Summertime on the Lower Sac…

For the months of July and August we focus most of our attention to the Lower Sac right here in Redding, CA.

The mighty Lower Sacramento River (below Lake Shasta) is a massive tailwater river which typically sees flows in the 12k-18k cfs range most of the summer (currently @ 14k).

While daytime air temps are often “hot” here in Redding, the river’s water temps remain very cold… out of the dam around 52-53 degrees. This makes it a safe bet when looking for ethical fly fishing opportunities for wild trout in the West during the “Dog Days” of summer.

This tailwater fishery is one of CA’s crown jewels - and - I believe it’s among the premiere wild trout rivers in all of Western States. Open 12 months a year and harboring a solid population of hard pulling wild trout and steelhead.

On August 1st, the mile long Sundial Bridge section along with the top of the river (above Market Street) will re-open to angling. This short river section closes every April 1st-July 31st to protect winter-run salmon as they spawn in the upper river throughout mid summer. August is one of the best times on the river to encounter some true river giants… we typically see some of the biggest wild rainbow trout of the year during this re-opener on August 1st.

If you have never experienced the Lower Sacramento River in Redding, CA then you don’t know what you have been missing… give us a call or shoot me an email to learn more and plan your trip!