The Best Trout Town in California
Your Guide to Fishing Redding, California
You can learn a lot about someone by what aspect of California they find most memorable. Some may consider the beaches of Redondo or Victoria to be the best part; others may consider the sourdough in San Francisco. Others, a select group for which these articles are targeted, see Redding, California, and the incredible trout fishing it has to offer to be the gem of the state. Whether targeting big rainbows on the Sacramento or steelheads on the picturesque Trinity River, Redding is a Northern California trout town.
California’s salmon, steelhead, and trout fisheries are a success story that spans decades. From the overuse of many riverways for mining to the mismanagement of sections by hydroelectric power, the wild fish stocks in northern California were a shadow of what they are today. Luckily for today's anglers, the protection of waterways, additions to dams for better tailwaters, and the hatchery programs of the state have created a paradise for both anglers and fish.
The long and hard-fought battle for conservation has not only restored the waterways but has also turned Redding into one of the world's top trout fishing destinations. Coming up, we'll take a closer look at four of the area's stunning water bodies, each offering very unique scenery and experiences. We'll also introduce you to the local guides whose expertise can turn any fishing trip here into a day packed with fun, action and stories worth telling.
If you want jump ahead here is what we are covering:
The Sundial Bridge spanning the Sacramento River in Redding, CA.
Lower Sacramento River
The lower Sacramento is a tailwater section of a river within striking distance of Redding. The lower Sacramento, or "Sac," owes its excellent year-round fishing to the Shasta damn located upstream. While dams on the Sacramento significantly diminished the populations of many cold-water fish, the dam's temperature control devices now gradually release cold water from lower in the reservoir, allowing not only rainbow trout and steelhead to survive year-round but also salmon, which provide another fall species as well as a huge protein source for the resident rainbows.
Trout fishing on the Lower Sacramento is consistently good. However, it is worth noting that the spring caddis hatch in March allows for excellent wade fishing with the lower water levels. For those looking to get a specimen of steelhead or rainbow, the months of December and January are when the biggest trout are often landed after spending the previous months gorging on salmon eggs.
Lower Sacramento Fishing Trip Gallery
The Best Fishing Trips on the Lower Sacramento River
Offered By: The Trinity Guide Co.
Guide Alex Ross owns and operates The Trinity Guide Co.. Book a full day with Alex targeting wild Rainbow Trout on this pristine river year round. With over 20 years experience guiding, a day with Alex won’t leave you disappointed.
Offered By: Taco Fly Co.
If you are looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere, this is your trip. Mario Guel is the amazing person behind Taco Fly Co.. Book a trip with Mario for a truly unforgettable experience targeting football sized Rainbows year round. In addition to making memories, we can guarantee you will come away with some amazing stories as well!
Offered By: Brian Flint
Fishing Guide Brian Flint owns and operates Trout Vision LLC. Brian’s trips truly run a full day and this one is no exception running 8-12 hours on the water. Expect lots of fish in the 16-18” range in addition to the beautiful views of Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta along the way.
Offered By: NorCal Spey
For you spey lovers, look no further. NorCal Spey owner Josh James is a lifelong resident of Northern California and knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Trinity River
The Trinity River is considered one of the nation's most beautiful rivers. Drifting through the Trinity Alps and the Bureau of Land Management forests, the river creates the perfect backdrop for swinging flies to steelhead. One of the largest draws to the Trinity is the steelhead run. Few waterways in California have reliable steelhead runs that can be counted on as consistently as the Trinity. The fall run will kick off in September and extend until Thanksgiving. While winter's sub-freezing temperatures may scare away less dedicated anglers, flyfishermen willing to strip with gloves on can be rewarded with actively feeding steelhead on a nearly personless river.
Trinity River Fishing Trip Gallery
The Best Fishing Trips on the Trinity River
Offered By: Taco Fly Co.
Mario with Taco Fly Co. got his start on this river and is one of the best guides out there. His trips run between Lewiston, CA and Del Loma, CA depending on the time of year. In this year round fishery, Mario primarily focuses on swing and indicator techniques. Mario is one of those memorable guys who is sure to give you an amazing time on the water.
Offered By: The Trinity Guide Co.
If you could expect to find fishing guide Alex Ross with The Trinity Guide Co. anywhere, of course it would be on the Trinity River. Alex is a veteran guide with over 20 years experience. Alex is passionate about providing exceptional client experiences and is always willing to go the extra mile in all conditions, reflecting his strong work ethic. Don’t hesitate to spend a day on the water with him – you won’t be disappointed!
Baum Lake
Baum Lake is a 77-acre lake an hour or so east of Redding. The lake itself is probably better described as a large creek that rarely exceeds 100 yards at its widest. This "still water" is fed from the Hat Creek watershed and connected to the Crystal Lake Hatchery, it is a gem for anglers looking to find rainbow and brown trout year-round. Both species are stocked annually, and the retention level for both species is high. The proof of holdover fish is in the records; the largest brown landed on Baum Lake weighed a whopping 23 pounds 5 ounces. While watercraft are permitted on Baum, there is a ban on gas motors; paddles or electric motors are the only ways to get your watercraft around the lake. With local camping at Cassel Campground and ease of access for wading and drifting, Baum Lake is considered one of the best spots near Redding for new anglers, especially when the conditions of the rivers are less than ideal.
The Best Fishing Trips on Baum Lake
Offered By: Brian Flint
For a day full of fun, or for beginners to go learn the basics, Baum Lake is an excellent choice. Fishing guide Brian Flint of Vision Trout LLC runs an amazing trip here chasing Rainbow and Brown trout with dry fly, streamer and indicators. If you are looking to kick back and enjoy an easy day on the water, check this trip out.
Feather River
While gold may have been the impetus for many early Californians to search the Feather River, Steelheads are the reason many still do. The Feather River has two separate runs of steelhead. The spawn run in spring is a fast and furious rush from March to May when returning fish head upriver, and their movements coincide with hatches of caddis and mayflies. The second and most talked about run is the fall run, when steelhead fatten themselves on salmon eggs as the king and chinook salmon use the same runs and riffles to lay their eggs as their ancestors have done for eons. The September to December fall run often involves hooking and breaking off large salmon while targeting steelhead that are hounding the spawning fish.
Feather River Fishing Trip Gallery
The Best Fishing Trips on the Feather River
Offered By: MT Fly Fishing
Just 20 minutes from Sacramento, this trip is perfect for beginners and experts alike. Be prepared for a line-ripping, double-digit day of 16-24 inch native Central Valley Steelhead with MT Fly Fishing.
Offered By: Brian Flint
Fishing Guide Brian Flint owns and operates Trout Vision LLC. Book a full-day trip with Brian on the Feather River for a chance at massive native Steelhead that will run you into your backing!
Offered By: Taco Fly Co.
Taco Fly Co. fishing guide Mario Guel runs an awesome walk and wade trip in some amazing scenic areas between Graeagle, CA and the Cresta Dam chasing Rainbow Trout. If the water is cold, don’t forget your waders!
Redding, California, is a special trout town. A town that offers anglers miles of steelhead runs from the year-round action of the lower Sacramento to the drift boat days on the Feather River. Anglers of all skill levels can find a way to connect with the trout fishery of Redding. Be it on the shore of Lake Baum fishing for massive, stocked browns or admiring the quiet magnificence of the Trinity, few places in the world hold the allure that Redding does. If you are looking to battle against the iron-willed steelhead or net, an egg-fattened rainbow Guide Book can help with flyfishing guides that have the skills and experience to turn any trip into the trip of a lifetime.