Flies First Guide Service

Flies First Guide Service

Rickey(Noel)Mitchell

Fly Fishing Central Valley Lakes - Kayak Adventures
Phone: Toll free 888-255-9580
e-mail: rickymitchell@attbi.com
2807 N. Thorne Ave.
Fresno, CA 93704

Cast Flies for Striped bass, American Shad, Largemouth bass, Spotted Bass, Brown trout, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill and Crappie

My name is Rickey (Noel) Mitchell. I’m the owner of Flies First, Fly Fishing Kayak Adventures. My business has evolved from the combining of two loves, fly fishing and kayaking. I’ve been a fly fishing and fly tying Instructor and guide, as well a commercial fly tier for seven years. My fly boxes are filled with everything from a size 18 San Joaquin Blue Wing Olive for the San Joaquin River trout, to a size 3/0 lake Millerton America shad which the lake’s stripers feed on. I provide both kayak and canoes trips.

Millerton Lake & San Joaquin River

Millerton Lake offers good fly fishing for striped bass. The lake record is fifty-five pounds. There are also Spotted bass and American Shad. During spawning time I’ve seen schools of America Shad consisting of a 100 fish or more. My home water is Millerton lake and the upper San Joaquin River that flows into it, from the canyon above, to the river below the dam. These waters have numerous hatches from Caddis flies to may flies such as Blue Wing Olives and even a Hexagenia Hatch that must be seen to be believed. They provide excellent fly-fishing ,kayaking and canoeing . This central valley reservoir, not far from Fresno is a real sleeper with regard to its striper and shad fisheries.

Eastman Lake
Thirty miles from Millerton is Eastman Lake. Eastman Lake is a trophy bass Lake and world record large mouth bass are swimming in it- waiting for your fly.

Shaver, Huntington, Whishon and Courtright Lakes: These beautiful lakes, only a hour drive up highway 168 from the Fresno area, offer superb kayaking and fly-fishing for both rainbow and brown trout.

Guide service fees

The fee for lake trips is $200 per person, river trips are $225 per person. The price of a trip includes tackle, a fully rigged kayak and lunch. Of course you may use your own tackle. Please call the number above to book a trip or for more information.