Copyright 2010 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Upper Sacramento River
California
The Upper Sacramento River must provide the ideal
rainbow trout habitat. After a train car load of pesticide
was dumped in its upper waters in 1991, the river
recovered within a relatively short time to again become
a heavily populated wild trout stream without having to
rely on stocked trout.
The river begins from the flow through the Box Canyon
Dam at Lake Siskiyou. Its first few miles are in the
canyon. Numerous springs and small tributary streams
add to the flow. At Cantera, the Union Pacific Railroad
tracks begin to paralleling the river providing access.
From Cantera to Dunsmuir more springs and small
brooks increase the flow of the river. It becomes more
like a typical freestone stream as it winds its way through
canyons. Interstate 5 follows close by the entire way. In
fact, just about any exit (and there are fifteen) will get
you to within a short distance of the river.
Below Soda Creek downstream to Sweetbriar, the river
flows through Castle Crags State Park. At Sims Road,
the river widens as it flows through a wider valley. There
are numerous access points all the way to Lake Shasta.
The river is not unlike a large spring creek in this section.
The water levels of the river constantly change
throughout the year. The makeup is very diverse. There
are pools of all sizes, pocket water with runs and riffles,
undercut banks and a variety of other physical makeup.
Catching trout greatly depends on where you fish at any
given time and the particular methods, techniques and
strategies one uses.
Seasons:
Except during times of high water and extreme cold
conditions, fly fishing the Sacramento River is great.
Spring:
Spring is an excellent time to fish provided the water isn't
too high. Runoff begins in late April and can last to near
the middle of June.
Summer:
Summer is a good time for fly fishing the Upper
Sacramento River. In extremely hot weather you may
want to fish the higher elevations.
Fall:
Fall is a great time to fish, maybe the best time, with
October Caddis and Blue-winged Olive hatches. It is for
certain the best time for dry fly fishing.
Winter:
On warmer winter days, the middle of the day can
provide decent action from nymphs and streamers.
Fly Fishing Guide to the Upper Sacramento River:
The methods and techniques for fly fishing the
Sacramento River vary from the upper box canyon
section to the lowest section above Lake Shasta.
(Click Here to Continue)
California
The Upper Sacramento River must provide the ideal
rainbow trout habitat. After a train car load of pesticide
was dumped in its upper waters in 1991, the river
recovered within a relatively short time to again become
a heavily populated wild trout stream without having to
rely on stocked trout.
The river begins from the flow through the Box Canyon
Dam at Lake Siskiyou. Its first few miles are in the
canyon. Numerous springs and small tributary streams
add to the flow. At Cantera, the Union Pacific Railroad
tracks begin to paralleling the river providing access.
From Cantera to Dunsmuir more springs and small
brooks increase the flow of the river. It becomes more
like a typical freestone stream as it winds its way through
canyons. Interstate 5 follows close by the entire way. In
fact, just about any exit (and there are fifteen) will get
you to within a short distance of the river.
Below Soda Creek downstream to Sweetbriar, the river
flows through Castle Crags State Park. At Sims Road,
the river widens as it flows through a wider valley. There
are numerous access points all the way to Lake Shasta.
The river is not unlike a large spring creek in this section.
The water levels of the river constantly change
throughout the year. The makeup is very diverse. There
are pools of all sizes, pocket water with runs and riffles,
undercut banks and a variety of other physical makeup.
Catching trout greatly depends on where you fish at any
given time and the particular methods, techniques and
strategies one uses.
Seasons:
Except during times of high water and extreme cold
conditions, fly fishing the Sacramento River is great.
Spring:
Spring is an excellent time to fish provided the water isn't
too high. Runoff begins in late April and can last to near
the middle of June.
Summer:
Summer is a good time for fly fishing the Upper
Sacramento River. In extremely hot weather you may
want to fish the higher elevations.
Fall:
Fall is a great time to fish, maybe the best time, with
October Caddis and Blue-winged Olive hatches. It is for
certain the best time for dry fly fishing.
Winter:
On warmer winter days, the middle of the day can
provide decent action from nymphs and streamers.
Fly Fishing Guide to the Upper Sacramento River:
The methods and techniques for fly fishing the
Sacramento River vary from the upper box canyon
section to the lowest section above Lake Shasta.
(Click Here to Continue)
| Type of Stream Tailwater/Freestone/Spring Fed Species Rainbow Trout (Wild) Size Small-Medium, approx. 35 miles long Location Northern California Nearest Towns Dunsmuir, California Season Year-round - main stream only. General season last Sat. in April to Nov. 25th. Access: Good Special Regulations None Non-Resident License State of California Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart Perfect Fly Hatch Chart Fly Fishing Guide Hatches and Flies Fly Fishing Gear USGS Stream Flow Data |
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Upper
Sacramento
River
California
Sacramento
River
California
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Photo Courtesy of David Knapp Photography
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