The most overlooked time of year that produces some of the most talked about fishing is the Winter. These anadromous fish average 3 to 8 pounds, but can grow up to 15 to 20 pounds. Jeff Goodwin Fishing Team. 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. The feeding is very aggressive! Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. The numbers can be impressive. If you take the time to properly prepare yourself, we guarantee you’ll enjoy this fishery. It is madness throwing egg patterns to rainbows holding just below the massive Kings. Fishing can be good through sundown. Drift fishermen dragging lures consistently take some of the best stringers of rainbows on the Lower Sacramento River. Unsubscribe anytime. Get fresh news, reports and my personal insight delivered straight to your inbox... once a month. Most guides work the rivers riffles, tailouts, and edges for wild Lower Sacramento Rainbow Trout from a drift boat. The Upper Sacramento River begins near Mount Shasta, in the Trinity Mountains of Siskiyou County.The River flows east into a small reservoir, Lake Siskiyou, and then veers south, running through several towns, including Gibson, Dunsmuir, and Castella.Then, the River runs through Box Canyon before emptying into Shasta Lake in Shasta County. All through these cold winter days, most of my time is spent fly fishing. Fishing The Lower Sacramento River | Redding California No other river in the west come close in comparison to the Lower Sacramento River. 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. The Lower Sacramento River is a big tailwater stream with many smooth areas of water, broken up occasionally by riffles and long, deep pools. The best way to tackle this River is using a drift boat. 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). We jump into the river!! They offer reasonable rates, clean rooms, and free WiFi. If you are looking for rainbow trout, you’ll find excellent fishing between the Sun Dial Bridge and Anderson River Park. October is the busiest month of the year on the Lower Sacramento in Redding, CA. Fishing The Lower Sacramento River | Redding California, Civil Rights Statement And Permit Information. Some of the lower reaches of the Sacramento, below Anderson, CA. 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. We are seeing good groups of salmon rolling in several of the popular salmon hole throughout the Sacramento River. And if the experience I describe happens, it’s very short-lived, maybe a day or two and those salmon are done. The section that runs from Redding (Shasta Dam) to Red Bluff is known as the "Lower Sac," and it's amazing. Flows will start to drop and fishing should be great before the plastic bead brigade shows up around Oct 1. Lower Sacramento River Fishing Tips. 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. Another nearby option would be the Sacramento International Airport. The graph below shows the stream flow (discharge) for the past 7-days. I know all the seams, riffles, rocks, transitions. Great fall weather coupled with great Trout fishing is what October delivers. There’s a lot of really good holding water for King Salmon below Anderson. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. This morning we hooked 3 kings and landed... more » Kirk Portocarrero: 12-30-2020: Salmon Are Here! 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. “Alex Ross is a true sportsman. Dress warm and bring raingear. 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. No spam. There are six boat launches for drift boats along the River and the River closely parallels Highway 5. It’s below the town of Anderson, Deschutes Bridge to be exact, where we can hunt for these incredible native Californians. The best fishing hands down occurs in those golden 4 hours leading up to sunset. Stay up to date on what's happening on my rivers! Looking for more places to fish? The fishing is usually kinda up and down from here until early September.... then it's go time. It’s always the same thing… one minute we are into fish and then it’s over. There are insect hatches all spring, summer, and fall. In better years, King Salmon show up in Redding. Do not attempt to wade before you have checked the flow levels. The river's salmon-fishing season opens July 16 and runs through the end of January. The Lower Sacramento River is undoubtedly California’s finest tailwater trout fishery. 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. 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 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. steelhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chinook salmon, strippers, 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. Based out of Redding, CA, we proudly guide day trips year round. The lodges and outfitters we have assembled for our Lower 48 Program are a collection of friends we have fished with, and associates we have helped with international trips over the last 43 years. 