Carbon Bridge Accesson Hat Creek
What's working on Hat Creek
- 01Upcoming Mahogany Dun (size 16) and Blue Quill (sizes 18-22) hatches are the main events for dry fly anglers.
- 02Expect to see robust October Caddis (sizes 6-10) activity, drawing aggressive strikes from opportunistic fish.
- 03Consistent subsurface action with various mayfly nymphs and midges, especially with favorable overcast conditions for Baetis (BWO) activity.
- 04Precision casting and drag-free drifts are paramount on Hat Creek's notoriously clear and often glassy waters.
- 05Focus on slower, glassy sections, riffles, and runs where trout target emerging insects and nymphs.
What to tie on at Carbon Bridge Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
If Hat Creek were open, caddis are beginning to show in force, and this pattern would effectively imitate emerging pupae, which were explicitly recommended by recent angler reports for stripping.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
If Hat Creek were open, Golden Stoneflies are beginning to show, and Salmonflies are expected soon. This heavy stonefly nymph would be a crucial subsurface offering for Hat Creek trout.
Buy at AmazonPMD Sparkle Dun
If Hat Creek were open, as PMDs begin to show, this emerger pattern would be effective for selective trout feeding in the film.
Split Case PMD
If Hat Creek were open, PMDs are beginning to show, and this pattern would effectively imitate the emerging nymph in the water column for Hat Creek trout.
Zebra Midge
If Hat Creek were open, midges are a year-round food source in cold, clear spring creeks like Hat Creek, making this a reliable subsurface pattern.
Buy at AmazonGreen Drake Wulff
If Hat Creek were open, Green Drakes are seasonally active from May 1 to June 15, making this a relevant dry fly pattern for Hat Creek.
Buy at AmazonBaetis Nymph
Mimics active Baetis (BWO) nymphs, which are prevalent in spring creeks during fall BWO hatch periods, a staple for Rainbow and Brown Trout.
RS2
A classic spring creek emerger. During the mid-afternoon midge activity, an RS2 fished just below the surface film or as a trailer to a dry fly can fool selective trout keyed into emerging pupae.
Jujubaetis
If Hat Creek were open, Blue-Winged Olives are a consistent presence in spring creeks like Hat Creek, and this is a highly effective baetis nymph year-round.
Buy at AmazonCalifornia season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.