Sacramento (Upper) Fishing Forecast
Northern California tailwater
Opens Last Sat in Apr
General season. Wild trout sections may differ
Today's Fishing Conditions
Good
Updated 12:23 AM
49°F
--
4 AM - 6 AM
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO)
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
44°F - 52°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days
March Brown
Mayfly
Western March Brown, afternoon hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| February | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| March(Now) | 44-52°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| April | 48-56°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| May | 52-60°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| June | 54-62°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| July | 58-66°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| August | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| September | 56-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 50-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 44-52°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for Sacramento (Upper)
Dunsmuir
Town access to the most famous section.
Soda Creek
Access near Cantara Loop.
Castle Crags State Park
Park access to productive water.
Shasta Retreat
Access near the headwaters.
How to Fish Sacramento (Upper): Tips & Tactics
The Upper Sacramento River is California's best freestone trout stream. Wild rainbow trout thrive in this beautiful canyon setting, with the river recovering magnificently from a 1991 toxic spill.
Best Times of Day
Morning and evening are most productive. Caddis and stonefly hatches bring fish to the surface. The river fishes well throughout the day during spring and fall.
Recommended Techniques
Classic freestone techniques work well. Target pocket water, runs, and pools. Short, accurate casts are essential in the canyon setting. Dry-dropper rigs are effective.
Water Conditions
Snowmelt-fed flows create spring runoff. Summer offers ideal conditions. The canyon setting creates unique microclimates. Clear water most of the season.
Fly Selection
October Caddis are legendary on the Upper Sac. Bird's Nest and PT nymphs are essential. Stimulators and attractors work in pocket water.
Local Knowledge
Dunsmuir is the heart of Upper Sac fishing. The river recovered remarkably from the Cantara Loop spill. Local guides know every pocket and run.
Local Tips
Dunsmuir is a charming railroad town with character. The Upper Sac is a California treasure. Combine with trips to nearby McCloud River.
When is the Best Time to Fish Sacramento (Upper)?
Spring
Runoff can affect lower sections. Stoneflies begin emerging.
Summer
Prime season with stable flows. Golden stoneflies and caddis.
Fall
October Caddis hatch is the highlight. Excellent fishing with fewer crowds.
Winter
Challenging with cold weather. Focus on sunny afternoons.
Recommended Equipment for Sacramento (Upper)
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight is ideal for the Upper Sac.
Line
Floating line for dry flies and nymphing.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Felt or studded for slippery rocks.
Essential Flies
Sacramento (Upper) Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round with special regulations. Check California DFW.
Limits
Catch-and-release in wild trout areas. Zero kill on wild fish.
Special Regulations
Wild trout regulations apply. Artificial only, barbless hooks.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited in wild trout sections.
Notes
The river has recovered magnificently - practice careful catch-and-release.
Always verify current regulations with California fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Sacramento (Upper)
Local Fly Shops
- Ted Fay Fly Shop - Dunsmuir
- Shasta Angler - Dunsmuir
- The Fly Shop - Redding
Guide Services
- Ted Fay Guide Service
- Shasta Angler Guides
- Upper Sac Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
800 - 1500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other California Trout Rivers
Pit
Truckee
Walker
Owens
Fall River
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