Lower Sacramento River

Cold, clear tailwater immediately below Keswick Dam with the highest trout densities on the river — estimated 3,000-4,000 fish per mile. Riffles, runs, pocket water, and deeper pools. Some wadeable sections near Keswick and at Caldwell Park. The most popular section — expect drift boat company on weekends.

Best for: Year-round nymphing (green rock worm is bread-and-butter). Spring hatches (March Brown, PMD, Mothersday Caddis). Good dry fly water in riffles. Drift boat is the dominant method.

River widens below Redding with more gravel bars and a good mix of riffles and deeper runs. Passes through suburban Redding and rural stretches with side channels and islands. Sacramento River Trail provides some bank access. Less boat pressure than above Redding.

Best for: Wild rainbow trout on dry flies in riffles. Less pressured than the Keswick section. Year-round nymphing. Drift boat trips with more room to spread out.

Increasingly rural with wider river, long glassy runs, gravel bars, and cottonwood-lined banks. Water temperatures begin to warm slightly in summer. Less fished than the Redding sections.

Best for: Rainbow trout year-round. October Caddis in fall. Less pressured alternative to Redding. Good nymphing water.

Remote, rural stretches with a canyon-like feel. Long runs and deep pools through agricultural land and oak woodlands. Less accessible from shore. USGS gauge station at Bend Bridge.

Best for: Larger rainbow trout potential. Good streamer water in deep pools. Lighter pressure. Nymphing year-round.

Lower gradient, warmer water in summer through agricultural surroundings. The Red Bluff Diversion Dam (gates open most of the year) marks the downstream limit of productive trout water. Better in cooler months. Salmon and steelhead staging area in fall.

Best for: Cooler months (Oct-Apr) for trout. October Caddis. Fall salmon and steelhead staging. Streamers for larger fish.