Here I am tying my go to fly "THE SESPE SPECIAL". It's a modified caddis dry fly that has proven over and over again to be a great fly for catching trout.                          PHOTO BY: Janet Weir

On Matilija and other small streams a 2 weight to 5 weight rod, 6’ to 7’6” is the ticket to deal with the overhanging trees and bushes. The Sespe has few trees and bushes so you can get away using a 8' to 9' rod. You can rent a small rod/reel outfit from me if you don't have one. (See RATES for GUIDING and GEAR) 

Hip waders are a good idea especially when the water is cold.  Some people like to wet wade during the late spring & summer months. I have waders you can rent from me for the day. (See RATES for GUIDING and GEAR) 

On the Sespe,Matilija creek and other small streams the wild rainbow trout that fill these waters can be enticed readily with an attractor pattern. I have a killer fly I created and tie, called the “Sespe Special”. It floats great, is very visible and is just the right size and color that our trout love. You can purchase some from me for $2.00 each which will be the best 2 bucks you'll spend. You can use nymphs but they really aren’t necessary.  At times matching the hatch is needed to catch fish on Piru creek because it is a tailwater fishery (ie. stream flows are regulated from a dam) A few mayfly patterns or caddis patterns should do the trick.

Clothing will differ from season to season,  but an extra pair of socks is always a good idea in case your socks happen to get wet. Before we go out for the day I will email you a list of things to bring and suggest how you should dress.  

I caught this 22" cutthroat trout in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra. It was a hard fighting fish and one of the most beautiful fish I have ever seen.                 PHOTO BY:    Randy Weir