California Fishing Reports ยท Shasta Region
Below Keswick Dam, the Lower Sacramento runs right through Redding, a big, cold tailwater with wild rainbows that grow fast on caddis, mayflies and salmon eggs.
Looking for the latest Lower Sacramento River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lower Sacramento River (Redding).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Lower Sacramento River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Keswick is releasing about 5,200 cfs, and the river is clear. Fall flows make for good drifting from the boat ramps around Redding and Anderson.
With salmon spawning, egg patterns behind a small mayfly nymph are the go-to rig. BWOs come off midday, and caddis show up in the afternoon.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lower Sacramento, bring: Egg #12-14, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, JuJu Baetis #18-20, Zebra Midge #18-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, Elk Hair Caddis #16, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lower Sacramento River details
| Access | Boat ramps and bank access at Caldwell Park, the Posse Grounds, Anderson River Park and other sites through Redding and Anderson. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 500 ft |
| Nearest town | Redding, California |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Wild rainbow trout, plus steelhead and salmon |
| Regulations | Special trout rules apply on the upper river through Redding. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X to 5X fluorocarbon |
| Camping | Camping near Shasta Lake and Whiskeytown |
| Kids | Partly. Easy access in town parks, but a big, cold river. |
| Good to know | Most anglers fish from drift boats. Wading is limited. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Steady flows, midges and eggs.
Spring
Caddis and mayflies.
Summer
Big summer releases and evening caddis.
Fall
Salmon eggs and BWOs.
How to get there
Take I-5 north to Redding. River access is in town and downstream toward Anderson.