25" range, smallest was 14-16" (shaped like a football).
I can see the ponds, which are exceptionally clear, proving difficult under certain conditions. Nevertheless, the combination of the location, atmosphere and quality of fish makes this a very special spot. I look forward to returning in the near future.
Dave
Submitted by Steve Lawler, Jan.4, 2004
Thanks a million for your hospitality. The lodge is incredibly comfortable. Everything is exceptional and more.
And of course the fishing experience is second to none. Not too often you land over four 7lb+ fish in a day. I look forward to the return trip very soon,
Thanks.
Steve Lawler
Livermore, CA
Submitted by Paul Fox, June 13-15, 2003
Once again a quality time was had. This trip, however, was way different than last year.....mainly bigger fish, not big numbers. I'm glad that I focused on Twin Deer and Lone Bear, and all but a couple of my fish were taken using an indicator and a chironomid.
Friday evening( when I arrived) I ended up with 10 total, including three on dries...and one was 27+ inches. At least two others were 24+ ...very deep and pretty.
On Saturday, between the two lakes I got five in the morning, two more in a long, slow afternoon, and six after 6:00 p.m.) for 13 fish. I really earned those babies. Most were big (4 pounds and up) and very beautiful specimens. Many missed strikes on the indicator Saturday evening. 'Bout 6:00 p.m. the fish became more aggressive, and takes were confident.
Sunday I picked up three by 8:00 a.m. and at 9:00 decided to head out for home, knowing the afternoon would be slow....
Thanks again......great job,
Paul......I'll be back...
Submitted by Alan Miyamoto, June 5-6, 2003
My 14-year old son Cory and I had the pleasure of fishing Sugar Creek for the first time last week, and it far exceeded our expectations!
Cory just learned to fly fish and caught trout to 5-6 lbs on dries, nymphs and streamers...talk about a confidence builder! The fish are so fat and healthy you could not put both hands around them. The water is crystal clear, and you can watch those huge trout chase a streamer or sip-in a dry, it is truly a thrill!
We spent the night at the lodge which, for anyone who has stayed there, is the ultimate fly fisherman's dream accommodations - first class.
Thanks Mike for all your help and direction, for both of us it was a fishing adventure of a lifetime! We'll be back!
Cory and Alan Miyamoto
Salinas, California
Submitted by Rick Hansen, May 20-21, 2003
While not an expert, I have always considered myself to be quite a proficient fly-fisherman. Humbly I must admit, the double PhD Rainbows of Sugar Creek took me back to school for two gloriously stressful days...
Trout the size of a grown man's arm, repeatedly charged my fly only to put on the brakes inches away, scrutinize every aspect of the presentation and slowly turn their backs, fining back to the depths as if to say, "Come on fella, you can do better than that!"
After some trial and error, a black ant, cinnamon caddis or black stone size 16-20 fished dry on 5-6x tippets produced explosive strikes and screaming runs from some of the hottest fish I have ever tossed a bug to! Oddly though, they would grab a chartreuse bunny leach with reckless abandon - a fly that resembles nothing alive on this planet, when fished on an intermediate line, 3x tippet and retrieved with short erratic pulls or allowed to slowly drop to the bottom and fished slow.
The Middle Pools provided consistent action on "small" (4lbs?) trout, with the North and South Pools giving up the bigger fish. My partner for the weekend, Alan Eames from Bend, Oregon and I caught and released 30 rainbows a piece during our day and a half stay, with most of them in the 3-5 lb class with some true monsters that have become only memories of the one(s) that got away!
The good news - the lodge, the fish and the overall experience met or surpassed all expectation. The bad news - those double PhD Rainbows at Sugar Creek have caused me to re-define my standard of quality, as now the "World Class" fisheries here in Central Oregon pale in comparison. I'll definitely be back!
Submitted by Charlie Lapinski, Mar. 27, 2003
After skipping Christmas and birthday gifts to finance another trip to the ranch, I was skeptical about its outcome.
Landing 73 fish in four days dispelled the pessimism. This is not an exaggerated number; I don't count fish hooked and lost. Midges were present in large number - size 20 and 22 emergers and pupae were effective. Some callibaetis were also present as were a number of small stoneflies. The stones must inhabit the inflows which look like sections of streambed.
