ABOUT: One of the best ways to experience this awesome fishery is a two-day overnight float trip. Single tents and air mattresses are provided, as well as a first class dinner and continental breakfast. Cast to last light and then relax around a cozy fire, where fish tales are shared under a starry sky, and the peaceful sound of the mighty Sacramento River. From Redding, California south to the small town of Corning, California, the Lower Sacramento River consistently provides some of the best fly fishing for rainbow trout and steelhead in the Western United States. Rainbows routinely average around 16 inches and during the Fall and Winter months, steelhead can be caught up to 12 lbs. Below the town of Red Bluff, smallmouth, largemouth, and striped bass are also routinely taken on flies.

"Cast to last light and then relax around a cozy fire,
 where fish tales are shared under a starry sky,
and the peaceful sound of the mighty Sacramento River"

EQUIPMENT: My clients and I typically use six and seven weight rods between 9 and 9 ½ feet for most of our nymph fishing. The most popular wet flies on the Lower Sac vary from small to medium size flies such as the Micro Mayfly, the Copper John, prince nymphs, and birds nest on up to the larger stonefly nymphs imitated by size 6 and 8 rubberlegs in black or brown. Egg patterns are extremely effective when thousands of king salmon return to the river to spawn. For dry fly fishing a nine foot, five or six weight rod is most effective, with caddis flies producing the most consistent action on top. Most streamer fishing is accomplished with six, seven, and eight weight rods with sink tips and integrated sinking lines, with small clousers producing the best.

WHEN & WHERE: I use a 16-foot Hyde Fiberglass Drift Boat to float the Lower Sacramento River. I typically meet my clients in the town of Red Bluff at the McDonalds, just east of the Highway 36 exit off Interstate Five. My other meeting area is at the Redding Fly Shop just north of the Churn Creek exit in the city of Redding.

2016 Guide Rates
Two Day Campouts: $1,300 per Boat
A Fabulous Dinner and Continental Breakfast are Served
Includes All Equipment i.e., Tents, Mattresses, Flies & Lunch