Brian Clemens - Owner/Guide

About
I was born in Upstate New York, where my father and uncle taught me to conventionally fish for bass, pike, walleye and musky on the lake my grandmother lived on. During the summer, when school was out, I was lucky enough to be able to live up on the lake with her until school started up again. Every day I would be on the water in my old 12ft aluminum boat with a 5hp motor that would get me everywhere I needed to go, I loved it. What more could a young boy ask for?

Later, finding my way into the United States Air Force and being stationed at Beale AFB, CA, I somehow picked up the passion that my late uncle once had, fly fishing. In December '04 my uncle passed away and I decided what better way to carry on his tradition than try fly fishing myself, not knowing what was in store for me. I was fishing the East Carson River one late summer evening and saw a guy fly fishing. Fascinated by his silhouette in the water against the sunset and the perfect casting stroke and tight J loops made by his fly line while casting, I realized then that this is why my uncle loved this sport.

August 15, 2005, I bought my first fly rod from a local sports store, and have been hooked ever since. This is the one thing I was missing. There is something about standing in the middle of a river with water rushing by me, the sound that it makes, the sound of nature, it’s like you are part of it.

There's no technology in the world that can recreate this experience, it's priceless. This is the one place that not only can I be myself, but it’s the one place that I can feel closer to my uncle. Funny how things work into our lives without us knowing what the future may hold. Love you Uncle Bruce.

I take great pride in my fishing, especially fly fishing. I am self taught, from single to two handed casting, mending, dead drifting, swinging, knowledge of equipment, aquatic insects and fly tying, to even reading water. My love for this sport has taken me to waters all over the state, as well as Oregon, Nevada and Upstate New York. During this unforgettable journey, I have had the opportunity to meet a great number of outstanding individuals and fellow anglers, but only a select few can I truly thank for helping me develop the knowledge, skills and experience that I have for this sport. And to be honest, I wouldn't be the fly fisherman, the guide or the man that I am today without their personal advice and guidance. So to those few, I Thank You. Fly fishing for me is my number one passion in life and that's putting it lightly, I would have to say it's more than a passion, it's an addiction and "state of mind". You can call me a fishaholic, or even better a trout bum, or just plan crazy, and I'll just laugh, shake my head and say HELL YAAAAA!!!!

When I'm not guiding, you can usually find me on the water with a rod in my hand and a tight line, hanging out at the local fly shop, Fly Fishing Specialties, where I like to hang out and talk fishin. I also enjoy tying flies old patterns and new, helping others out in the sport, no matter what their experience level may be, camping, hunting and the outdoors, of course fishing and lastly I enjoy meeting new people and learning new tips, techniques as well as the trade to hone my skills as a guide, fly fisherman and as a person. That's why in 2010 I started Nor Cal Fly Guides, a fly fishing guide service, where I guide clients all over Northern California. I absolutely love passing on my knowledge that I have learned and sharing my joy for fly fishing with someone, and the joy they get when they hook their first fish on the fly. It's something that cannot be explained only felt and or witnessed. There's something said about fly fishing, that once you hook your first fish, you are hooked for life. Fly Fish Once, Fly Fish Forever.

-I look forward to our many trips together-
 
License #:
11575
Outfitter
 (12)
We are a team of friendly and knowledgeable fly fishing guides, with a combined 40 years of fly fishing experience, dedicated to making your adventure on the water with us as enjoyable ... moreand informative as possible. We want you to succeed in all of your fishy endeavors, and we will take the time with you to make sure that you have all the techniques and skills necessary to catch fish wherever you go. Float or Walk and wade with us on one of Northern California's finest rivers and streams and we will accommodate our guiding style to meet your needs and abilities. With our extensive fly fishing knowledge and experience on waters all over Northern California, we will guide you on a fly fishing trip you will not soon forget.

