Lower Sac Fishing Report – Oct 22, 2026

Not much has changed on the Lower Sac this week, and that's good news. Flows are steady, the water is clear, and more salmon are moving up every day. The latest shop report (10/20) says the fish are fat and strong, but the upper river is getting a lot of pressure, so the fish up high are pickier.

Current Conditions

Flows: About 6,100 CFS at Keswick and about 6,800 CFS at Bend Bridge. Daily averages have stayed between about 6,000 and 6,100 at Keswick for the past ten days.
Water temp: 56–57°F at Keswick and 57–58°F at Bend Bridge.
Clarity: Excellent. Thursday's rain is light and isn't expected to color the river.

What's Working

Around spawning salmon: Egg patterns, drifted just downstream of the redds. Match the size and color of the loose eggs you see.
Away from the salmon: A two-nymph rig with small mayfly nymphs (olive hot spots, Weiss-style nymphs) and a rubber-leg stone. Keep a Bird's Nest and a small PMD nymph in the box, since tiny caddis and PMDs are still hatching.
Overcast days: Watch for BWOs. A few fish are still looking up.
Below Jellys Ferry: Hatchery steelhead are showing up and will take a swung fly.

Beat the Crowd

The water from town up toward the dam gets the most boats. If the fish there get picky, go smaller and lighter with your tippet, or float the lower river, where pressure is lighter.

Wading vs. Boat

At about 6,000 CFS you can wade some walk-in water, but a drift boat lets you fish far more of the river. Wear a PFD in the boat and studs on your boots, and don't trust how slow the current looks.

Weather & What to Wear

Rain on Thursday, then sunny and dry Friday through Monday. Highs will be in the mid to upper 70s, with lows around 50. Bring a light rain shell for Thursday and a warm layer for early mornings on the boat.

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. Stay off the spawning gravel and give other boats room. Check current CDFW regs before you go.

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Lower Sac questions this week

Is the Lower Sac fishing well right now?

As of October 22, 2026: Not much has changed on the Lower Sac this week, and that's good news. Flows are steady, the water is clear, and more salmon are moving up every day. The latest shop report (10/20) says the fish are fat and strong, but the upper river is getting a lot of pressure, so the fish up high are pickier.

What flies are working on the Lower Sacramento River right now?

As of October 22, 2026: Around spawning salmon: Egg patterns, drifted just downstream of the redds. Match the size and color of the loose eggs you see. Away from the salmon: A two-nymph rig with small mayfly nymphs (olive hot spots, Weiss-style nymphs) and a rubber-leg stone. Keep a Bird's Nest and a small PMD nymph in the box, since tiny caddis and PMDs are still hatching. Overcast days: Watch for BWOs. A few fish are still looking up. Below Jellys Ferry: Hatchery steelhead are showing up and will take a swung fly.

What are the Lower Sacramento River flows right now?

As of October 22, 2026: About 6,100 CFS at Keswick and about 6,800 CFS at Bend Bridge. Daily averages have stayed between about 6,000 and 6,100 at Keswick for the past ten days. Water temperature: 56–57°F at Keswick and 57–58°F at Bend Bridge. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.

Lower Sac Fishing Report – Salmon Pile In, Eggs Still Rule

Current conditions in brief