In Northern CA wild Sacramento River rainbow trout reside from Redding all the way down to Los Molinos. We do our best to fish 'The Other Lower Sac.' below Anderson CA to avoid the more crowded waters in downtown Redding. For a more pleasant overall trip we look for lonely water...even if it's a lot more work!!

Averaging 14-20+ inches these light tackle titans will test even the most capable angler's fish-fighting skills with sizzling runs and Olympic style midair acrobatics. These trout are absolutely a handful on a light fly rod! There is always the opportunity here to hook into the "fish of a lifetime" with the occasional trout going 24"+ and built like shipping containers. During the Fall when the king salmon are spawning, the Sacramento River trout have nothing but eggs on their minds as they line up behind the salmon redds to take part in the buffet line. This feeding frenzy provides us with the closest thing to Alaska style trout fishing in the Lower 48. Spring time here on the Sac. brings a whole new smorgasbord to our wild trout in the form of prolific caddis and mayfly hatches. It's all about big trout on small bugs!

Don't forget those magnum sized stoneflies!! Certain times of year those huge bugs can be found en masse through the lower river. This is some of the best trout fishing we've found anywhere when these 'bows key in on big, big, leggy bugs. Call for more info...these trips go fast!!

This section of the Sacramento River has a trout population measured in thousands of trout per mile, providing legitimate opportunities for hooking in excess of 25 fish per day. Our trout are some of the most brilliantly decorated fish in the West boasting a full spectrum of brilliant colors. No two fish will look alike.

Your Experience

On a typical day, we launch after sunrise and fish approx. 7 hours. Our lodging package guests are provided with lunch on the River, snacks and soft drinks. All rods, reels, flies, and leaders are included. We provide 10' G-Loomis GLX rods along with matching reels, but you are always welcome to bring your own favorite rod. We generally recommend #5 or #6WT rods 9.5-10' length with floating line. The primary technique used here on the Sacramento River is slack line (dead-drifting) nymphing with strike indicators. Most of the trout here prefer to eat their meals when the bugs are "on their way up". We will also fish dries or streamers when conditions are optimal.

While fishing with us you will be riding "cadillac style" in one of our custom built Fishcraft drift boats. Our 18'X60" low profile drifter was tailor made with the Sacramento River in mind. This incredibly stable boat is loaded with features that are important to flyfishers such as; raised level floors, walk around seating, and comfortable leg braces to list just a few. Fishing from this craft is an absolute pleasure in itself. This is the ultimate layout for a fly fishing boat. Also available is our 16'X54" drift boat that is very similarly equipped, but with high sides and "sports car" handling.

We fish where the hoards of fishermen don't. You will enjoy a relaxing wilderness experience fishing for the "less educated" trout and occasional steelhead inhabiting the Sacramento River between Anderson and Red Bluff. We will generally set up a drift for 8-17 miles depending on the current river conditions. You will be fishing to "new water" all day on your float through the most scenic stretches of the Lower Sac.

This is primarily a catch and release fishery. Most of the year, anglers can keep 1 trout under 16" or 1 hatchery steelhead 16" and over.

What to Bring

* California fishing license, steelhead punch card and Bay Delta Enhancement Stamp.

* Clothing appropriate to the season. Layers are recommended. Check out Accuweather for the latest weather forecast.

* Sunscreen and insect repellent. Don't forget your sunglasses!! Polarized lenses are preferred.

* While we don't prohibit alcohol on the boat, we discourage anything that compromises your safety and ability to enjoy your day on the water.

* We provide all fishing equipment and flies or if you prefer, bring your own gear.

Also Available:
Trinity River Steelhead Fly fishing

Once winter comes we start looking to the Trinity for some sizzling steelhead fly fishing action. From Thanksgiving until mid February the 'fair weather fishermen' tend to thin out and the crowds spread out a little more. There are tons of fish in the system by then and they are looking to eat. We typically fish nymphs or egg imitations here for the best results. You might get 'em on the swing...but usually not as many. This is one of the most incredible steelhead fisheries on the west coast. Although this river doesn't see many fish tip the scales in the double digits it does often see double digit catch rates! Keep an eye out for a bonus Sea Run Brown Trout or two as well. You'll be in awe at how beautiful this river is and how successful you can be as well.

   We normally launch our 16' drift boat at or before sunrise on these trips and fish approx. 7 hrs. We recommend 9-10' 6 or 7wt. rods with floating line. Leaders and flies will be provided. Shuttle service will be arranged if available.