Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guide within 2.5 hours from Sacramento.

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Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guide within 2.5 hours from Sacramento.

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J.A.G. Fly Fishing

Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide


Phone icon(530) 570-0978 Email iconjagflyfishing@gmail.com Link iconjagflyfishing.com
Chico, CA

Item #3LS70000

The Story

Joe Garza offers more than just a fishing trip—he delivers an adventure rooted in the rich landscapes and waters of Northern California. Born and raised amidst the lakes and rivers of this beautiful region, Joe’s profound knowledge and love for the area set him apart. His lifelong passion for fly fishing, sparked at the tender age of four, has evolved into a guiding operation that is both deeply educational and incredibly exhilarating. Joe started his guiding career as a youth coordinator for a local fly fishing club. After building a nationally recognized youth program, he began to dream of opening his own guide service, which is how J.A.G. Fly Fishing became a reality.

What makes J.A.G. Fly Fishing truly unique is Joe’s exceptional ability to teach and inspire. His patience and tailored instructional approach ensure that clients of all skill levels leave with new techniques and a deeper appreciation for the sport. Joe’s commitment to his clients’ success and his joy in witnessing their achievements make each trip special and memorable.

These pristine waters provide an idyllic backdrop for year-round adventures. Joe expertly navigates these environments, enhancing the overall experience with his local expertise and historical insights, which reflect Joe’s dedication to the sport and the environment. His role as a mentor and steward of nature resonates through every adventure, fostering a culture of respect and passion among his clients.

Choose J.A.G. Fly Fishing for an extraordinary journey that blends top-tier angling skills, breathtaking natural beauty, and a personalized touch that only Joe can provide. Discover why Joe’s clients return, repeatedly leaving with unforgettable memories and a newfound love for fly fishing here in Northern California.

Highlights:

  • Northern California offers year-round fly fishing adventures
  • Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead, Salmon, Striper, Shad, Smallmouth Bass
  • Stillwater, tailwater, streams and creeks
  • Educational and conservation-oriented adventures

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

Your Time With Us

I love working with a diverse group angler from all walks of life, as well as both beginning and experienced anglers. Prior to our adventure we will discuss what fishing options are of interest to you and what expectations you have plus the technique/s you may want to learn or improve upon. Based on our conversations, I will tailor an adventure to suit your expectations. All my adventures are tailored to meet individual angler’s specific interests, needs, and expectations.

I provide all gear needed, this includes use of an Orvis rod and reel, all terminal tackle including flies. If you wish to fish your own equipment, please let me know during our first communications so that I can make a recommendation about what equipment you should bring.

On a typical adventure, we will meet at a pre-determined time and location relative to your adventure of interest. Full-day adventures are 8 hours and include a streamside lunch, drinks, and snacks. Half-day adventures are 4-4.5 hours include drinks and snacks. During our adventure, you will be introduced to and educated about the local techniques (discussed prior to our adventure), history, environment, entomology, boating safety, and wading safety.

Region

Northern California is easily a fly fishers paradise. From the Oregon border to Sacramento and coastal rivers to the Nevada border, we have something to offer everyone: coastal Steelhead fishing; trophy rainbow/brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass in mountain and valley lakes; selective wild trout in technical streams and creeks; steelhead, rainbow trout, shad, and striped bass in valley tailwaters.

Some of the more popular areas I focus on include:

Lake Almanor: This Stillwater is set with scenic views of volcanic Mt. Lassen as your backdrop, near the town of Chester, California. Fish Almanor for trophy rainbow trout, trophy brown trout, and trophy smallmouth year-round.

Lower Yuba River: Located within one hour of Sacramento, California, in heart of California gold country. The Yuba is known for its Skwala hatch in the winter months and Hopper dropper action in summer. Do not be fooled though; we fish dries and nymphs year-round for wild trout, and wild steelhead. In the lower section of the river, we have opportunities for shad, striper, and smallmouth in late spring and summer months.

Lower Feather River: Below the tallest earthen dam (770ft tall) in the United States, the Lower Feather River runs through the historic town of Oroville, California. Here we fish for fall and spring run steelhead. While there are migratory fish in the system year-round, the fall run fishes best between October and January. The Spring run fishes best March through May. These are the perfect steelhead to cut your teeth on if you have not fished for steelhead before but challenging enough to use more advanced techniques like tight line nymphing or spey.

Lower Sacramento River: Easily the #1 draw for Northern California. Home of the famous Sundial Bridge, set beneath amazing views of volcanic Mt. Shasta. Wild trophy rainbow trout mixed with steelhead lie in wait for caddis, baetis, PMD and stonefly hatches. The cold tailwaters from Keswick dam provide the perfect ecosystem for these fish to grow big fast. It fishes well year-round, there is no bad time to fish here.

Eagle Lake: California’s second largest natural lake has trophy rainbow trout (20"-30") that have adapted to the unique alkalinity of the lake. Set in the picturesque high desert, two hours away from Reno, Nevada, and 90 minutes from Redding, California. These fish grow big and healthy fast, feeding on Tui Chub, scud, leeches, and chironomids. Open to fishing the end of May through February. It fishes best October through January

When are the best fishing opportunities?

Northern California has endless options for good fishing all year long, even in the wintertime and heat of summer. Here is a list of our most popular options:

Lake Almanor–April through October
Eagle Lake–October through January
Lower Yuba River–all year depending on species
Lower Feather River–October through January, March through May
Lower Sacramento River–all year


Can we keep our fish?

Part of conservation is catch-and-release. All adventures with J.A.G. Fly Fishing are catch-and-release. I teach proper fish handling techniques to ensure a quick picture with your fish, and a proper release back to the water to ensure the survival of that fish. I regard the fish as my business associates. By practicing catch-and-release, we ensure that the anglers that come in behind you have the same opportunities you had for success.


What if I have dietary restrictions?

I can meet most dietary restrictions for everyone. Please let me know in advance if there are any restrictions, I should be aware of, and I will do my best to accommodate.

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