During a day of rain, twitching a dark parachute across the broken surface resulted in many smashing strikes. A size 8 streamer tied to imitate rainbow fry and fished with a frantic strip was an amazing producer. I would not like to be a small rainbow or dace that has wandered out of its cover in these ponds.
My best fish was 28 inches with approximately a 16-inch girth. It took a bunny leech 5 feet from shore after the water level was raised by the rain.
My best advice to those who avail themselves of this tremendous fishery is to observe, experiment, and ask questions. It may sound like these fish are as dumb as a fresh dumped stocker; they're not. The fish and the fishery is blue ribbon by any standard. If you are unfamiliar with stillwater techniques look into a guide or do some study.
Once again,the lodge was a pleasure to stay in, as was getting to see Mike Kalpin. I don't know how I was lucky enough to find this place, but, in the words of Gen. MacArthur, I will be back. If anyone has questions about this report or wants more verification of the quality of this fishery, I give permission to Mike to give my e-mail or phone # to them.
Charlie Lapinski , Cambridge, N.Y.
Submitted by Cecil Pierce, Feb. 24, 2003
We arrived on Sunday the 23rd at 11 am, and it was cold that morning. My girl friend and my son (8 years old and had never cast a fly rod for fish) went to the middle ponds (Alder and Blackberry) and we immediately saw fish cruising around even though the water temp. was in the high 30's.
I caught 10 fish that day all over 18 inches my girl friend lost two, my son lost two, but we only fished about four hours that day.
On Monday I was up with the sun and on the ponds by 8 am. I went back to the same ponds -- I had a score to settle with a few fish the broke me off the day before! My first two casts produced two fish about 19-20 inches. I caught six fish by 10 am, then I was off to the lodge for breakfast and to get my son and girl friend.
We were back on the water by 11 am and instantly into the fish. On that day my son caught five the biggest about 22 inches, my girl friend caught 10, and I caught 20 in less than 7 hours fishing.
For tackle we primarily used glo bugs size 10-12 both orange and pink.(barbless). And we had a 100% live release rate. Mike and Meg, thank you for the first rate accommodations-- you really made our stay comfortable.
I urge any one that that seeks that big one that got away to go to Sugar Creek Ranch because he is waiting for you there!!
Cecil Pierce
Submitted by Matthew Camp, Feb. 22, 2003
Got to Sugar Creek Ranch around noon on Thursday, Feb 20th and started out in the South Pond. The water is AMAZINGLY clear and gigantic trout can be seen everywhere. Caught two great fish in the first 3 casts on a sinking line using a rabbit fur minnow imitation that Mike had given me. Tried some nymphing from an indicator afterwards and then an emerger pattern as well as huge fish could be seen slowly grabbing something from right under the surface, but had no luck matching. Finally switched back to the minnow imitation and the first cast with it back on had it taken from me by a monstrous strike; snapped my 3X Flourocarbon like it wasn't there. Ended the day by catching a 27", 10+ lb monster on a rust colored, size 6 Wooly Bugger - the biggest trout of my life.
Second day went to the middle ponds - they loved the Chartruese Bunny Leeches stripped short with a definite pause after each strip. The fishing was so good that at one point I was getting a fish on every cast and ultimately ended the day when my arm started to ache from fighting all of those monsters.
The last day was the clearest and brightest weather of the three and what a difference it made. Started by spotting a "school" of trout in the Alder Pond ( approach the ponds warily and make your first cast a few feet from the bank ) and they went wild for a small pink egg pattern fished from the direction of the moving water towards them - landed 7 trout on my first 8 casts. Moved up to the next pond north ( the one where I had a fish on every cast the day before ) and was completely rebuffed using the same equipment and flies. It was amazingly instructive to watch the fish see the fly, race towards it and then at the last second turn away. Also instructive was seeing how other fish react to a hooked and fighting trout; I promise you it is not what you would expect, but you'll have to go to SCR to see for yourself.