NCFG practices catch and release on all boats. We respect the sport of fishing and wish to give all anglers the opportunity to experience the gratification we strive to give each of our clients.
Type:
Fishing
14 reviews   0 comments
Friendly
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Expertise
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Tyson Mantor-Ultimate Guiding Experience
I have fished with many guides; some were horrible, some were fantastic, but none of them provided the experience that Brian provides. Yes- we always catch a lot of fish and yes- I always learn something new, but Brian is the only guide that provides the exact experience that I am looking for. Because Brian is a nice guy that communicates well, he asks the right questions and then listens and adjust ... more his services to make sure that I receive the proper attention ensuring that he meets my expectations. Whether it be a hardcore fishing lesson or a relaxing drift, joking and laughing with a new found fishing buddy, Brian will be and should be the man to turn to.
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Outfitter Review
Great local resource & guide service
Nor Cal Fly Guides have become my go-to resource for many of the rivers within 3-4 hours of SF Bay Area. This is an excellent team of guides that will put you on fish, educate you on the waters and help beginners learn the sport while others seek ways to improve their skills. I thoroughly benefit from and enjoy the fishing report Brian often prepares for his clients and I always catch fish and learn ... more more about the rivers when we are out on our guided trips together.
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Outfitter Review
Numerous trips with Brian
My friends and I have fished with Brian on numerous two day trips on the Trinity and Feather Rivers for Steelhead. Brian has worked hard to get us onto fish and we always did. He searched for river sections that didn't have "boat hatches" and typically we didn't encounter other boats. He has an excellent conservation ethic and is a joy to spend the day on the river. Even on slow days, Brian worked ... more his butt off trying to find fish.
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Outfitter Review
Simply The Best!
I recently booked a full-day trip on the Feather River in Oroville CA with Brian Clemens of NorCal Fly Guides. The experience was astounding. He put my daughter on fish by her third cast and she just continued to hook 'em all day! She brought 7 steelhead to the boat! Hooked twice as many but they were LDR's. No worries though as she was so very excited about it. The trip was her birthday present from ... more Dad and Mom. Brian truly knows where the steelhead live and puts you on them quickly. He provided a delicious river-side lunch, made by his wife with love. Those sandwiches were so delicious! My daughter actually wanted to know exactly what was used to make them. LOL If you're dreaming of hiring a guide so you can finally land a steelhead do not hesitate to contact NorCal Fly Guides. You will NOT regret it. p.s. Don't forget your sunscreen. Ouch!
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Rob
I have known Brian for 10 years now . We first started fishing the Truckee and little Truckee. I have always had fun learning and fishing with him. Our last trip to the Feather we killed it. One of the five steelies over 22-23" . Was a lot of fun. Great drift boat . This guy knows all the great holes riffles and runs . We had nice lunch too
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Outfitter Review
Look no further for a Nor Cal guide!
These guys go above and beyond to make your outing the best it can be. If you're out to hook some fish, they seem to know the best places to be to locate them no matter the session. Their professionalism and respect as their client makes you feel high class and makes for an outing that you just won't forget. Thanks guys! Looking forward to the next trip.
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Outfitter Review
Exceptional guide
Gone out twice with Brian. Both days we landed 20 fish. Both times were on different rivers. This guy can flat out put you on the fish. Great personality and always a good time. Highly recommend.
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Outfitter Review
Brian is the BEST
I have been fishing with Brian for about 5 years. I met him while learning to fly fish, he was my first and last on the water instructor. As is usually the case, "you learn more doing than you do practicing". I booked a trip with Brian and that started a great relationship as both good friends and good fishing partners. As others have said, Brian is a lot fun to fish with, and can definitely put you ... more on the fish. We have fished all but one of the waters Brian guides on, and have never come up with an empty net! I have never been out with a more qualified and patient guide. Sometimes my casting leaves a lot to be desired, but Brian is ever the mentor, if you need it, like I do. Landing the fish is just part of the fun! I would highly recommend novice and expert alike to book a trip with Nor Cal Fly Guides. You won't be disappointed. Dave S.
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Great people, great experience
Brian is a blast to fish with and he knows how to find the fish! I would highly reccomend booking him for a trip if you are in the area. You won't be dissapointed! He knows his rivers and most importantly is a thoughtful and patient teacher. Fishing with him is like fishing with a good buddy.
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Outfitter Review
Extremely impressed with Brian and NorCal...
I can be frank and simple with this review, Brian and NorCal were extremely knowledgeable, professional, and fun to fish with. I am usually a DIY fisherman when I travel, but I am glad that I didn't do that this time. It felt like fishing with a long time friend rather than a guide. As a long time fly fisherman Brian was able to quickly educate me on a fist time steelhead trip. Brian was also able ... more to break some bad, self taught habits and teach me a few new things. The full day float down the Feather River was simply awesome, as we got into several wild steelhead, something this Georgia guy doesn't get to see. I am friends/family with several guides in the Southeast and I can honestly say that Brian would rank among the best in all standards associated within the industry. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Brian and NorCal.
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Don't scroll past this
As a retired guide I could just go fish in my own boat but I keep coming back to NorCal Fly Guides because of the friendliness and knowledge. They are the guys I would fish with on any of my journeys. The boats are clean, the company great. The lunches are thoughtfully prepared and the best part is they are great people. Gear can often be a pain with many guides. It can be beat up, not cleaned, sticky ... more and just plain worn out. Not here. They know what flies are working regardless of flows and weather and we always have a great time.
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Outfitter Review
Fish On!!
I have never had a bad trip out with Brian. We have always caught fish, always had a ton of laughs, and have always came back home with great memories. Brian is a very patient and knowlegable guide (requirement for my skills) who will make sure you have fun and learn something new. Most importantly, the man will put you on the fish. I cannot recommend him enough.
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Committed to a Great Experience
Brian worked hard to get us on the water, at the right time to avoid the crowds. We found that sometimes, on some rivers this is necessary. These are all things that you want from a guide. Someone who knows the water intimately so you don't have to put in the time. Some of us have to work... Above all things he is good with all levels of anglers, even young kids and knows the techniques that make ... more it the easiest and least stressful on them and the whole group. If you're looking for a guide that will adapt to your wants and needs this is the guy for the job. 5+ Stars for boat comfort... Our fault. We put 2 adults and one 6yr old in a drift boat but we where greeted by two seats in the bow. Something you don't see often and after asking Brian this is something he only puts in when he knows the group is larger than the usual two anglers.
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Outfitter Review
WE WERE ON FISH ALL DAY!
I actually got my fill of fishing for once. Brian is an excellent boat captain and has great people skills – he was very respectful, helpful and attentive during the entire trip. The food was great and the fish were gorgeous, Brian emailed me many beautiful photos to memorialize out trip. This was an unbelievable value! Thanks Brian, I am recommending you to all my friends.
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