Lower Sacramento River Fly Fishing Guide

Why is the Lower Sacramento River one of California's best fly fishing rivers?

Cold, clear water released from Shasta Dam keeps temperatures steady, so wild rainbow trout thrive year-round from Redding to Red Bluff. A rich insect population of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies grows big, colorful trout, and the river fishes productively all year except during high releases from Keswick.

What is the best way to fish the Lower Sacramento?

From a drift boat with an experienced oarsman. The river is large and deep with limited wading access and powerful currents, so a drift boat lets anglers stand in leg braces and cast to riffles and edges while the guide positions the boat over the most productive water.

When can you fly fish the Lower Sac?

All year. Matt guides the Lower Sacramento from spring through autumn, and winter offers quiet ramps, clear water and lower flows. Hatches are seasonal, with mayfly activity concentrated mid-day to early evening in early to mid-spring and as autumn approaches.

Where does the Lower Sacramento River start?

The Lower Sacramento flows out of Shasta Dam, starting at Keswick Reservoir between Shasta and Keswick Dams. From Keswick Dam near Redding it runs south through the Central Valley past Red Bluff, Chico and Sacramento. Rainbow trout thrive in the cold, clear water from Redding to Red Bluff; below Red Bluff the river transitions to bass and striper fishing.

Is the Lower Sacramento safe to float?

Respect this river: it is powerful, deep and unforgiving. Average flow is about 23,000 cfs and can exceed 100,000 cfs during floods, with water around 50–65°F. Hypothermia is a real risk, so always wear a personal flotation device. A guide with a drift boat is the safest and most productive way to fish it.

Why fish with a guide?

A guide takes care of transport, food and drinks and brings flies proven to work — the same flies that worked yesterday. Matt teaches casting, fly selection and reading water, and promotes catch-and-release to keep the trout population healthy.

Looking for solitude? Read about fly fishing the Lower Sac below Anderson, or check the latest Lower Sac fishing report.