Moving north the fish were hitting well on Black Wooly Buggers stripped with long, medium paced strips and little pause, but by far the best of the day, and the trip, was the last pond. There I spent the last three hours of the day hookin up or getting a strike on almost every cast. The fishing was so good that I had to take a break and rest, which I have never had to do before, but even then, it was amazing. Seeing the mountain peaks with snow on them and the beautiful scenery and the trout rising in the ponds - well, it was all I had hope for and much, much more.
Mike and Meg did a great job of making sure I enjoyed myself and if you are reading this and wondering where to go next, all I will say is that if I had to choose one last spot to fish and then I could never fish again, in a second I would make my reservation for the Sugar Creek Ranch.
Matthew Camp
Submitted by Steve Lawler, Jan. 5, 2003
Once again, two days of the most incredible fishing I have experienced to date.
Visiting Sugar Creek in the winter time is truly unique, and offered a completely different perspective and experience from my first visit in the early summer. First off, I was able to stay at the lodge, which I have to say was one of the best I have seen. Everything a fly fisher needs is there, including a tying bench, flies (in case you lose as many as me), and additional fly fishing accesories. Very comfortable!
I was able to fish the first day with a friend, Jim Roberts, and it sure made the difference in my success with these trophy trout. I probably would have spent a lot of time trying to figure those fish out, but Jim made quick work of this, with fish taken in the first 15 minutes.
The dry fly activity was considerably less than that back in July, however the trout were still actively feeding on top. I was able to entice only one looker, and quickly decided to concentrate on sub-surface. The majority of activity was various nymph patterns slow stipped on a floating line, with a small shot appx. 12-18 inches above the fly.
What I truly enjoy and look forward to at Sugar Creek is the fury with which the trout take the fly. Nothing shy here, and not for the faint of heart!
Majority of fish landed were 4+ pounds, with some over 7 pounds. The water clarity was as good as ever, even with the amount of run-off produced with the latest storm. Middle ponds were gin clear, and the North pond ! was clearer than I remember back in July.
Thanks again Mike and Meg for the hospitality, and I look forward to my next visit very soon. Very much worth the 5 hour drive!!
Submitted by Galen Perry, Nov. 17 2002
I knew from past experience that fall fishing at Sugar Creek Ranch could be both challenging and rewarding; both proved to be true this week-end.
Saturday morning fishing started out slow for me on the south pond; while my friend Steve hooked five very nice fish on a chartreuse bunny leech (they only wanted a size eight and I didn't have any eights).
Throughout the day the middle ponds yielded numerous fish in the three to five pound range on various leeches in brown, black, and chartreuse (in size eight again)for Warren, Steve and myself. Saturday evening a storm front moved in and we were unable to get even a strike in any of the ponds.
Sunday brought rain in the morning and no fish on leeches in the south pond. However, the fish really liked a white, size eighteen winged midge adult and I landed two fish over six pounds.
A return to the middle ponds proved that a chartreuse bunny leech in size eight had not lost it's appeal to the fish. I hooked nine typical middle pond fish in just about an hour before fishing slowed down and then hook-ups ceased all together.
Some time during mid-morning fish began feeding on the surface in the center of the middle ponds, but after a couple of hours, numerous dry flies,and still no fish, things weren't looking too good. Then Warren, who was leaving pointed out a rust colored mayfly on his windshield. Needless to say a size sixteen rusty adams introduced me to another eleven fish over the next ninety minutes.
Finally tiring of what Mike calls little fish in the middle ponds, I returned to the north pond just before dusk and tied on a crawdad pattern I tie on a size two, six extra long hook. The fly is quite heavily weighted and very difficult to cast (I can't turn it over with less than twelve pound tippet); but I only had to make three casts before I hooked into a fish that put a heavy bend in my seven weight. It was about twenty minutes before I saw the fish which tipped the scales well over the ten pound mark. A few minutes later the fish was netted and a couple of quick photos were taken.
While reviving the trophy rainbow prior to releasing it, I thought about how fortunate I was to have found such a wonderful place; owned by congenial hosts who were willing to share it.
As in times past, the trip was worth every penny invested in truly one of the best trophy rainbow trout fisheries I have ever experienced. Thank you once again Mike. See you again next year.
