Sacramento River
The Upper Sacramento River near Dunsmuir and Castella, California is a wild trout stream, and the lower river has steelhead and warmwater fish.
- 482 miRiver length
- 6Game fish
- 186Access points
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About the Sacramento
The Sacramento River starts below Lake Siskiyou at Box Canyon Dam and runs south through Dunsmuir and Castella toward Shasta Lake. The upper river is a wild trout stream that fishes like a freestone. It drops fast, with pocket water and pools. Interstate 5 follows much of it.
Fly anglers commonly use I-5 off-ramps at Soda Creek, Castella and Sweetbrier. Box Canyon at the top is narrow and reached from Ney Springs. The area near Dunsmuir has a stocked section in some years.
The river holds rainbow trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass and carp. Rainbows are the main target on the upper river. The lower river near Redding offers steelhead, smallmouth and carp. Caldwell Park and the Colusa Sacramento River State Recreation Area are named spots farther down.
Summer and fall are popular. Fall caddis are the known hatch. Midges and Parachute Adams are common patterns.
Seasons and gear rules differ by reach. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you go.
Sacramento River at Colusa, CA
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Nearby gages
- Butte Creek near Chico, CA16.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 11390000
- Deer Creek near Vina, CA23.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 11383500
- Elder Creek near Paskenta, CA36.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 11379500
- Yuba River near Marysville, CA43.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 11421000
- Hutchinson Creek below Doolittle Dr near Marysville, CA49.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 11424550
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Lower Sacramento watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 10 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Sacramento
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Use the I-5 exits
Soda Creek, Castella and Sweetbrier give quick access to good water.
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Fish pools in summer
Fish stack up in the deeper pools when the water warms.
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Wade carefully
The upper river is steep and rocky. Use a staff.
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Check the reach rules
Rules change from Box Canyon to Dunsmuir and below. Read them before you fish.
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Try the lower river
Redding and Colusa have steelhead, smallmouth and carp options.
Every access point on the Sacramento, in your pocket.
- 186 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Sacramento
Sacramento River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Upper Sacramento River in California?
Summer and fall are popular. Fall brings the caddis hatch and quieter water.
Where can I fish the Upper Sacramento River near Dunsmuir?
Use the I-5 off-ramps at Soda Creek, Castella and Sweetbrier. Box Canyon at the top has narrow water. The McCloud River and Hat Creek are not far.
Can you wade the Upper Sacramento River?
Yes. It is best waded in the upper sections, with pocket water and pools.
What flies work on the Upper Sacramento River?
Parachute Adams, midges, nymphs under an indicator and terrestrials in hot weather are common. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in the Sacramento River?
The river holds rainbow trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass and carp.
Are there special rules on the Sacramento River?
Yes. Seasons and gear rules differ by reach. Check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
