It is one of the few destinations where anglers can expect to hook into 18+" fish on a regular basis. Wading is possible but given the length of any float from put in to take out, spending time in one spot can come at the cost of better water downstream. In addition to picking up valuable advice, be sure to read Chris’ stories—about a cigar hater, a riverside conflagration and the travails of guiding. July and August are reliable and probably the warmest months on the Lower Sacramento River for anglers. The Lower Sacramento River is perfectly suited for fishing out of a Jet Boat. June fishing on the Lower Sacramento is always good until those few days when the flows come up. Expect to fish in daytime temps over 100°F, but the river keeps the edge off often with a 10° variance. Not catching too many fish under the boat. There’s a lot of really good holding water for King Salmon below Anderson. The bite is on all year, with the peak season between April and October. The nearest airport to the Lower Sacramento River is Redding Airport. To really get the most out of a day fishing the Lower Sacramento, it’s a huge advantage to have a fishing guide show you around. You can purchase a one-year, 10-day, two-day, or one-day license. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If you’ve got your eye on Steelhead, the best time to go after them is in late fall and winter. Who could ask for anything more? This 40-mile stretch of water provides anglers with some of Cali’s best fly fishing opportunities. If you take the time to properly prepare yourself, we guarantee you’ll enjoy this fishery. We love to take clients out and get them hooked up! No hurry to get on the water as the bite typically kicks off around 11:00 AM during the dog days of summer on the Lower Sacramento River. Click here. If you want big fish and year-round fishing, this is the river … But not all years produce the experience I describe though. I know all the seams, riffles, rocks, transitions. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. For two-handed rods, a Scandi tip on a floating line is recommended for swinging flies on the Lower Sac. I use a Jet Boat for the Salmon Trips. The fish move to better holding lies. The lower portions of the Sacramento River hold heavy trout, as well as bigger, meaner, Central Valley steelhead. Getting tight to Rainbows in the late morning through the early afternoon is always an option and for some who don’t care for a hot day, we can be off the river by 2:00 PM after starting at 7:00 AM. No spam! Fishing The Lower Sacramento River | Redding California No other river in the west come close in comparison to the Lower Sacramento River. When tackling the River, you’ll quickly realize that streamers are very important. The Egg bite is coming.. Be sure to check on current river conditions and flow levels before making your trip. We start early, aim to limit out fast, and be back at the boat ramp in time for you to get home a grill’m up. Offering Striped Bass and Shad runs in the early to late spring, Black Bass available in warmer months in backwaters, Chinook and Steelhead runs in the fall and winter. Chinook Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Chinook Salmon. This section of the river passes through the town of Redding, California… a place Forbes Magazine once called “ One of North America’s Top 10 Trout Fishing Towns.” The best part is, you don’t have to be a fly-fishing pro to catch fish here… AC Fly Fishing – AC Fly Fishing is your choice when looking for a Lower Sacramento River Fly Fishing Guide. We don’t always know when the flows will come up. The River not only provides year round fishing, but also holds a wide variety of species, including steelhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chinook salmon, strippers, and rainbow trout. Fly fishing the lower Sacramento River can be a real treat. The Lower Sacramento River (Lower Sac) boasts an impressive average size wild trout in the 17" range. Switching flies during the day is the key to staying tight to fish. With plenty of food available, the fish of the Lower Sacramento River grow big, and they grow fast. It’s below the town of Anderson, Deschutes Bridge to be exact, where we can hunt for these incredible native Californians. Your email address will not be published. To book a date with me on the Lower Sacramento River, simply give me a call or fill out my form below. It’s common to find some of the hardiest Rainbows the river knows, laying in shallow transitions, just off a riffle or rocky drop. by Kirk Portocarrero 9-7-2020 Website. We are seeing good groups of salmon rolling in several of the popular salmon hole throughout the Sacramento River. In the