Sincerely, Galen Pettey
Submitted by Wes Wada, Nov. 1, 2002
We returned to fish Sugar Creek Ranch for late fall, and were joined by guest Jim Dexter of LaPine, Oregon. This was Dexter's first trip to the ranch and let's say that he lived life to the fullest.
I am one of those odd fisherfolk who really enjoy streamer fishing more than other techniques, so started right off fishing the middle ponds using the infamous chartreuse bunny fly. In four hours of fishing, 16 rainbows took the fly, and I successfully C&R 11. Dexter had a slower go of it because he was concentrating on fishing nymphs and dries off a floating line. Although there was a modest mayfly hatch going with some fishing, there was a marked difference in the action comparing streamers and nymphs.
One of the enjoyable parts about repeat trips to the Ranch is you always seem to make new discoveries. This trip, I fished the personally neglected Cottonwood pond. Of all the ponds on the Ranch, this was one I thought looked like it had the least potential for big'uns. Will never make that mistake again. Dexter caught a bright 5-pound female, and I got several heavy and feisty rainbows from that water.
Earlier reports on this report page remark about how enjoyable it is to be able to see your fly and the trouts' reactions to it. You learn a lot about your patterns, your retrieves, what turns the fish on and off. The ranch water is some of the most 'educational' to which an angler can be exposed. Dexter made the observation that when a fish takes a streamer, they will most often be fooled when following the fly from the rear. They will often refuse the fly when they approach it from the side, and any little flick of the leader acts like a red flag. (It was bright and sunny most all the time we fished, and you could see all of this especially when fishing the chartreuse streamer.)
This trip produced the most beautiful buck rainbow I have ever brought to hand, a 27" prime specimen with the exaggerated lower jaw. I propped it up on its belly in the shallows to let it recover, and it looked like a crocodile! That one came out of the South pond in late afternoon. We also had a great deal of fun float tubing the Twin Deer pond, using a variety of olive streamer patterns. Dex had a smashing strike from the best fish of his trip, which yanked out yards of line and cleared the water three times, putting on an impressive battle. I hooked a less athletic fish that had to be one of the biggest of my life, the kind where your jaw drops into the water from the shock of seeing how massive the beast is you just netted.
Submitted by R. L. "Stew" Stewart, Sept. 16, 2002
Weather clear, slight breeze. Started fishing about 10 a.m.
Fished the south pool first. Water gin clear and fish spooky. Tried ten different flies on a Cortland 444SL 15ft clear tip int. sink-tip (WF6HI).
The 11th fly, a George Close Angora Dansel, size #10 did the trick. George's fly is in the FFF Patterns of the Masters, Volume Six (if you need copy of tying instructions e-mail me at rstewart@shasta.com). Landed five nice fish.
Had lunch and moved to the North Pools area. Fished Twin Deer with the same set up and landed a fish about every 15 minutes until about 6 p.m.. Then fish started rising to midges. I am not a good midge fisherman so I only landed one fish. Thanks Mike, I had a great time.
Submitted by Ben Taylor, Sept. 8-10, 2002
Mike...Many thanks for another great trip to Sugar Creek Ranch. You had some very nice weather for us, and those who stayed in the lodge really enjoyed it.
We caught some beautiful fish and saw many more...that's the exciting part of being at Sugar Creek....being able to see them. As a matter of fact, for two days I had kept my eye on a monster lounging on the bottom of the South pond. After everyone had gone on Tuesday, I was back there again...the Petaluma guide had also left. I caught a couple of 23" to 24" inchers on hoppers, and was about to leave at 3 pm, when I said 'dammit', that big guy has got to take something!!
After throwing all kinds of flies and nymphs at him...he finally moved away to the far side of the pond...I put an olive green maribou leech pattern on and had to cast over 70 feet to get it near him...no reaction, then again...no reaction...then, finally, what was to be my last cast, I put the fly about 10 feet past and 5 feet in front of him, and let it sink. Then I started retrieving it slowly and deep.