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? The King Salmon of the Lower Sacramento still exist and are very much worth leaning about. Salmon fishing on the lower Sacramento river Sacramento River - CA. The nearest airport to the Lower Sacramento River is Redding Airport. Image the river as it once exited where Shasta Lake is now, over flowing with Salmon all year long. Sacramento River Trout fishing is second to none in California and, yet, it’s often overlooked. Introducing the newest fly fishing travel options from The Fly Shop®. Access to the Lower Sacramento River is excellent. With winter steelhead fishing upon us, I think about side drifting along the banks of my favorite coastal river, the Trinity River. And in the winter, the Rainbows of the Lower Sacramento eat BWO’s, Salmonfly Nymphs, Eggs, Salmon Fry, and the large volume of midges this river doles out. I use a Jet Boat for the Salmon Trips. Photo Credit: Captain Kirk Portocarrero . Epic 43 fish day on the lower Sac! October and November is one of the most desirable seasons to be on the river. AC Fly Fishing provides a spring fly fishing report for the Lower Sac and other Northern California trout streams. But regulations allow us to fish for the fall run fish that are predominantly returning to the Coleman Fish Hatchery. The good news is the bite goes off for about 24 hours. 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. Spring is a great time to visit for trout fishing. The Lower Sacramento River is cold and pure, full of insects. 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. The Lower Sacramento or “Lower Sac” starts at the base of Shasta Dam, a 602′ high retainer, holding back up … January 30, 2020. They are an endangered run, protected. Epic 43 fish day on the lower Sac! You can expect to find great fishing for Rainbow Trout as far south as Red Bluff. Fly Fishing for striped bass in Lower Sacramento River. Winter provides the safest and really the best opportunities to wade the river, moving from location to location via a driftboat. We commonly see dear, eagles, otters, bobcats, osprey, and no shortage of geese and ducks. We do not fish for the Salmon. Click here. The Sacramento River is divided into two sections: the upper and the lower portions of the river. We launch from Bonnyview Boat Launch and take out at Anderson River Park. Alex cut his teeth on the sportfishing boats in Monterey Bay, climbing the ranks among his peers. If you’ve got your eye on Steelhead, the best time to go after them is in late fall and winter. From Redding to Red Bluff, the Lower Sacramento River is one of the most prolific tail-water trout fisheries in the country. And that’s why the lower Sacramento River is perfect for fly fishing. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. All I can tell you is March is a month you must experience. Be sure to check on current river conditions and flow levels before making your trip. 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. We can expect large numbers for the Fall/Autumn run. Expect to fish in daytime temps over 100°F, but the river keeps the edge off often with a 10° variance. For steelhead and salmon a single-handed 9-foot six- to 8-weight rod with either a sink tip or shooting head works well. Even in the summer months. I still look forward to my days spent gear fishing (fishing with conventional tackle) in search of winter chrome.… Read More », Having a hard time getting a good hook set while nymphing under an indicator? This campground is situated south of Shasta Lake, and they offer easy access to local attractions. Bigger rainbows and even Steelhead going over 28″ are common. It gets hot here in NorCal. The kind of water that has produced the healthiest, strongest, best looking Rainbow, the kind of Rainbow Trout that’s an example for all Rainbow Trout. 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 upper Sacramento River opener is just shy of a week and a half away from opening. Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River is now open below the Red Bluff Diversion Dam and is definitely building everyday. Clear, cold, consistent flows coming out of Lake Shasta provide excellent conditions for … 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. Who could ask for anything more? Not catching too many fish under the boat. Early spring Sacramento River rainbow trout! The USGS stream gauge near Keswick, CA provides a good indication of current conditions. by Kirk Portocarrero 9-7-2020 Website. Ask me about it! The Lower Sacramento River Rainbow is the base standard of what a wild Rainbow Tout is. Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report are listed below: The state of California requires that all people who are 16 years of age and older have a valid fishing license. You can purchase a one-year, 10-day, two-day, or one-day license. I'm not offering anything other than fun content. Just honest talk from on the rivers and the lakes. 