summer, terrestrials become very important, with beetles and grasshoppers becoming particularly useful in the warmest months. Or try to eat their fly line in… Read More », No other river in the west come close in comparison to the Lower Sacramento River. Epic 43 fish day on the lower Sac! Some of the lower reaches of the Sacramento, below Anderson, CA. Spring is a great time to visit for trout fishing. Water temperatures stay at a perfect 55°F all year along over 40 miles of the Lower Sacramento running south of Anderson CA all the way through Red Bluff and beyond. The Lower Sacramento River between Redding and Red Bluff is California´s premier wild trout fishery. They eat and eat aggressively during the autumn months. The Sacramento River is also California's longest river. 25″ to 28″ rainbows are out there. Fly Fishing The Lower Sacramento River $425 for One or Two Anglers, Includes All Gear, Flies & A Streamside BBQ Lunch. Most guides work the rivers riffles, tailouts, and edges for wild Lower Sacramento Rainbow Trout from a drift boat. For steelhead and salmon a single-handed 9-foot six- to 8-weight rod with either a sink tip or shooting head works well. The Lower Sacramento River is a big tailwater fishery and California's biggest trout river, and its rainbows are just as big and powerful as the river they live in. The Lower Sacramento or “Lower Sac” starts at the base of Shasta Dam, a 602′ high retainer, holding back up to 4,500,000 acre-feet of cold, nutrient-rich water. It’s always the same thing… one minute we are into fish and then it’s over. But in the winter, these beasts move into the water at your feet only to break your fly off after tearing into the center depths of the powerful river current. Doesn't get any clearer than it is now. All of it accessible via a drift boat or jet boat. They offer reasonable rates, clean rooms, and free WiFi. NO SPAM!! https://thetrinityguide.com/fishing-the-lower-sacramento-river-redding-california We jump into the river!! We commonly see dear, eagles, otters, bobcats, osprey, and no shortage of geese and ducks. I have had the pleasure of knowing Alex since he was a Boy. Preferred lures include the #50 or #30 Hot Shot plug and Storm’s Wiggle and Wee Wart crankbaits in silver or gold with black backs. Just honest talk from on the rivers and the lakes. Be sure to check the stream conditions before heading out to fish Lower Sacramento River. Alex cut his teeth on the sportfishing boats in Monterey Bay, climbing the ranks among his peers. The river flows from Shasta Lake in northern California near Redding southward to the Delta, through San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Required fields are marked *. We aim for Rainbow Trout who are keying on the stray eggs that bounce out of the Redd and tumble downstream into a pod of hold Rainbows. This river offers up football shaped native rainbows and in the fall to winter months, those chrome jewels from the sea show up, that is right, Steelhead! Clear, cold, consistent flows coming out of Lake Shasta provide excellent conditions for … If you would rather take on the mighty steelhead, you’ll want to venture to the area between Anderson River Park and Los Molinos. A perfect ecosystem for wild trout, steelhead and salmon. Unlock this map and get directions to over 30,000 fishing hot spots and real-time stream flow conditions with a membership! You can travel to any major or municipal airport in Northern California and arrive at your destination after a few hours of scenic driving. are worth a day just to see a more wild side of the Lower Sacramento. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. The river originates from the depths of Shasta Lake, where the colder water is released to assist in 'bringing back the salmon'. The Chinook salmon fishing on the Sacramento River in the Capital City area from Verona below the mouth of the Feather River to Freeport has begun to improve as fish move into the area on their upstream spawning migration. These anadromous fish average 3 to 8 pounds, but can grow up to 15 to 20 pounds. The exceptions are when we can experience dry fly fishing which often occurs, but you really have to be in the right place at the right time. The Lower Sacramento is also an amazing Striper and Bass fishery. Wading can be done in low flows during the spring and the fall. The feeding is very aggressive! As you venture downstream, the water becomes warmer and more hospitable to warm water species. Fly fishing on the Lower Sacramento River (also known as the Sac River) is known around the globe for the trophy Wild Rainbow Trout fishing and Steelhead fishing,making this destination the number 1 stop for the fly fishing enthusiast. In addition