California
The Lower Sacramento below Keswick Dam is a big-water tailwater — wide, powerful, and loaded with wild rainbows that average 14-18 inches. Trout densities near Redding have been estimated at 3,000-4,000 fish per mile, and the river runs cold and clear year-round thanks to deep releases from Shasta Lake. Typical flows range from 4,000 to 15,000 CFS, which means this is primarily a drift boat fishery — you can wade a handful of gravel bars during lower flows, but the boat is how most fish get caught.
The insect life here is prolific. Caddisflies dominate — the green rock worm and October Caddis are the signature hatches — but the river also produces strong emergences of March Browns, PMDs, and BWOs. The Mothersday Caddis hatch in April and May can be exceptional, blanketing the surface with size 14-16 bugs and pulling big rainbows into feeding lanes within easy casting range of a drift boat. Nymphing is productive year-round, and the fall October Caddis hatch from September through November brings dry fly fishing that you can plan a trip around. Even winter afternoons produce midges and BWOs on the flats near Anderson.
The fishable tailwater extends roughly 40 miles from Keswick Dam downstream through Redding and Anderson to the Red Bluff area. Redding has full services including two excellent fly shops and multiple guide operations. The Sacramento Valley is windy — morning sessions tend to fish better than afternoons. Dam releases can change flows on short notice, so check Bureau of Reclamation schedules. ESA-listed winter-run and spring-run Chinook must always be released, and hatchery steelhead regulations apply in season. If you want one California river you can fish 12 months a year with a reasonable expectation of a 16-inch wild rainbow, this is it.
| Species | Abundance | Best Season | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout (wild) | Very High | Year-round | 12-24" |
| Chinook Salmon (fall run) | Seasonal | Sep-Dec | 8-30+ lbs |
| Steelhead | Moderate | Oct-Mar | 4-12+ lbs |
| American Shad | Seasonal | May-Jul | 2-5 lbs |
High temperatures of 94 to 102 degrees expected and low temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s, with widespread Moderate HeatRisk and areas of Major HeatRisk.
A watch or advisory means conditions are favorable for the event. It has not started, so treat it as a reason to check again before you drive out.
WHERE...Sacramento and northern San Joaquin valleys, Delta and Carquinez Strait, and foothills.
WHEN...Until 10 PM PDT Wednesday.
IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses, especially to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Hottest days expected Monday through Wednesday.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Latest report: Lower Sacramento River Report — The Fly Shop, 5 days ago
How we rate thisMmorningDmiddayEevening
poorprime