Lower Sac Fishing Report – Oct 29, 2026

Another steady week on the Lower Sac. Keswick has held right around 6,000 CFS for more than two weeks, and the latest shop report (10/27) says no flow changes are planned for now. The salmon are still spawning, and the rainbows are parked right behind them.

Current Conditions

Flows: About 6,000 CFS at Keswick and about 6,800 CFS at Bend Bridge. Daily averages at Keswick have stayed between about 6,000 and 6,100 since mid-October.
Water temp: About 57°F at Keswick and 56–58°F at Bend Bridge.
Clarity: Clear. Saturday's light rain isn't expected to color the river.

What's Working

Behind the salmon: Egg patterns drifted just downstream of the redds. Match the size and shade of the loose eggs you see drifting.
Away from the redds: Small mayfly nymphs like olive hot spots and Weiss-style nymphs, with a rubber-leg stone as the anchor fly.
Small bugs: A few tiny caddis and PMDs are still around, so keep a Bird's Nest and a small PMD nymph handy, plus BWO patterns for cloudy days.
Jellys Ferry and below: Hatchery steelhead are showing up and are willing to chase a swung fly.

Beat the Crowd

The float from the upper end of town down through Bonnyview is getting the most boats. The shop report points the same way I would: float the lower river toward Bend, where you'll find more room and less educated fish.

Wading vs. Boat

Under about 7,500 CFS there's plenty of public walk-in water, so 6,000 is good wading flow for this river. A drift boat still covers far more water. Wear a PFD in the boat, studs on your boots, and respect the current.

Weather & What to Wear

Partly sunny through Friday, then a chance of light rain Saturday and sunny days Sunday and Monday. Highs will be in the low to upper 60s, with lows in the 40s. Bring a rain shell for Saturday and a warm layer for the morning boat ride.

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 29, 2026: Another steady week on the Lower Sac. Keswick has held right around 6,000 CFS for more than two weeks, and the latest shop report (10/27) says no flow changes are planned for now. The salmon are still spawning, and the rainbows are parked right behind them.

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

As of October 29, 2026: Behind the salmon: Egg patterns drifted just downstream of the redds. Match the size and shade of the loose eggs you see drifting. Away from the redds: Small mayfly nymphs like olive hot spots and Weiss-style nymphs, with a rubber-leg stone as the anchor fly. Small bugs: A few tiny caddis and PMDs are still around, so keep a Bird's Nest and a small PMD nymph handy, plus BWO patterns for cloudy days. Jellys Ferry and below: Hatchery steelhead are showing up and are willing to chase a swung fly.

What are the Lower Sacramento River flows right now?

As of October 29, 2026: About 6,000 CFS at Keswick and about 6,800 CFS at Bend Bridge. Daily averages at Keswick have stayed between about 6,000 and 6,100 since mid-October. Water temperature: About 57°F at Keswick and 56–58°F at Bend Bridge. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.

Lower Sac Fishing Report – Steady Flows, Float Low for Room

Current conditions in brief