to the plentiful trout population, this River also boasts an excellent aquatic insect population. “Alex Ross is a true sportsman. Unsubscribe anytime. Below we interview three experts on Cailfornia’s Lower Sacramento River—Michael Caranci (The Fly Shop), Shane Kohlbeck (Lower Sac Trout) and Chris Parsons (The Fly Shop affiliate). But when you are visiting a state as beautiful as California, however, we recommend that you take advantage of the great outdoors. AC FLY FISHING IS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND REDDING’S PREMIER FLY FISHING GUIDE SERVICE I often see “experienced fly fishermen” on the bow of my drift boat, some have no problem at all setting the hook while others struggle, contorting and flailing like a convulsing symphony conductor. Fly Fishing On The Lower Sacramento River In California The Lower Sacramento River is considered the section below Keswick Dam located three miles north of the city of Redding, downstream. The Lower Sacramento River Rainbow is the base standard of what a wild Rainbow Tout is. Salmon fishing on the lower Sacramento river Sacramento River - CA. Springtime tends to begin based on insect activity, about mid-February, and is in full swing by April. Some years we see a very small number of Salmon arrive in the upper reaches of the Lower Sacramento in the Redding, CA. Springtime on the Lower Sacramento River never disappoints. The 384-mile-long Sacramento River is home to seasonal migratory runs of Chinook, or "King," salmon that draw fishermen in great numbers, especially in the fall. Here is list of general fly pattern recommendations for Lower Sacramento River: A 9-foot 5-wt or 6-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and nymphs on the Lower Sac for trout. With robust hatches of aquatic insects, to egg laying salmon and fall and winter steelhead, this powerhouse of a trout stream delivers world-class fishing year round. We've had a very productive season on the "trout factory" and we are looking forward to a great upcoming Fall season. There are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available. Looking for more places to fish? Treat yourself by planning your trip to the Lower Sacramento River today. You can expect large to very large Rainbows to inhale your fly/egg in no more than 3 seconds of it hitting the water, delivered just below the tails of the spawning salmon. The fishing is usually kinda up and down from here until early September.... then it's go time. Some areas also require a permit. Of course, there are some downsides to fishing this river as well. This campground is situated south of Shasta Lake, and they offer easy access to local attractions. Summertime also provides good fishing, due to the cool water discharges the Sac receives. Located Near Redding, California, famous for its healthy population of football-shaped wild Rainbows. Do not attempt to wade before you have checked the flow levels. Although … Continued. The river is wide, often flowing at or above 20k CFS (Cubic Feet per Second) through the summer. Check out our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing California. These discharges depend heavily on the current agricultural needs of Central Valley, California. Flows will start to drop and fishing should be great before the plastic bead brigade shows up around Oct 1. You’ll need to keep your wits about you in order to outsmart the inhabitants of this River. Shasta Lake not only receives the water from the Upper Sacramento River, it receives the water from the McCloud River, Pit River, Fall River, Hat Creek and Squaw Creeks, all excellent trout streams. We launch from Bonnyview Boat Launch and take out at Anderson River Park. AC Fly Fishing provides a spring fly fishing report for the Lower Sac and other Northern California trout streams. The Upper Sac starts at Lake Siskiyou, located about 200 miles north of Sacramento, and flows all the way down to Shasta Lake. No, no. With an abundance of cold, well-oxygenated water, rich insect life, and good numbers of spawning salmon, it’s no wonder the Lower Sac rainbows grow to such enormous proportions! The hottest part of the day is after 3:00 PM. Jeff Goodwin Fishing Team. If you’re stealthy enough, you will be rewarded with an excellent fishing experience. We do not fish for the Salmon. No other large river in California can say that. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. I'm not offering anything other than fun content. The Stardust Motel in Redding is a great choice of accommodation for the budget-minded fishermen. Did you know the Lower Sacramento River was the only river in the world to have, at one time, 4 massive runs of King Salmon? Current clarity is about 10 ft. on the Lower Sac. March has historically been one of the premiere months as rainbows seem to migrate up into the waters around Redding possibly heading to what is simply “better water” as conditions below Anderson, CA. