Guided fly fishing out of Redding
Fly fishing guide in Redding, California
I'm Travis Ortiz, the Cal Fly Guy, a fly fishing guide based in Anderson near Redding. I guide through The Fly Shop on seven rivers: the Lower Sacramento year-round, the Trinity for steelhead in fall and winter, plus the Upper Sac, McCloud, Pit, Hat Creek and Fall River. Full and half days. Call or text (530) 722-8331.
The rivers I guide from Redding
- Lower Sacramento River: Year-round. Drift boat (walk-in wading water at lower flows). Rainbow trout, plus hatchery steelhead in the lower river in fall. Latest report
- Trinity River: Fall through winter. Wading and swinging or nymphing; two-handed rods welcome. Steelhead (fall and winter runs). Latest report
- Upper Sacramento River: Year-round. Wade fishing. Rainbow trout, brown trout and lake-run rainbows from Shasta Lake. Latest report
- McCloud River: Late spring through mid-November (the Preserve closes Nov. 15; public water below the dam is open year-round). Wade fishing in cold, boulder-filled water. Native rainbow trout, brown trout and lake-run rainbows. Latest report
- Pit River: Spring, summer and fall. Wade fishing (challenging). Wild rainbow trout. Latest report
- Hat Creek: May through June, and September. Technical dry fly fishing. Rainbow trout and brown trout. Latest report
- Fall River: Open year-round. Fished from a flat-bottomed pram (boat). Trout. Latest report
Which river to fish, month by month
Here's where I'd point you in a typical year. Flows, fire and weather change things, so check the weekly fishing reports or text me before you plan.
- January
- Lower Sac (winter trout), Trinity (winter steelhead)
- February
- Lower Sac, Trinity
- March
- Lower Sac, Trinity (late winter steelhead, fewer anglers)
- April
- Lower Sac; trout season opens on many waters the last Saturday in April
- May
- Lower Sac, McCloud, Hat Creek, Fall River, Pit
- June
- Hat Creek (salmonflies), McCloud, Upper Sac, Fall River, Pit
- July
- McCloud (cool canyon), Upper Sac, Fall River, Lower Sac
- August
- McCloud, Upper Sac, Fall River, Lower Sac (early starts)
- September
- Hat Creek, Pit, Trinity (first steelhead), Lower Sac
- October
- Lower Sac (egg bite), Trinity, McCloud (October caddis)
- November
- Lower Sac, Trinity; McCloud through mid-November
- December
- Lower Sac, Trinity
Trips
Full-day and half-day trips. Lunch and drinks are provided, gear is available on request, and beginners get optional instruction. Bring a valid California fishing license.
Redding fly fishing questions
What is the best river for a guided fly fishing trip near Redding?
For most anglers, the Lower Sacramento River. It runs right through Redding, fishes year-round from a drift boat, and suits first-timers and experts alike. From fall through winter, the Trinity River is the pick for steelhead.
When is the best time to fly fish around Redding?
There's good fishing every month. Fall (October and November) is the most popular: the Lower Sac egg bite and Trinity steelhead. Late spring and early summer are best for the McCloud, Hat Creek, Upper Sac and Fall River hatches.
How far are the rivers from Redding?
The Lower Sac is in town. The Trinity at Lewiston and the Upper Sac at Dunsmuir are each roughly an hour away. The McCloud, Pit, Hat Creek and Fall River are northeast of Redding, roughly one to two hours depending on the spot.
Can I book Travis through The Fly Shop?
Yes. I guide through The Fly Shop in Redding. Call or text me directly at (530) 722-8331, or call The Fly Shop at 1-800-669-3474.
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.