LCO'S Guide to Fly Fishing The Upper Sacramento

North of Redding, The Upper Sacramento River consists of 40ish miles of trout filled river that is open all year long. With plenty of public access created by the train tracks that parallel the Upper Sacramento make it a fly fisher’s delight. Diverse in features, the Upper Sacramento River boasts breathtaking waterfalls, trout filled pocket water, and crystal creek pools. Below Lake Siskiyou, the Upper Sacramento is much smaller, gaining in size from springs and creeks. The upper river has carved out the steep Box Canyon which creates a much more treacherous wading environment than the lower reaches. The Upper Sacramento is open year round making it a great option almost any month of the year.

Fly Fishing The Upper Sacramento River for Rainbow Trout

The Difficulty Rating of the Upper Sacramento River Beginner to Intermediate

The Upper Sacramento River can be so kind yet so cruel sometimes. During the heat of the incredibly hot summer days the Upper Sacramento can be quite cruel. While the cool mornings and evenings can be very productive. The wading and access is pretty easy. Fishing in the town of Dunsmuir is perhaps the best place for beginner anglers as it is stocked often.

FLY HATCHES ON THE UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER

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

UPPER SAC FLY FISHING REPORT

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

Upper Sac Fly Fishing Report

TIPS FOR FLY FISHING THE UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER

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 fishing a long enough leader or enough weight.
Fish smaller flies and light tippet to catch more fish.
Make short cast 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.

Fly Fishing Guide on the Upper Sacramento River

Need a fly fishing guide on the Upper Sacramento? Lost Coast Outfitters works with the best fly fishing guides on the Upper Sacramento. Give us a call at the shop 415.483.2278 or email Adventures@lostcoastoutfitters.com

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RIGS FOR FLY FISHING 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.

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 Dunsmuir

Slogan: “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.

Fly Fishing the Upper Sacramento Food options

PLACES TO EAT WHILE FLY FISHING THE UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER

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.

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