Lower Sacramento River · Redding to Red Bluff · Fall
Sacramento River Fishing Report – The Egg Bite Is On in Redding
Compiled from the regional sources listed below (gauges, CDFW, weather and shop reports) and reviewed by Travis.
Current conditions in brief
As of October 18, 2026: Flows: About 6,000 CFS at Keswick and about 6,650 CFS at Bend Bridge, steady all of October. Water: About 56–57°F at Keswick and about 58°F at Bend Bridge. Working: Early morning; Later in the day; Lower river. Best bet: Fish eggs behind the redds.
This is my favorite time of year on the Lower Sac. Flows have barely moved all month, the water's clear, and spawning salmon are lined up from town on down. Every recent report I've read, from Redding shops to Sacramento guides, says the same thing: there's a strong egg bite early and good nymph fishing the rest of the day.
Current Conditions
- Flows: About 6,000 CFS at Keswick and about 6,650 CFS at Bend Bridge, steady all of October.
- Water temp: About 56–57°F at Keswick and about 58°F at Bend Bridge. That's cool, comfortable water for active trout.
- Clarity: Excellent.
What's Working
- Early morning: Fish eggs behind the redds. Guides report 8mm and 10mm beads in red, orange, and pink doing the most damage.
- Later in the day: Go to a single egg plus two small bugs, like rubber legs, caddis pupae, Weiss nymphs, and hot-spot mayfly nymphs. Some guides are doing well on dry-dropper too.
- Lower river: Hatchery steelhead are starting to show around Jellys Ferry and below, and they'll take a swung fly.
Wading vs. Boat
At these flows there's walk-in water to wade, but a drift boat still covers far more of the river. Wear a PFD in the boat and studs on your boots, and remember the current is stronger than it looks.
Weather & What to Wear
Expect highs from the upper 60s to the mid 70s and lows in the low to mid 50s. There's a chance of rain from Tuesday night into Thursday. Pack a rain shell and layers for chilly mornings on the water.
Regulations & Etiquette
The first 650 feet below Keswick Dam are closed to all fishing. Barbless hooks are required on the upper river, and only adipose-clipped hatchery trout and steelhead may be kept. Please check current CDFW regs. The river has been busy, so give other boats room and stay off spawning gravel.
Lower Sac questions this week
Is the Lower Sac fishing well right now?
As of October 18, 2026: This is my favorite time of year on the Lower Sac. Flows have barely moved all month, the water's clear, and spawning salmon are lined up from town on down. Every recent report I've read, from Redding shops to Sacramento guides, says the same thing: there's a strong egg bite early and good nymph…
What flies are working on the Lower Sacramento River right now?
As of October 18, 2026: Early morning: Fish eggs behind the redds. Guides report 8mm and 10mm beads in red, orange, and pink doing the most damage. Later in the day: Go to a single egg plus two small bugs, like rubber legs, caddis pupae, Weiss nymphs, and hot-spot mayfly nymphs. Some guides are doing well on dry-dropper too. Lower river: Hatchery steelhead are starting to show around Jellys Ferry and below, and they'll take a swung fly.
What are the Lower Sacramento River flows right now?
As of October 18, 2026: About 6,000 CFS at Keswick and about 6,650 CFS at Bend Bridge, steady all of October. Water temperature: About 56–57°F at Keswick and about 58°F at Bend Bridge. That's cool, comfortable water for active trout. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.
Ready to book a trip?
Call or text Travis at (530) 722-8331 for a quick, same-day response, or book through The Fly Shop at 1-800-669-3474.
Sources
Gauge readings are provisional. Dates show when each source was published or read.
- USGS 11370500 Keswick (10/18)
- USGS 11377100 Bend Bridge (10/18)
- CDEC KWK & BND water temp (10/18)
- AC Fly Fishing (10/15)
- Capt. Ben Thompson, Fly Fishing Specialties (10/14)
- The Fly Shop (10/14)
- Confluence Outfitters (10/6)
- CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (updated 7/10/26), §7.40(b)(80) Sacramento River below Keswick
- NWS forecast, Redding (10/18)
More reports from October 18, 2026
- Trinity River Fishing Report – Winter Flows, Bright Fish and an Egg Bite
- Upper Sacramento River Fishing Report – October Caddis Season Is Starting
- McCloud River Fishing Report – Cold Water, Pre-Spawn Browns, First October Caddis
- Pit River Fishing Report – Steady Canyon Flows, Fall Pocket Water
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – Cold Spring Water, Fall BWOs and Pre-Spawn Browns
- Fall River Fishing Report – Quiet Water, Midday Mayflies
Lower Sacramento River guide info and seasons →
All fishing reports →