LCO Guide to Fly Fishing the Upper Sacramento River
North of Redding, the Upper Sacramento River flows for roughly 40 miles of trout-filled water open to anglers year-round. With easy public access provided by the railroad tracks that parallel much of the river, the “Upper Sac” is truly a fly fisher’s delight.
This river has everything: plunging waterfalls, riffles and pocket water loaded with rainbows, and deep, clear pools shaded by pine and fir. Below Lake Siskiyou, the river starts small, gaining volume from countless cold springs and creeks as it winds downstream. The upper stretches cut through Box Canyon, a rugged gorge with challenging wading but incredible scenery and fishing.
Open all year, the Upper Sacramento offers excellent opportunities through every season—whether you’re high-sticking nymphs in winter or swinging soft hackles through emerald runs in summer.
Fly Fishing the Upper Sacramento River
What to Know Before You Fish
Things can change quickly on the Upper the Sacramento especially in high water years click here to check out the latest Upper Sacramento Fly Fishing Report
The Difficulty Rating of the Upper Sacramento River: Beginner to Intermediate
The Upper Sacramento River can be both kind and cruel. During the heat of summer, the fishing can slow under blazing midday sun—but early mornings and cool evenings often come alive with eager trout.
Wading and access are generally straightforward, with plenty of pullouts along the river and gentle runs that are ideal for learning. The stretches around Dunsmuir are especially good for beginners, offering easy access, forgiving water, and a healthy population of stocked rainbows mixed with wild fish.
For those new to the sport, the Upper Sac is a perfect classroom; for more experienced anglers, it’s a river that rewards observation, timing, and patience.
Fly Hatches on the Upper Sacramento
Blue Winged Olive- Spring-Fall
Midge- Year round
Golden Stones- May- June
Salmonfly- May and June
PMD- May- June & September-November
Little Yellow Stone- June and July
Caddis- Spring-Fall
October Caddis- Sept- November
Quick Tips for fishing the Upper Sacrament
Fish the soft edges of the river during high water and spring runoff months. (spring)
Look out for rattlesnakes on the bank of The Upper Sacramento River. Here is a link on avoiding a rattler bite.
Fishing is best during the mornings and evenings of the hot months (July and August)
Fish terrestrials like grasshoppers during the heat of the day.
When nymphing, if you are not snagging bottom, you are not fishing a long enough leader or enough weight.
Fish with smaller flies and light tippet to catch more fish.
Make short casts and high stick the pocket water without an indicator
During the summer months, the evening hatch can be really productive. Make sure you fish the last hour of daylight.
Rigging Tips
A few handy graphics for getting rigged up for the Upper Sac
The Dry Dropper
A dry-dropper rig allows you to fish both the surface and subsurface at the same time. Tie a buoyant dry fly to your leader, then attach 18–36 inches of tippet with a small nymph or emerger below. The dry fly acts as both attractor and strike indicator—if it twitches or dips, set the hook. Ideal for riffles, pockets, and mixed-depth water, the dry-dropper is one of the most versatile and practical setups in fly fishing.
The Indicator Rig
An indicator rig is the go-to setup for nymphing deep or fast water. It uses a floating strike indicator (like a small bobber) to suspend one or more weighted nymphs below, keeping them drifting naturally near the riverbed where trout feed most. When the indicator pauses, dips, or twitches, it signals a strike. Perfect for winter or off-color water, indicator rigs offer precise depth control and consistent hookups — making them a cornerstone of modern trout fishing.
Tightline Nymph Rig
A tightline nymph rig—also known as a Euro or contact nymphing setup—eliminates the indicator and keeps you directly connected to your flies. Using a long, light leader with a sighter (a bright, high-visibility section), this rig allows you to feel subtle takes and control depth with precision. Weighted flies provide tension and contact, allowing for perfect drifts through seams and pockets. Ideal for clear water and technical trout, tightline nymphing delivers unmatched sensitivity and strike detection.
Upper Sacramento Resources
Learn more about where to stay, the town of Dunsmir, and local fishing regulations on the Upper Sac
Camping and Lodging for Fly Fishing the Upper Sac
Sims Flat Campground – On the Upper Sacramento River 530-926-4511
Castle Crags Campground – on Castle Creek a fishable feeder creek of the Upper Sacramento River (530) 235-2684
Lake Siskiyou Cabins and Camping- On Lake Siskiyou great stop for families and fishing the upper reaches of the Upper Sacramento River. 530-926-2610
Cave Springs Vacation Rentals- I have rented the Rivendell House which has some good fishing right behind it. The Tree house is pretty cool too! 530-235-2721
Girard Ridge Lookout-A next level experience book a decommissioned fire look out for epic views.
Sims Flat Campground – On the Upper Sacramento River 530-926-4511
Castle Crags Campground – on Castle Creek a fishable feeder creek of the Upper Sacramento River (530) 235-2684
Lake Siskiyou Cabins and Camping- On Lake Siskiyou great stop for families and fishing the upper reaches of the Upper Sacramento River. 530-926-2610
Cave Springs Vacation Rentals- I have rented the Rivendell House which has some good fishing right behind it. The Tree house is pretty cool too! 530-235-2721
Girard Ridge Lookout-A next level experience book a decommissioned fire look out for epic views.
Upper Sacramento River Fishing Regulations
- These are the regs as of 2019
- The River is open year round
- Fish Barbless
- Catch and Release
- Pick your garbage and be a good person and pick up any trash you see.
The Town of Dunsmir
logan: “Home of the Best Water on Earth”
Population: 1,650
Fishing: Upper Sacramento River and The McCloud River
The Local Fly Shop: If you’ve been to Dunsmuir there is a good chance that you have met Bob the owner of Ted Fay Fly Shop. Hell, my grandfather shopped with Ted Fay 50 years ago. A class act all around Ted Fay Fly Shop has always been one of my favorites for great advice and selection.
The Town of Dunsmir
Low Key & Easy: It doesn’t get more low key and easy than Dunsmuir Brewery Works. Good food and solid beer that is sure to hit the spot after a day of fly fishing dunsmuir. They usually have live music on Friday and Saturday nights. They have outside seating and are pet friendly.
Bugers! : Yaks on the 5 is one of the highest rated restaurants on yelp in the nation Yaks is a must stop for any north bound angler.
The Date Spot: Fresh, local, and seasonal dishes are served up by chef LaMott in an open kitchen that over looks a rustic dining room at Café Maddalena. It is a perfect date spot or for those who appreciate fine foods where ever you are.
Upper Sac Quick Links
