The Sacramento River: California’s Largest and Best Trout Stream
Explore One of the West’s Premier Fly Fishing Destinations with Bock Fly Fishing
The Sacramento River is the lifeblood of Northern California’s fisheries, offering diverse angling opportunities from wild trout in the Upper Sacramento to trophy rainbow trout, steelhead, and striped bass in the Lower Sacramento. This legendary river has something for every angler, whether you prefer casting dry flies in rugged mountain canyons or drifting nymphs through deep, slow-moving tailwaters.
Want to fish one of California’s best trout streams? Book a guided trip with Bock Fly Fishing today!
The Sacramento River’s Geological & Cultural History
A River Millions of Years in the Making
The Sacramento River’s origins date back millions of years, shaped by volcanic activity, glacial runoff, and tectonic forces. Beginning as cold spring water from Mount Shasta, the river flows south, collecting volume from the McCloud and Pit Rivers before reaching Lake Shasta. Below the dam, the Lower Sacramento becomes a stable tailwater fishery, supporting a thriving trout population year-round.
For thousands of years, Indigenous tribes like the Wintu, Nomlaki, and Maidu depended on the river for salmon, steelhead, and other fish. Later, it played a major role in the Gold Rush, agriculture, and hydroelectric power development. Today, despite the challenges of dams and water management, the Sacramento River remains one of the most productive and diverse fisheries in the West.
Want to experience the history and world-class fishing of the Sacramento River? Book a trip today!
The Upper Sacramento River
(Above Lake Shasta)
A Wild Trout Haven
The Upper Sacramento River, flowing from Mount Shasta to Lake Shasta, is a classic freestone stream known for its fast pocket water, deep pools, and wild rainbow trout. This stretch of river is home to strong, aggressive trout that thrive in its cold, oxygen-rich waters.
Best Techniques: Dry fly fishing, Euro nymphing, streamer fishing
Best Access Points: Dunsmuir, Sims Flat, Mossbrae Falls, Delta
Fish Species: Wild rainbow trout
Upper Sacramento River Hatch Chart
March–April: March Browns, Skwala Stones – Best Flies: March Brown Parachute, Skwala Stonefly Nymph
May–June: Golden Stones, PMDs, Caddis – Best Flies: Yellow Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, PMD Sparkle Dun
July–August: Little Yellow Stones, Tricos – Best Flies: Trico Spinner, Small Stimulator, Soft Hackles
September–October: October Caddis, BWOs – Best Flies: October Caddis Pupa, BWO Parachute
November–December: BWOs, Midges – Best Flies: Zebra Midge, RS2, Soft Hackles
The Upper Sacramento fishes well year-round, but spring and fall bring the best dry fly action, while nymphing and streamers are productive in colder months.
Ready to chase wild trout in crystal-clear waters? Book your trip today!
The Lower Sacramento River (Below Lake Shasta)
A Tailwater Trophy Trout Fishery
The Lower Sacramento River, flowing from Keswick Dam through Redding and beyond, is one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries in the West. Thanks to cold, consistent releases from Lake Shasta, this section produces large, powerful rainbow trout year-round, with fish averaging 16-22 inches, and some exceeding 25 inches.
Best Techniques: Indicator nymphing, swinging soft hackles, dry fly fishing (seasonal)
Best Access Points: Redding, Anderson, Red Bluff
Fish Species: Trophy rainbow trout, steelhead, striped bass
Lower Sacramento River Hatch Chart
January–February: Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) – Best Flies: Parachute BWO, RS2, Soft Hackles
March–April: March Browns, Spring Caddis – Best Flies: March Brown Comparadun, Caddis Pupa
May–June: PMDs, Caddis, Salmonflies – Best Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl
July–August: Tricos, Summer Caddis – Best Flies: Trico Spinner, Soft Hackles, X-Caddis
September–October: October Caddis, BWOs – Best Flies: October Caddis Pupa, BWO Parachute
November–December: BWOs, Midges – Best Flies: Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, Soft Hackles
The Lower Sacramento is best fished from a drift boat, but some areas allow for limited wading opportunities. Nymphing with caddis pupae and mayfly nymphs is the most productive method, though dry fly opportunities exist during hatch-heavy seasons.
Want to hook into a trophy trout on the Lower Sac? Book your guided float trip now!
Beyond Trout: The Sacramento River’s Other Game Fish
Steelhead
Best Time: September–February
Best Locations: Lower Sacramento, Feather River, American River
Fishing Techniques: Swinging flies, indicator nymphing
Striped Bass
Best Time: April–June, September–November
Best Locations: Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Feather River
Fishing Techniques: Streamers, poppers, baitfish patterns
Sacramento Pikeminnow & Suckers
Best Time: Year-round
Fishing Techniques: Nymphing, swinging soft hackles
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Best Time: Spring through early fall
Best Locations: Sacramento Delta, sloughs, lower tributaries
Fishing Techniques: Topwater flies, streamers
Plan Your Sacramento River Fishing Adventure
With world-class trout fishing, legendary hatches, and diverse species, the Sacramento River is one of the finest fisheries in California. Whether you want to cast dries on the Upper Sac, drift nymphs on the Lower Sac, or chase steelhead and stripers, Bock Fly Fishing has you covered.
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