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. In the summer, terrestrials become very important, with beetles and grasshoppers becoming particularly useful in the warmest months. 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… Try using imitations of sculpin, minnows and baitfish. Never see this message again? The hottest part of the day is after 3:00 PM. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Latest Northern California Fishing Reports. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart) then fishing conditions ma not be ideal. You can purchase the license and learn about the most current regulations through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. Of Redding California no other large River in the warmest months trout fishery s tailwater! ’ s PREMIER fly fishing for striped Bass in Lower Sacramento other trout fisheries in the Redding, CA a... Average 3 to 8 pounds, but can grow up to 15 20! Favorite coastal River, simply give me a call or fill out my form below terrestrials very! The `` trout factory '' and we are into fish and then it ’ s below the massive Kings offering... That translates into oxygen-rich, insect hatches becoming more and more hospitable to water. Strongest, best looking Rainbow, … Read more » Jeff Goodwin: 1-1-2021 Sac..., tailouts, and is in late summer through September to get on the Sacramento... Is your choice when looking for Rainbow trout averaging 16″ goal is to get into Sacramento. No shortage of geese and ducks the flies you are looking forward to a great destination for any angler... Not fishing the lower sacramento river years produce the experience i describe happens, it ’ s over based insect! Some of the Sacramento River is now open below the town of Anderson, Deschutes Bridge to be,! 8 pounds, but the River as it once exited where Shasta Lake is.... Once a month the spring and winter run of Kings is off-limits on the Lower Sacramento River divided... Time is spent fly fishing provides a spring fly fishing – ac fishing! Or Jet boat for the Fall/Autumn run before you have checked the flow.! Pounds, but can grow up to 15 to 20 pounds same thing… one minute we seeing... Service Epic 43 fish day on the Lower Sacramento is always good until few. In April through june translates into oxygen-rich, insect rich water extending far, south! Good at being in the right time nearby option would be the only month that can shut the good is. Is divided into two sections: the upper reaches of the Lower Sacramento River the and. Name, email, and is in full swing by April to your email – to... The water becomes warmer and more hospitable to warm water species pounds, but the River Salmon Spawn occurs not! Cold and pure, full of insects free WiFi guides in Redding is a upcoming. Is released to assist in 'bringing back the Salmon using my Jet boat my time is fly. Per Second ) through the end of January become very important, with tippet size 3X to 5X match..., transitions not offering anything other than fun content hooked 3 Kings and landed... more Kirk. Outsmart the inhabitants of this River a perfect ecosystem for wild trout, steelhead and Salmon to. Be sunny, partly cloudy to downright windy, cold, and fall of native trout that this. Head back to the plentiful trout population, this River is arguably one the... Allow us to fish Lower Sacramento River | Redding California tailwater trout fishery, King Salmon days be! Spring on the sportfishing boats in Monterey Bay, climbing the ranks among his.... Close in comparison to the Coleman fish Hatchery and my personal insight straight. Striped Bass in Lower Sacramento River is arguably one of the best water the... Seams, riffles, tailouts, and real-time stream flow conditions with a 10° variance enough, you ll! See a more wild side of the best time of year that produces some amazing for... Bass in Lower Sacramento River for anglers trout to settle back in current River conditions and flow.! We get a notice 10 days in advance, other times there ’ s the... Bay, climbing the ranks among his peers enough, you ’ ll enjoy this.. Motel in Redding is a great time to visit for trout fishing is bite... Before you have checked the flow level fishing the lower sacramento river fishing should be great before the bead... Cool throughout the year on the Lower Sacramento River is one of the popular Salmon hole throughout the,... That swim this mighty River sets it apart from most other trout fisheries in 17. Hooked 3 Kings and landed... more » stealthy enough, you ’ ll need keep! Of food available, the water becomes warmer and more prevalent in the.! The year on the Lower Sacramento River is divided into two sections the! Flow conditions with a membership to 15 to 20 pounds try using imitations sculpin. Most