The fly went about 6 feet past him, when all of a sudden he turned, shot after it with the speed of a torpedo... and nailed it like a mad barracuda! What a monster...couldn't believe I finally had him! Went all over the pool and jumped three times. Took over 25 minutes to get him in (6x)...measured him...just short of 31" and about 16" around. Must have been close to 11, maybe 12 pounds, a beautiful big buck in full spawning colors. Wished I had a camera, but I didn't really need one...won't ever forget the sight of that fellow making his charge.
Thanks again, Mike
Submitted by Paul Fox, Aug. 31- Sept. 1, 2002
Comments: B.C. was great in the spring but the lakes of Central Oregon , my homewaters, had been seriously off most of the season, so when my wife booked her flight to visit her sister for a week in late August, I thought I'd treat myself to a couple of days at SCR.
Never having fished there previously, I was a little concerned when Mike informed me that I would be fishing during the slow time of year..... Oh well, I thought, it would be way better than yardwork... Thankfully I can say I was not disappointed, in fact fishing was great and consistent throughout each day. Each pond has it's own personality and it was great to mix 'em up. Hatches were minimal but there were always some suspended, active fish looking for a meal.
Fishing was good from the get go....I started early a.m. with 16 and 18 dry chironomids and then went to a black dry ant pattern in a rather large size 12, then a wet black hardbody ant and then to a black mini leech (tied on a size 12 scud hook with a black bead and a 3/4"long tuft of marabou in black...a very simple effective tie)...that fly was extremely productive used with a type one, slow clear intermediate line...They grabbed it using a slow hand twist and also stipping moderately fast. I believe they (mis)took it for a small bait fish.
Day one I hooked over 30 fish approximately half on top and half subsurface, landing about 25...most were 4-5#...the biggest about 6# ...I'm sure that I lost at least two that were bigger. Day one Alder pond yielded several nice fish fooled with big black ants....they turned away from small stuff. (I found that overall 5X fluorocarbon was fine for dries and 3x fluoro when stripping was not a problem.)
Cottonwood really produced for me on Sat both on top and subsurface...Tule pond also was very generous. On Sunday I found that the gin clear Alder pond fish really liked a size 16 b.h. brassie, hung off an indicator. I'd cast out and let sit until a fish move in to about a 10' radius ...then I'd begin a slow handtwist. They grabbed it with confidence. I did favor the middle ponds...the North Pond was very good Sat morning starting over near in inlet. Day two I also used an smallish stickleback pattern ( olive on top with white belly)...it worked very well.
What a great, fun place. The fish are beautiful, hot specimens. The setting is very pretty and unique. The lodge was excellent and I want to thank Mike and Meg for doing such a fantastic job... Thank you so much for your vision and hard work!!
Submitted by Todd Setzer, Aug. 9-10, 2002
My second visit to Sugar Creek Ranch-- While August is typically tough fishing on stillwaters, that was not the case at SCR. However the fish are very wise and you have to offer them something they want. 6X tippet is a must. I watched fish cruise up to my bug while using 5X, take a look and turn away. Once I went to 6X things improved. These are hot fish, and it's not unusual to get spooled as your fish tears across the pond.
We fished the middle ponds Blackberry and Alder. We had dual hookups and plenty of action especially Friday morning. You can sight cast to many of these fish. The grabs can be a subtle sip, or a violet attack. Using light tippets you must be careful not to horse or try to rush the fish to the net. It's also important to make sure the fish is ready to be released, before letting them go. It takes big fish longer to revive from the trauma of the fight.
Using a dry line with a 10-12ft leader the fish took damsels (size 10-12), PTs APs, caddis pupa, callibaetis nymphs in sizes 14-18. In the evening elk hair caddis, adams 14-18, and the same nymp's mentioned above. Never tried the mouse I had nor any hoppers. They looked at an ant but never took it...could've been the 5X? And of course the proverbial woolly bugger never fails.
This time of year the fish move to the deeper cooler water by 11:30. I'm sure you could lay a woolly bugger on the bottom and once you started stripping the line you'd get some attention, and grabs. By 5:00 pm the fish are back up top, ready for action.
The lodge is very nice and comfortable. Mike and Kal are excellent hosts, as they'll do what it takes to make your stay enjoyable. I'll definitely return...One last thing...the drive from I-5 up into the mountains (Gazelle-Callahan road) is one of my favorites because of the views and vista of the back side of Mt. Shasta. Check it out.
