Sacramento River - Lower - Redding, CA

Spot Information

Fish Species: American Shad, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout
The Lower Sacramento River, Redding, CA, is a world-class tailwater fishery, renowned for large rainbow trout, significant steelhead runs, and Chinook salmon during fall. Its consistent cold, clear waters (48-55°F) are fed by Keswick Dam releases. Optimal angling for trout/steelhead includes fly fishing (nymphing/swinging) or side-drifting roe/jigs. Salmon are effectively targeted by back-trolling large plugs or wrapped anchovies. Real-time dam flow data is critical for safety and success. Access is excellent, primarily by drift boat. Anglers must adhere to complex CDFW regulations, including barbless hooks and catch-and-release for steelhead, to preserve this premier fishery.



Latest Photos

Photo Credit: Justinthompsonfishing.com
11-2-2025
Photo Credit: Justin Thompson fishing
9-28-2025
Photo Credit: Justin Thompson
5-28-2025
Photo Credit: Justin Thompson
5-28-2025

Sacramento River - Lower Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Chinook Salmon 41 lbs. 8-21-2020 View Report
Striped Bass 40 lbs. 8 oz. 3-09-2023 View Report
Chinook Salmon 34 lbs. 8 oz. 8-21-2020 View Report
Chinook Salmon 34 lbs. 9-30-2020 View Report
Chinook Salmon 28 lbs. 8-31-2020 View Report
Steelhead 22 lbs. 9-29-2016 View Report
Chinook Salmon 17 lbs. 9-21-2016 View Report
Chinook Salmon 17 lbs. 10-02-2016 View Report
Chinook Salmon 14 lbs. 9-21-2016 View Report
Steelhead 5 lbs. 12-08-2016 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSource# of Fish
7-03-2016Rainbow TroutCDFW 
5-22-2016Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
11-25-2025 Target releases remain steady at 4,000 CFS which is great
Target releases remain steady at 4,000 CFS which... more »
The Fly Shop
11-18-2025 The clarity took a slight hit with the recent rains
The clarity took a slight hit with the... more »
The Fly Shop
11-12-2025 The river got kinda cloudy last week with the storm, however it has cleared and is fishing great!
The river got kinda cloudy last week with... more »
The Fly Shop
11-5-2025 The majority of the Fall Run Chinooks have completed spawning
The majority of the Fall Run Chinooks have... more »
The Fly Shop
11-2-2025 Northern California steelhead Fishing 🎣 Report
Northern California fishing 🎣 Report for Trinity River... more »
Justin Thompson

Detailed Map