Guided fly fishing
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing guide
I guide the Lower Sacramento River year-round from a drift boat, from Keswick Dam through Redding and down past Anderson toward Red Bluff. It's a cold tailwater full of wild rainbow trout, so it fishes every month. Fall brings the salmon egg bite and hatchery steelhead in the lower river. Full and half days; call or text (530) 722-8331.
Latest Lower Sacramento River fishing report → · Redding fly fishing by month →
This river offers great all-around fishing if you're after a productive day and want to see a lot of river. It's a great choice for all anglers, from first-timers to experienced fly fishers.
The Lower Sac runs cold and clear below Keswick Dam, right through the middle of Redding and on down past Anderson. A drift boat covers far more water than you can on foot, and I fish it every season of the year.
- Season
- Year-round
- Where
- Redding to Red Bluff, right through town and on downriver past Anderson
- Fish
- Rainbow trout, plus hatchery steelhead in the lower river in fall
- How we fish
- Drift boat (walk-in wading water at lower flows)
- Trips
- Full or half day; lunch and drinks provided; gear on request
- Book
- Call/text (530) 722-8331
When to fish the Lower Sacramento River
- Fall (Oct to Dec)
- Salmon spawn and the trout key on eggs. The most popular, and busiest, time on the river. Hatchery steelhead show up in the lower river.
- Winter (Jan to Mar)
- Fewer boats, steady nymph fishing, and some of the bigger trout of the year.
- Spring (Apr to Jun)
- Caddis and mayfly hatches and good dry-dropper water.
- Summer (Jul to Sep)
- Higher summer releases. Cold water keeps the trout healthy; start early to beat the heat.
Season and regulations
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 (2026 CDFW regulations, §7.40(b)(80)). Always check current CDFW regulations before you go.
Regulation notes reflect the 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations as of . Regulations change; check CDFW before every trip.
Questions about the Lower Sacramento River
Can you fly fish the Lower Sacramento River year-round?
Yes. Travis guides the Lower Sacramento River year-round, from Redding down past Anderson. Under 2026 CDFW rules, the first 650 feet below Keswick Dam are closed to all fishing and barbless hooks are required on the upper river.
What is the best time of year to fly fish the Lower Sacramento River?
The Lower Sac fishes year-round. Fall, when salmon spawn and trout feed on eggs, is the most popular time. Winter is quieter with fewer boats, and spring brings the best hatches.
Do I need a boat to fish the Lower Sac in Redding?
A drift boat is the best way to fish it because it covers far more water. When flows are low there is some walk-in wading water, but most of my Lower Sac trips are float trips.
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.
Latest report ·
Lower Sac Fishing Report – Salmon Pile In, Eggs Still Rule
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.
Read the full Lower Sac report
Earlier Lower Sacramento River reports
Book a Lower 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: Trinity River · Upper Sacramento River · McCloud River · Pit River · Hat Creek · Fall River