Sugar Creek Ranch, Callahan California update

Sugar Creek Ranch
by Wes Wada
Callahan, California - April 2003

The Inside Angler’s report on northern California’s Sugar Creek Ranch appeared in the November 1997 issue. At that time, the private fishery had two developed ponds and a growing reputation as a trophy trout destination.

A decade after its founding, the fishery now features seven ponds up to five surface acres in size, and nearly two miles of shoreline on 150 acres. In summer of 2000, the Kalpin family took over a large private home and turned it into a comfortable guest lodge. A lot has changed, and this Inside Angler report updates readers to the current state of the fishery.

In Mike Fong’s last interview in June of 2002, he noted, “(Christine and I) agree that Sugar Creek Ranch near Callahan is one of the best (western US pay fisheries). It has rainbows up to twenty pounds, and the chance to hook fish over five pounds on a dry fly is a distinct possibility.


	Gin clear waters enable exciting sight fishing

Christine was able to return to Sugar Creek Ranch in early April 2003 as part of a fishing group consisting of Darrelle Vecchio from San Francisco, and my wife Linda and I from Bend, Oregon. We ran into some heavy early season winds this trip, but still caught some impressive rainbows on a variety of flies.

A disclaimer should be noted here that I am the web site and graphic designer for Sugar Creek Ranch, and am involved with aspects of their marketing. This relationship has enabled me to visit Sugar Creek Ranch numerous times in all seasons of the year. While far from being an expert on this challenging fishery, I certainly can offer some tips on how to get the most out of your fishing experience there.

The Layout
The landscape of Sugar Creek Ranch is unique, and one can use this adjective without qualification. Each of the ponds has been excavated out of the humongous piles of mining tailings left by huge Scott River dredges from the treasure seeking history of this gold country.

The wooded and grassed margins of these crystal clear ponds contrast with the lunar starkness of the surrounding rock piles and the serene vistas of nearby mountains. The setting provides a different sense of privacy than you are likely to find anywhere.

SCR can be divided into three sections running north and south parallel to the Scott River- The South Pond, The Middle Pools, and the North Ponds.

The South Pond, developed from an existing natural pond, is one of three large pools on the property and is separated from the rest by Sugar Creek.

The Middle Pools are four smaller ponds within walking distance of the lodge that sport ‘smaller’ fish up to five pounds – these are named (south to north) Alder, Blackberry, Cottonwood and Tule.

Finally, at the north end of the property, best reached with a vehicle, are the largest fishing waters Twin Deer (the North Pond) and the newly developed Lone Bear. There is a map of the ranch available on the SCR web site that will give you a good overview.

2002 was a good year!
These waters have brightly marked fish, and the 62 degree water and abundant natural feed grows big, nasty rainbows. The trout are able to naturally reproduce in spawning channels and have done so successfully each winter for the last decade.

Among the pedigrees in the ponds are landlocked Scott River steelhead strain and Eagle Lake rainbow / North Coast steelhead. The steelhead influence especially is noticeable in the blistering runs and dramatic battles these fish can offer.

Only occasionally are fish stocked to replenish losses from fishing mortality and natural predators which include a resident pair of Osprey fish hawks.

Angler Jim Gade has an excellent exposition of flies and tackle commonly used at the Ranch on the web site, so I won’t repeat the list here. Gade’s advice is sound and should provide excellent pre-trip preparation. Narrowing the focus, it’s a good investment to be carrying the infamous chartreuse bunny fly and small dark mayflies. To maximize fishing time, a number of anglers also carry two rods, one with a dry line and another with a sinker.

*“Not everyone who fishes at Sugar Creek catches huge trout. There is some challenge, so there is some* *degree of satisfaction.”* – Mike Fong

The main intent of this report is to talk about how to maximize your chances once you arrive. The tips are pertinent to anyone fishing stillwaters, and are especially key in fishing for large educated trout that have seen a lot of flies.

If there is one mistake I have witnessed often, it is when an angler gets locked into one method of fishing. Success at Sugar Creek Ranch often depends on the ability to change techniques and flies as the conditions, time of day, hatches, and weather change. This requires an attitude of observation and experimentation, and the willingness to change from dry flies to streamers to nymphs as needed. This is challenging fishing at its best.

If the angler is determined to only fish dry, or is locked into a few favorite patterns, success will be elusive if the fish aren’t of the same mind.

Big, brawling trout

The second most common error is for an angler to stand in one spot and beat the water to a froth. Sometimes it is hard to get used to the idea that you are perhaps one of four to six anglers on the entire ranch. The fish gods willing, it would be easy for each angler to have a private pond. With that kind of freedom, it is amazing that anglers will stand in one spot for an hour. After the third cast, every fish in the area knows you are there. To make sure that the element of surprise works in your favor, move and move often.

Some basic tackle advice…observation has shown me that Sugar Creek Ranch fish are very aware of brightly colored flylines, especially on sunny days. Leave the fluorescent lines at home if you can. As far as flies, when in doubt, put on a smaller one! Hooking a 30-inch rainbow on a #22-#24 midge pupa is a common occurrence at the ranch…netting the brute on 6x is another story altogether.

When you arrive at a new pond, drop the fishing rod, find a high vantage point, and just observe the fish for a while. Sugar Creek Ranch rainbows like their other stillwater cousins are very structure oriented. Locate the dropoffs, the ledges, the weedbeds, inlets, outlets, and the fish highways, then place your fly in these prime locations.