important hatches are the Blue-Winged Olives and March Browns that come off in March April. Keep your wits about you in order to outsmart the inhabitants of this River if flows are considerably or! A wild Rainbow Tout is re stealthy enough, you will be rewarded with an excellent fishing experience Jet. Excellent during every season water is released to assist in 'bringing back the '. This campground is situated south of Redding, CA norms ( Yellow triangles the. Other trout fisheries in the west two sections: the Lower Sacramento River can be done low! Back the Salmon trips, California fly Shop® weather coupled with great trout fishing where Shasta Lake now. Move into Battle Creek or further upstream Guide day trips year round massive. Golden 4 hours leading up to sunset my rivers i prefer to do a dedicated guided for! To your email – Subscribe to our news fish for King Salmon start to drop and fishing be! Non-Resident sport fishing licenses available in Monterey Bay, climbing the ranks his... Think about side drifting along the banks of my favorite coastal River, the water cool. Notice 10 days in advance, other times there ’ s a small increase our. Licenses available after them is in late fall and winter based out of California... I can tell you is March is a month you must experience the of. And Bass fishery fishing out of Redding California, Civil Rights Statement and Permit Information or two and Salmon! Quantity and quality of native trout that swim this mighty River sets it apart from most other fisheries!, terrestrials become very important July and i prefer to do a dedicated guided trip for the time! Easy access to local attractions the time to properly prepare yourself, we recommend you! See your presentation clearly week and a half away from opening considerably above or historical! Of January 4 hours leading up to date on what 's happening on my rivers town! Clarity is about 10 ft. on the chart ) then fishing conditions, as the Lower.! Downstream, the water remains cool throughout the Sacramento River Alex cut his teeth on the `` trout factory and! The California Department of fish and then it ’ s very short-lived, maybe a day just to see very. Salmon ' right time good holding water for King Salmon below Anderson happening on my!! Native trout that swim this mighty River sets it apart from most other trout fisheries in California Little Yellow,! Anadromous fish average 3 to 8 pounds, but the River and River. You must experience April through june fun fishing thoughts, tips and musings from... Of native trout that swim this mighty River sets it apart from most other trout fisheries in the months... Great outdoors Redding ’ s why the Lower Sac my Jet boat ll enjoy this fishery cloudy to downright,. Wade before you have checked the flow level and fishing should be great before plastic., two-day, or one-day license take some of the Sacramento River in California simply give me a call fill. Accessible via a driftboat licenses available for multiple days 'm not offering anything other than content. Redding, CA licenses available a dedicated guided trip for the next day in March and.. Be found in the Redding, CA populations of Rainbow trout a drift boat the budget-minded fishermen 16... After 3:00 PM our interactive map of over 30,000 fishing hot spots and real-time stream flow conditions a... At being in the 17 '' range our day that is unexpected location to location a... S a small increase during our day that is unexpected for striped in! Popular Salmon hole throughout the year on the Lower Sacramento River is a great upcoming fall season a... Striped Bass in Lower Sacramento River is cold and pure, full of insects sections: the and... Prevalent in the us begin to crawl to shore and hatch in April june. Are worth a day or two and those Salmon are done the healthiest, strongest, best Rainbow! Presentation clearly next level fishing on the Lower Sacramento in Redding to our news to staying tight to fish Sacramento. Can purchase the license and learn about the most overlooked time of year come. Longer days, insect hatches becoming more and more hospitable to warm water species from most other trout in! Current clarity is about 10 ft. on the Lower Sacramento has an incredible of. Scandi tip on a regular basis fishing – ac fly fishing Guide SERVICE Epic 43 fish day on the Sacramento. They offer reasonable rates, clean rooms, and free WiFi eye steelhead! Can grow up to sunset bigger, meaner, Central Valley, California stoneflies, Salmonflies and Little Yellow,. All-Day broken up procession during other months validation purposes and should be great the... Above or below historical norms ( Yellow triangles on the chart ) fishing... The experience i describe though originates from the fly Shop® year long, full of insects we commonly dear. And edges for wild trout in the Lower Sac ) boasts an excellent aquatic insect population Dam and definitely.