Submitted by Galen W. Petty, July 7, 2002
I thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of streamer fishing for the large rainbow trout at Sugar Creek Ranch last fall, and I presumed dry fly fishing there in the summer would be equally exciting. To put it as mildly as possible, I was not at all disappointed.
Each pond fished quite differently from the others, and the challenge of "matching the hatch" kept me returning to my pick-up for another fly box.
The south pond yielded up numerous fish in the four to ten pound range that found crickets and grasshoppers tied on size six to ten hooks irresistible. One memorable fish turned my brand new four piece five weight into a five piece five weight in a matter of moments as I attempted to slow its scorching run across the pond.
When dry fly fishing slowed, damsel fly nymphs tied on size ten to fourteen hooks helped keep a consistent bend in the rod. The middle ponds required the fine and far off approach. Trico and baetis imitations down to #22 and #24 were the flies of choice at these ponds. No broken rods here, but numerous flies were parted from the 6x and 7x tippets.
The north pond was a little off color and dry flies produced poorly for me here. However, large streamers - like four to six inches long - helped connect me to some truly magnificent fish. Chartreuse and black were the colors of choice.
Large crawdad imitations also produced well. The one dry fly that fished quite well for about one hour each evening was a large mouse pattern. I should have taken more than two.
I have fly fished throughout much of North and Central America, and have caught many marvelous fish. The fish at Sugar Creek hold their own against any I have caught anywhere. Thanks for keeping such a great thing going Mike.
Sincerely, Galen Pettey
Submitted by Steve Metaxas, July 7, 2002
This was my 2nd time to the Ranch. It was GREAT, as usual. The huge rainbows were taking dries when we arrived. The fish are HUGE but it's not a cast and catch. We had to match the hatch, work for them. After trying numerous flies, and I mean NUMEROUS, it was finally a #22 -28 trico with a dark body. Once we found out what worked it was hang on!
There's something about watching a 4-8 lb rainbow swim in and take a #24 trico. Light leaders, and you MUST set slowly and then hope your hook doesn't break/bend. We caught numerous 3-6 lb. rainbows, and a few pushing 10lbs.
We later switched to damsel late in the afternoon, and the grandfather trout attacked these. And I mean trout so big you wouldn't swim in the pond afraid they might think you're a dry fly. Two #10 damsels looked like we bent them with pliers- yes the fish got off.
This ranch is a place where you can hook into the trout of your dreams. You have to work to get them, but when that 6lb plus rainbow takes a #22-#26 dry and you net it and see that tiny fly in the corner of its mouth, you'll just smile and know: if you died now you'd have a smile on your lips.
Submitted by Harry Hanson, Jr. and Harry Hansen III, June 25, 2002
We fished Twin Deer (North Pool) June 24. Had success with a beetle pattern and small dries. Had the best success on the far north end of the pond where visibility was better. The remainder of the pond was not clear due to new pond development.
HHIII: I saw a fish and cast a long leader with a small ant greased and fished dry. Hooked up in under 30 minutes of arrival on a monster rainbow more than 30 inches long and 5" deep.
HHjr.: On June 25 we fished Beaver pond where the water was clear and we caught many fish. I took an 8-pounder on a #18 dry and a 4 pounder on a #22 dry. I have never taken fish of this quality on such small dry flies. When the north pond clears, that will be an improvement. Overall you run an outstanding operation, and I will be back and will send friends here.
(Sugar Creek Ranch was recommended to the Hansons by a guide on the Lower Sac who said SCR was his favorite place to fish.)
Submitted by Wes Wada, June 8, 2002
Linda and I had our first opportunity to experience SCR's primetime dry fly fishing, and it didn't disappoint. The key at this time of the year is to think small. The mayflies are #18, and you are fishing 5x and 6x tippets. Come prepared with nymphs and emergers to match. While we did net some of the bigger fish on streamers, action there is not as fast as in the early spring or fall.
The experience of sight fishing dry flies to strong fighting leapers and runners averaging four pounds is an awesome (and educational) experience. I feel I improved my dry fly - light tippet abilities several levels after a couple of days here, though I can remember a couple of jaw-dropping battles where I could only watch helplessly as tackle was mercilessly shredded!