"Sugar Creek Ranch rainbows like their other stillwater cousins are very structure oriented"

Fish early in the day and late in the day, especially during the summer. In warm weather stays, I try to be out on the water at first light. It’s cool and refreshing, you are usually the only one fishing, and the fish are definitely working. Action can be hot and heavy for three hours before the sun makes it over the eastern mountains. Once the sun hits the water, the fishing slows and the heat builds.

After a bit more fishing, I head in for lunch, escaping the mid-day summer temperatures with an iced drink at the lodge. Families can pick this time for a scenic drive, a hike at higher elevations along the Pacific Crest Trail, view the Victorian houses in Etna, or take an exciting air tour flown by Sugar Creek Ranch owner Mike Kalpin.

I usually can’t hold myself back and am out there again by 3:30 p.m., though truthfully 4:00 is better and would still give you more than four hours of fishing deep into the evening. And low-light fishing with big, splashy flies such as a cricket, can be breathtaking.

Description of ponds & general fishing in each :

South (Beaver) and North (Twin Deer)
- harbor the ranch’s largest trout. It is critical to fish underwater structure here. Both ponds can be float tubed especially the ranch’s largest North Pond, which in my estimation is best fished in a tube.

Alder – ideal for newcomers and young flyfishers, this ‘beginners’ pond is often the first fished by arriving anglers. It is the most shallow of the ponds, with fish clearly visible to the anglers and anglers to the fish. Casting is a bit of a pain here, but that helps protect the inhabitants. This is a great pond to warm up on, and to test fly patterns (very educational).

Blackberry – this oval shaped pond with a creek inlet can harbor larger fish, is wind-sheltered, and features a nice midge hatch in the evenings.

Cottonwood – difficult, moody. Approach carefully since fish hold very close to the most popular casting point. Distance casters have a clear advantage here.

Tule – easy casting, the largest of the four middle ponds. Good wind shelter.

Lone Bear – currently under development, but already producing big fish. This pond has the potential to become a favorite. Eventually the pond will be enlarged to join the latest excavation to the west.


	Sugar Creek Lodge

Lodging at Sugar Creek
There is a limited variety of lodging options available for fishing Sugar Creek Ranch. The most convenient is the lodge which features six beds in three bedrooms, comfortable living and conversation areas, a fly tying bench, fly bins with recommended flies for purchase, satellite television, and laundry. A barbecue grill and picnic table on the back deck are convenient for evening entertainment.

Meal plans are available for anglers who don’t want to prepare their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen.

Alternative lodging described on the web site includes a motel and B&B in Etna, 10 miles away, and an undeveloped RV camp area adjacent to the South Pond, among others.

The closest restaurant, a local’s favorite featuring well-prepared country-style meals, is Bob’s Ranch House in Etna. A typical dinner entre is around $7.95-$8.95, and portions are generous.

Wildwood Crossing and Coffee at 405 Main Street in Etna offers coffee specialties, sandwiches, salad, and pasta.

The closest grocery store and a gas-convenience store are also in Etna. If you are arriving from Yreka, there is a large grocery store at the Highway 3 exit from I-5, and another market south of Ft. Jones.

If the kids want a fast food fix, there is Dotty's Korner Kitchen for burgers and ice cream at Etna on Highway 3. The Scott Valley Drug & Soda Fountain at 511 Main St. in Etna boasts a real, old-fashioned soda fountain.


	Alder Pond

The most scenic way to reach the ranch is from Weed via the Gazelle-Callahan highway. Click here for map of this route. This road is not advised during the snow season, and even in good weather, the drive time of this sometimes narrow twisting road is only 15 minutes shorter than going the longer way around through Yreka.

Angler day rod fees have remained the same for several years, and are $150 per angler. Angler numbers are limited to 12 daily, but that total is reached only when larger groups book, or during June which is the most popular month. A California fishing license is not required when
fishing the ranch.

Booking a night at the lodge includes a day of fishing, and rates are $200-$250 per person double occupancy. Non-fishing family members
stay for less.

"*Cabin Fever" and August Specials*

Deserving of attention are the ‘Cabin Fever’ and August specials, where the rates are a very inviting $250 pp for two days of fishing and one night of lodging. The time periods vary year to year, but they are usually November-February, and the month of August.

The ranch is not heavily booked in August, and that is a real oversight! Hatches of mayflies and terrestrials are very dependable, the fish are actively feeding in 62 degree water, and the weather at 3000 feet can be much more tolerable than much of California. Again, fish early and late, and take the heat of the day off in comfort. The August special is a real bargain, so you are encouraged to take advantage before Mike Kalpin changes his mind!


Resident Ospreys

Sugar Creek Ranch is open year-round and the ‘offseason’ and the holidays can be personally satisfying times to be both on the water and with your family at the ranch. A real positive is that the lodge feels like the private home it once was, rather than like a commercial lodging unit.

Mike and ranch founder Kal Kalpin are pleasant hosts who have a genuine talent for making people feel at home. What they have accomplished with this private fishery, starting with one pond ten years ago, is nearly beyond belief.

Additional details and photos of Sugar Creek Ranch can be viewed at www.sugarcreekranch.com

Sugar Creek Ranch
Mike Kalpin
mike@sugarcreekranch.com
(530) 467-5213
P.O. Box 1531
Callahan, CA 96014

The Inside Angler’s initial printed report on Sugar Creek Ranch is also helpful, and is part of an exceptional issue featuring major articles by Mike and Christine Fong on western and midwestern Steelheading. Order issue Vol VI Number 6, November 1997.