This month we are going to head north just a bit. To an area that can be accessed by our membership in a good day’s drive. Probably a little bit longer than most of our trips but probably not as long as some. We are going to explore the fl y-fishing waters in and around the Lake Shasta area.

If you think about it, California is truly blessed in rich and diverse fl y-fishing opportunities. Why is it then that most folks automatically think of the Rocky Mountain States when they think of great fl y-fishing? They will probably change their minds when they see and hear this month’s speaker – Chip O’Brien. If you’ve ever picked up and read an issue of The California Fly Fisher then you cannot help but be familiar with Chip. He is a guide, speaker, author, and world class fl y tier. And for the first time ever he will be visiting

Club’s in Southern California. His presentation will cover much of the best wild trout fishing that is contained in California. Northern California boasts hundreds of great places to fish. It is an overview of the fabulous fl y fishing opportunities in Shasta, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties. Including both lakes and streams; this presentation offers an insider’s view of where and when to go, best techniques, intriguing history and humorous anecdotes. There will also be a special discussion of Keswick Reservoir which is a relatively undiscovered body of water that deserves your particular attention.

Here is a little bit about him. In 1964 a 10-year-old boy caught his first fish with his father’s dusty old bamboo fl y rod. From that moment on, Chip O’Brien knew he would spend his life fl y fishing and sharing his adventures with others. Educated as a writer/photographer, O’Brien has authored over 175 articles in fl y fishing and aviation magazines so far. Hundreds of his images have appeared in magazines, books, brochures and State of California publications. His book, River Journal, Sacramento River is available through Amazon.com and other sources. A former CalTrout Regional Manager,  O’Brien was awarded the “Streamkeeper” award for his work on behalf of the lower Sacramento River trout fishery. Professionally trained in the collection and identification of aquatic insects, he has been a regular snorkel survey participant, bioassessment volunteer and paid consultant for California Department of Fish & Game. While in Redding he served as president of Shasta Fly Fishers six times and was named “Fly Fisher of the Year” and “Doc Graves Fly Tier of the Year” for that organization. He has been fl y fishing for over 40 years and guided northern California‘s best trout waters for over 15 years.

See you there!

Rod Castanien

VP/Program Director