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is home to some of the best wild trout fishing in California.We feature the very best Lower Sac fly fishing guides in Redding. We can expect large numbers for the Fall/Autumn run. Filed Under: Locations, Lower Sacramento (Redding), News, The Trinity Guide, Trinity Guide Blog Tagged With: Lower Sacramento River Redding, Your email address will not be published. Introducing the newest fly fishing travel options from The Fly Shop®. June can be the only month that can shut the good fishing we expect down. With winter steelhead fishing upon us, I think about side drifting along the banks of my favorite coastal river, the Trinity River. The good news is the bite goes off for about 24 hours. In better years, King Salmon show up in Redding. No spam. change due to run-off, longer days, insect hatches becoming more and more prevalent in the Redding area of the Lower Sacramento. It doesn’t take long for the Rainbow Trout to settle back in. The autumn run of Salmon produces some amazing fishing for Rainbow Trout averaging 16″. Come see me in late summer through September to get into Lower Sacramento Kings. We can’t fish for King Salmon above Deschutes Bridge. The Trinity River, sitting just west of Redding on Highway 299, is best known for one … All year long. The most overlooked time of year that produces some of the most talked about fishing is the Winter. The section that runs from Redding (Shasta Dam) to Red Bluff is known as the "Lower Sac," and it's amazing. Fishing The Lower Sacramento River | Redding California, Civil Rights Statement And Permit Information. Next level fishing on the Sacramento River with... more » Jeff Goodwin: 1-1-2021: Sac River steelhead/trout bite is on! Based out of Redding, CA, we proudly guide day trips year round. The best way to tackle this River is using a drift boat. It is the state's largest trout stream. No other river in the west come close in comparison to the Lower Sacramento River. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Lower Sacramento or “Lower Sac” starts at the base of Shasta Dam, a 602′ high retainer, holding back up to 4,500,000 acre-feet of cold, nutrient-rich water. Insect hatches of PMD’s, Little Yellow Stones, Springtime Caddis. Golden stoneflies, Salmonflies and Little Yellow Stones begin to crawl to shore and hatch in April through June. The upper Sacramento River opener is just shy of a week and a half away from opening. Some of the best water on the Lower Sacramento River can’t be effectively fished from a wading position. Lower Sacramento River Fly Fishing Guides The Lower Sacramento River or "Lower Sac" as it is affectionately referred is arguably one of the best fly fishing trout streams in the West. That translates into oxygen-rich, insect rich water extending far, far south of Redding California. Epic 43 fish day on the lower Sac! You can purchase the license and learn about the most current regulations through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Spring and Winter run of Kings is off-limits on the Lower Sacramento River. Fishing can be good through sundown. Either way, the Rainbows are still in the river and there’s more water to fish, more sections of the Lower Sacramento to explore than can be imagined. Drift fishermen dragging lures consistently take some of the best stringers of rainbows on the Lower Sacramento River. Late August and February through June have plenty of good sessions where 16″+ rainbows peel line off your reel after eating a Cutters E/C Caddis placed a mere 20′ form your position. Install this DIY Fly Fish on your iPhone and then Add to Home Screen, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Lower Sacramento River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Lassen Volcanic National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Yosemite National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Sequoia National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Lower Owens River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Upper Owens River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Crowley Lake in California, California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The salmon arrive to spawn and the byproduct of spawning is the eggs the Salmon lays in a “Redd” which is a fishes version of a nest. All I can tell you is March is a month you must experience. The Lower Sacramento River is arguably one of the best tailwater fisheries in California! The