It's worth noting that in the days we fished, there were at most three (and usually just two) other anglers sharing the seven ponds! There were only two occassions when I was casting into a pond at the same time as another well-separated angler.
Submitted by Chris Rowe and Ulysses Vanderkamp, May 27, 2002
Good fishing, not red hot, but worth the effort. We each caught between 20-30 fish per day. We caught fish in every pond. Blackberry and Alder ponds were best in the evening. Beaver (South Pond) was difficult, but yielded bigger fish, including one at 31 inches! The hot fly was a #24 black midge pupa suspended below a small indicator.
Submitted by Ray Leonard, May 12, 2002
The lodge is a tremendous addition to Sugar Creek Ranch. What can we say about these incredible trout that hasn't been said many times already? Each of our group of 5, which included my two sons Mark and Colby, caught the largest trout of our lives. Wonderful trip!
Submitted by Ernie and Diane Hinzle, May 5, 2002
What a grand day! We brought our 10-year old grandson - worked on the casting, and he caught fish! The sun was warm and beautiful, and we had a super day. We loved the lodge and the fishing, especially the evening hatches
Submitted by Larry Garrison, April 13, 2002
It had been a year since my last visit to Sugar Creek, but it was well worth the wait. While my fishing partner attended the Denny Rickards fly fishing seminar I hit the water.
By noon I had already caught eleven trout with two over seven pounds. After lunch we hit the water and I caught another 10 beautiful rainbow trout easily averaging 4 pounds. Seal buggers and stillwater nymphs were the fly of choice fished slowly. This place is awesome!!!!
Submitted by Charlie Lapinski, March 29, 2002
I'm going to begin my 2nd day of fishing after I write this, after not sleeping that well. It wasn't the bed! It was the constant feeling of the reel screaming under my hand. Yesterday was arguably the finest day of fishing I've ever had. Alaska and Labrador be damned. I'll come back here.
My vocabulary isn't sufficient to express my gratitude, thanks.
Charlie and Nancy Lapinski
Cambridge N.Y.
Submitted by Wes Wada, March 28, 2002
I can't think of a better way to start the fishing season than an early visit to the Ranch! There were three of us there for two days, and we had perfect weather and awesome fishing (a real treat escaping from the colder weather climes of Oregon).
The non-fisher in our group Ann Nora was treated by Kal Kalpin to gold-panning lessons and happily passed the hours sloshing around Sugar Creek and the nearby Scott River. Nice touch, and Ann Nora enjoyed the comfy lodge, the library and the nearby hikes.
Bill had his first visit to SCR and caught dozens of beautiful fish in every pond in every imaginable way: dries, nymphs, small and delicate, big and ugly. His best rainbow was a 25.5 incher, he had a couple around 24, and another ripped him into the backing on Tule Pond in one reel-screeching run. Lots of superlatives!
This was my third trip to SCR (late August, late October) and each trip has been a new challenge. We marveled at how every pond had fish with distinct preferences requiring different patterns and techniques. I netted the toughest brute I've ever had to battle in a float tube! That one was 7 pounds, and a slab-sided 26 inches. Numerous fish in the 4-5 pound range all glowing like gems.
Thanks to the Kalpin's hospitality and incredible fishery, we are REALLY stoked for a great coming fishing season. Many thanks. Gluttons for punishment, we are already planning our next visits!
Submitted by Dennis Madsen, February 17, 2002
Nice weekend in spite of cold, rainy, windy weather. 3 fishermen, 20+ fish each day.
Highlight of the trip was a 30+" trout taken on a #20 Trico spinner.
We had a lot of success with a hybrid Ellinwood Bunny Leech. All fish caught were beautifully colored, high quality wild trout. Several trout taken had just finished spawning and still had the exaggerated hooked jaws. We enjoyed the facilities and the fly tying bench in the lodge just confirmed that this is a 1st class operation.
