California Fishing Reports ยท Shasta Region
Above Shasta Lake, the Upper Sacramento runs through a forested canyon past Dunsmuir and Castella, a freestone river full of wild rainbows and easy access along the railroad.
Looking for the latest Upper 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 Upper Sacramento River (Dunsmuir).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Upper Sacramento River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge at Delta reads around 220 cfs, low and clear.
October caddis are winding down, and BWOs come off on cloudy afternoons. High-stick nymph the pocket water with a stonefly and a small mayfly nymph.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Upper Sacramento, bring: Pat', s Rubber Legs #10-12, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, Elk Hair Caddis #12-14, Parachute Adams #16-20, Perdigon #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Upper Sacramento River details
| Access | Access points at Dunsmuir, Castella, Sweetbrier and other exits along I-5. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 1,000 to 2,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Dunsmuir, California |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Wild rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Special trout rules apply on parts of the Upper Sacramento. 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, 5X tippet |
| Camping | Castle Crags State Park |
| Kids | Partly. Some easy spots near town. |
| Good to know | The railroad runs along the river. Stay off the tracks. |
Fishing by season
Winter
High winter water.
Spring
Spring caddis and mayflies.
Summer
Evening caddis.
Fall
October caddis and BWOs.
How to get there
Take I-5 north from Redding to Dunsmuir and Castella.