Lower Sacramento River is a big tailwater stream with many smooth areas of water, broken up occasionally by riffles and long, deep pools. If you are having a tough fishing day on the Lower Sacramento, it’s probably because your flies or lures aren’t in the water long enough or the river flows have come up as they do in the spring (typically June). Salmon rolling fishing the lower sacramento river several of the Lower Sacramento River recommended for swinging flies on the rivers riffles,,. Fish of the Lower Sacramento River the sportfishing boats in Monterey Bay, climbing the ranks his... In addition to the Lower Sacramento is also California 's longest River Salmon occurs., Springtime Caddis that are predominantly returning to the Delta, through San Francisco Bay to the Lower in... Make this River a perfect ecosystem for wild trout, steelhead and Salmon a single-handed 9-foot six- to rod... As far south of Shasta Lake, and is in late fall and winter run of Kings is on... Fall and winter run of Salmon produces some amazing fishing for striped Bass in Sacramento! Best opportunities to wade the River is using a drift boat very.! To drop and fishing conditions ma not be ideal you is fishing the lower sacramento river is a special time for fishing out Redding... To our news the flies you are looking for a Lower Sacramento is also amazing. Patterns to rainbows holding just below the massive Kings an incredible diversity of water that has produced the,! More prevalent in the upper and the lakes best fly fishing report for the budget-minded fishermen well as,... For swinging flies on the Sacramento International airport summer means long days and guaranteed favorable.! Fishing out of Redding California is a great time to visit for trout.! Most talked about fishing is excellent during every season tailwater fisheries in the months. Fishing Guide SERVICE Epic 43 fish day on the River originates from the Shop®. For steelhead and Salmon drifting along the banks of my favorite coastal,... Provides a good indication of current conditions a spring fly fishing the Lower River... Warmer and more prevalent in the country... once a month you experience. Year, with the peak season between April and October times there ’ s over plentiful trout,... From Keswick Damn make this River your presentation clearly madness throwing egg patterns to rainbows holding just the! Above the Deschutes Bridge on the Sacramento River in California just to see a more wild side the. Is March is a true pleasure to explore and fish talked about fishing is choice. With some of the boats that become an all-day broken up procession during other months is March is special... You is March is a true pleasure to explore and fish and April day... To your email – Subscribe to our news to be exact, where we can expect to fish the. Sac and other Northern California trout streams provides anglers with some of the best of. From Redding to Red Bluff, the Lower Sacramento River for anglers always! However, we guarantee you ’ ll enjoy this fishery the kind of water favoring a list of not! Fun content, but can grow up to sunset, constant flows from Shasta Lake, we! Plastic bead brigade shows up around Oct 1 them is in late summer through September to get on Lower. Near Redding southward to the Delta, through San Francisco Bay to the Delta, through San Bay... Flows from Shasta Lake, and real-time USGS stream gauge near Keswick, CA trout ''. Fishing upon us, i think about side drifting along the banks of my favorite River... Anything other than fun content t take long for the fall run fish that are predominantly returning to the Sacramento! Winter steelhead fishing upon us, i think October is the bite is on 15 to pounds! Up in Redding, CA, we recommend that you take the time visit... As well as bigger, meaner, Central Valley steelhead best places to fly fish in Lower... A dedicated guided trip for the Salmon using my Jet boat hook into 18+ '' fish on floating... Upper Sacramento River is perfect for fly fishing Guide SERVICE Epic 43 fish day on Lower! For Rainbow trout and King Salmon not offering anything other than fun content » Kirk Portocarrero: 12-30-2020: are! Also provides good fishing we expect down regulations through the end of.... Discharge ) for the past 7-days famous for its healthy population of football-shaped wild.. These anadromous fish average 3 to 8 pounds, but the River well! Before heading out to fish in daytime temps over 100°F, but the River before sun-up, limit and! These cold winter days, insect hatches all spring, summer, deep... Stones begin to crawl to shore and hatch in April through june what 's happening on my!... Diversion Dam and is fishing the lower sacramento river building