Thanks Again,
Dennis Madsen, Todd and Randy Ellinwood
Submitted by Rick Bend, Michael Christian, Dave Doble, January 26, 2002
Thanks to the Kalpins for their hospitality, their work and a chance for the biggest trout in California. Sure, it is cold and snowy, and it's tough to tempt those bruisers at times, but to have that opportunity is precious.
Submitted by Bill Lenehan, January 20, 2002
Saturday - fished most of the day and managed to spend a little bit of time on each pond. The air temperature was in the high 30s low 40s and there was a fresh powdering of snow on the ground.
Fishing was excellent. Egg patterns accounted for about a third of the fish with the remainder on leeches and baitfish patterns. Chartreuse was the best color for the leeches and baby-rainbow imitations worked well also. Fished a slow sinking line, type I, which was perfect.
As far as numbers go, I would say that I caught approximately 12 to 15 fish, most of which were over 4lbs. and a couple were in the 7-8lb range. The fish were all very healthy and fought well and the number of 4lb+ fish that I saw feeding and cruising the shallows was amazing.
Sunday - fishing was similar to Saturday, although I fished the Upper lake exclusively. Caught four or five fish, all in the 4 to 5 lb range, during my half day of fishing.
Overall, the fishing was absolutely fantastic for mid-January. The lodge was also a very pleasant surprise, very comfortable and clean. This was my first trip to the ranch and I will definitely be back again this spring - I can't wait to catch these fish on dries!
Regards,
Bill
Submitted by Mike Steiner , January 12, 2002
Fishng was slow in the morning; Hot in the afternoon.
3 in the 5 pound class,
4 in the 7 pound class.
Wonderfull fishing. Thanks for a great experience."
Mike
Submitted by Lee Bell, January 8, 2002
Dates fished: January 4 & 5, 2002
Fishing the first day was nothing short of unreal. Between my buddy Kerry and I, we landed about 20 fishing the first day nothing under 4 pounds and the largest up in the 8 pound range. On top of that, we lost a number of fish as well. The second day was a much harder bite than the first day. We landed 12 fish the second day, but still was great fishing.
We were catching fish on a wide array of imitations. The Chartreuse bunny leech was a killer, and we took a number of the larger fish on this pattern. Also Zonkers in various colors worked really well. Crawdad patterns worked well in the first of the middle ponds, but didn't get as much action anywhere else with that. The were midge hatches all day long, I found that #18 and #20 griffiths and various black midge patterns in the same size range, but the fish were very leader shy and I was finding myself fishing 7x with these drys. Dead drifting also produced a lot of fish and lots of missed fished. The fish at times really were keying in on the hatches at times, so I found that going small, whether dries on top or small nymphs or emergers behind a indicator worked much better than the larger streamer type imitations when the fish were a little more selective.
Overall the fishing was the best, and I plan to be back soon as possible, Oh and I did get snapped of by one of those 10+ fish...I will get my revenge very soon..I promise!!
Thank You Mike for the great trip..
Lee Bell
Kerry Harris
Submitted by Terry Edelmann, December 27-29, 2001
We enjoy this Ranch and Lodge more each time we visit. This place has become tradition in the hearts and minds of our family, and we thank you for this. I wouldn't give up the winter fishing here for a million bucks. Thanks for all.
Terry Edelmann
Submitted by Paul Leong, May 23, 1998:
Wx:
Wind, rain and marble sized hail.
What worked:
Black caddis w/Royal Wulff body, Rio Baker Caddis. Black leeches, black wooley buggers, Edelman crawdad.
Comments:
We came as a large group with several novice fishers as well as some accomplished stillwater fishers. Fortunately everyone landed Trophy sized Trout. Sugar Creek offers lots of challenges. There was a lot of tippet breaking, hook bending, reels being very close to losing all of its backing, huge Trout jumping in the air, reels screaming and some HOOK BREAKING. A good number of anglers mentioned that they have never seen so many huge Trout that fight so furiously they would often leave an angler dropping their jaw in amazement.
Submitted by Joe Cooper, Nov 23, 1998:
What worked:
Lots of dry's on the surface and midge pupae in the top water.
Comments:
I fished Sugar Creek 3 times in '98 for a total of six days. Here is a log of the fish I landed over 18", and there were many I didn't land.
18"-19.5"=3
