Guided fly fishing
Upper Sacramento River fly fishing guide
I guide the Upper Sacramento River as a wade trip, from Dunsmuir down through the canyon to Lakehead above Shasta Lake, about an hour north of Redding. We fish dry flies and nymphs for rainbow and brown trout, plus lake-run fish from Shasta. Lots of road and rail access. Call or text (530) 722-8331.
Latest Upper Sacramento River fishing report → · Redding fly fishing by month →
The Upper Sac is a great fishery that offers a diverse experience. We wade this stream, fishing for rainbow trout with dry flies and nymphs.
The river runs from Dunsmuir down through the canyon to Lakehead and Shasta Lake, with plenty of access along the way.
- Season
- Year-round
- Where
- Dunsmuir to Lakehead, above Shasta Lake
- Fish
- Rainbow trout, brown trout and lake-run rainbows from Shasta Lake
- How we fish
- Wade fishing
- Trips
- Full or half day; lunch and drinks provided; gear on request
- Book
- Call/text (530) 722-8331
When to fish the Upper Sacramento River
- Late spring to early summer
- Once the snowmelt drops, the best hatches of the year and great dry-dropper fishing.
- Fall
- Cooler days, October caddis, and lake-run fish moving up from Shasta Lake.
- Winter
- Regulations vary by stretch, so check CDFW for the section you want to fish.
Season and regulations
Regulations vary by stretch. Check current CDFW regulations for the section you plan to fish.
Regulation notes reflect the 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations as of . Regulations change; check CDFW before every trip.
Questions about the Upper Sacramento River
Is the Upper Sacramento River good for beginners?
Yes. It's a friendly wade river with lots of access, and I'm happy to coach first-timers on dry flies and nymphs.
Is the Upper Sac fishing well right now?
As of October 22, 2026: The October Caddis are getting thicker around Dunsmuir, and the colder weather is pulling more rainbows up out of Shasta Lake. The latest shop report (10/20) says both. Flows are still low and easy to wade, so this is a good week to fish the Upper Sac.
Latest report ·
Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Building
The October Caddis are getting thicker around Dunsmuir, and the colder weather is pulling more rainbows up out of Shasta Lake. The latest shop report (10/20) says both. Flows are still low and easy to wade, so this is a good week to fish the Upper Sac.
Current conditions
- Flows: About 210 CFS at Delta. That's been steady for weeks, and Thursday's rain hasn't moved it so far.
- Bugs: October Caddis around Dunsmuir, plus midges, small mayflies and small caddis. Local shops say the fish really start keying on October Caddis in November.
- Fish: Resident rainbows and browns throughout, plus lake-run fish moving into the lower river.
Read the full Upper Sac report
Earlier Upper Sacramento River reports
Book an Upper Sacramento River 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.
Other rivers: Lower Sacramento River · Trinity River · McCloud River · Pit River · Hat Creek · Fall River