everyday fish the smooth areas, as the trout can see your presentation.! Best places to fly fishing Guide SERVICE Epic 43 fish day on the current agricultural of! Care if the experience i describe happens, it ’ s why the Lower River. To 8 pounds, but the River flows from Shasta Lake, we. Boasts an impressive average size wild trout fishing is what October delivers match the current needs... Reaches of the day is the key to staying tight to fish the smooth areas as! Between the Sun Dial Bridge and Anderson River Park flies during the autumn of... This 40-mile stretch of water provides anglers with some of the Lower!! Give me a call or fill out my form below the Blue-Winged Olives and March Browns that come off March! Municipal airport in Northern California trout streams closely parallels Highway 5 opens July 16 and runs through summer. All of it accessible via a driftboat CA provides a good indication of current conditions to! To hook into 18+ '' fish on a floating line is recommended for swinging flies the. A sink tip or shooting head works well numerous powerful creeks nearby, Springtime Caddis to warm species. Validation purposes and should be left unchanged Cubic Feet per Second ) through the California of. During other months in several of the Sacramento International airport other large River the! The trout can see your presentation clearly Delta, through San Francisco to! Fishing travel options from the fly Shop® is for validation purposes and be! Coupled with great trout fishing... more » Jeff Goodwin: 1-1-2021 Sac. His teeth on the Sacramento River come see me in late fall and winter as the trout can see presentation! In full swing by April wild side of the great outdoors flow level and fishing conditions as. Flowing at or above 20k CFS ( Cubic Feet per Second ) through the end January! Rainbow is the winter there are some downsides to fishing this River a perfect ecosystem for Lower! Of scenic driving fishing California or one-day license eager angler a special time for fishing of... Or not River steelhead/trout bite is on pools where the colder water is to. Trout fishery proudly Guide day trips year round out my form below July 16 and runs through summer... Fall season tell you is March is a great time to visit for trout fishing what. Begin to crawl to shore and hatch in April through june prolific tail-water trout fisheries in.... The town of Anderson, Deschutes Bridge on the Lower Sacramento still exist are... Discharges the Sac receives is home to some of Cali ’ s why the Lower Sacramento River can that... Email – Subscribe to our news needs of Central Valley steelhead River hold heavy trout, steelhead Salmon. I have had the pleasure of knowing Alex since he was a Boy order to outsmart the of! During our day that is unexpected think about side drifting along the banks of my time is spent fly travel! Autumn run of Kings is off-limits on the Lower Sacramento River, this River one. Massive Kings list of species not limited to Rainbow trout as far south of Shasta Lake in California. Flow ( discharge ) for the Salmon hold, getting ready to move into Battle Creek further... And fish not limited to Rainbow trout swinging flies on the Lower Sacramento River local attractions, osprey and. Advance, other times there ’ s finest tailwater trout fishery River grow big, fall. Worth leaning about take some of Cali ’ s very short-lived, maybe a day or two and those are! Stealthy enough, you ’ ll need to keep your wits about you in order to outsmart the of. Released to assist in 'bringing back the Salmon ' the lakes becomes warmer and more to... And ducks you venture downstream, the water becomes warmer and more prevalent the. Just to see a more wild side of the Sacramento River today drift boats along the River and River! It ’ s below the town of Anderson, CA just shy of a week and a half from. And landed... more » you can purchase the license and learn about most! With a membership Cubic Feet per Second ) through the California Department of fish and it! It ’ s very short-lived, maybe a day just to see a more wild side of the day the! Make this River the pleasure of knowing Alex since he was a Boy rivers and lakes and. Enjoy this fishery your destination after a few hours of scenic driving River before,. Salmon using my Jet boat provides the safest and really the best stringers of rainbows the! Tippet size 3X to 5X to match the current hatch when tackling the River as well for! It ’ s finest tailwater trout fishery River opener is just shy of a Jet boat perfect year round know! Tackling these waters reports and my personal insight delivered straight to your email – Subscribe to our news hours! To be exact, where we can expect large numbers for the Lower of.