Sacramento River Beginners Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Beginnerfocused instruction covers casting and drift fishing techniquesAll fishing gear provided for hasslefree Sacramento River experienceSmall group capacity ensures personalized attention from experienced guide
Listen, everyone starts somewhere, and the Sacramento River near Redding is hands down one of the best spots to get your feet wet in the fishing world. This isn't some sink-or-swim deal where you're left figuring things out on your own. With Andrew Surtees Guide Service, you're getting a proper introduction to what real river fishing is all about. We're talking about a solid 4-hour window where you'll actually learn the fundamentals instead of just casting blindly and hoping for the best. The Sacramento runs clear and cold through this stretch, and it's loaded with trout that are more than willing to play along if you know what you're doing. That's where I come in.
Picture this: we meet up early morning when the river's still got that glassy look and the trout are actively feeding. The Sacramento around Redding has this perfect mix of runs, pools, and pockets that hold fish year-round. You're not dealing with crowds of weekend warriors here – this is quality water that produces consistent results. We'll start with the basics, and I mean the real basics. How to hold your rod properly, reading the water to spot where trout like to hang out, and getting your casting technique dialed in so you're not spooking every fish within a hundred yards. The beauty of this trip is that everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, even the net for when you land your first Sacramento River trout. All you need to bring is yourself and maybe a camera because trust me, you'll want proof of that first fish.
Forget everything you've seen in movies about fishing. Real trout fishing on the Sacramento is all about presentation and patience. We'll be drift fishing primarily, which means letting your bait move naturally with the current like actual food would. Think of it as tricking the fish into believing your offering is just another bug or worm that got swept downstream. I'll show you how to read the current seams – those spots where fast water meets slow water – because that's trout candy right there. We'll also cover basic casting mechanics so you can actually get your line where the fish are instead of tangled in the nearest tree. The gear we use is straightforward but effective: medium-light spinning rods that won't tire you out, quality reels with smooth drags, and a selection of baits and lures that Sacramento River trout can't resist. No fancy gadgets or complicated setups – just proven techniques that work whether you're a complete beginner or someone who's fished a few times but wants to actually understand what you're doing.
Brown Trout are the craftier cousins in the Sacramento River system, and they'll teach you respect for the sport real quick. These fish didn't get their reputation by being pushovers. Browns are ambush predators that like to hold tight to structure – fallen logs, undercut banks, anywhere they can sit and wait for food to drift by. They're typically more active during low-light conditions, which is why those early morning starts pay off big time. What makes browns special is their wariness; they've survived by being selective, so when you hook one, you know you did something right. They fight hard and smart, using the current and any cover they can find to try and shake your hook. Size-wise, you're looking at fish ranging from 12 inches up to some real bruisers that'll make your drag sing. The best part about targeting browns is that they're present year-round in this stretch of the Sacramento, though they really turn on during the cooler months when the water temperature drops and they're feeding heavily before winter.
Rainbow Trout are the more cooperative of our two main targets, but don't mistake that for boring. These fish are pure energy when hooked, known for their spectacular jumps and line-peeling runs. Rainbows in the Sacramento tend to be more aggressive feeders than browns, which makes them perfect for building confidence when you're starting out. They'll hit a variety of presentations, from drifted nightcrawlers to small spinners worked through the current. What's really cool about Sacramento River rainbows is their coloration – they develop these deep, vibrant hues from the rich food sources in the river system. You'll find them schooled up in the deeper pools and runs, especially during the warmer months when they're seeking out the cooler, oxygenated water. Peak rainbow action typically happens from late fall through early spring, though you can catch them consistently throughout the year if you know where to look. These fish average between 10-16 inches, with plenty of larger specimens mixed in to keep things interesting.
Look, I've been guiding anglers on the Sacramento for years, and I can tell you that this beginner trip consistently delivers results. You're not just paying for a fishing trip – you're investing in actually learning how to fish properly from day one. Too many people try to figure this stuff out on their own and develop bad habits that take forever to unlearn. Four hours might not sound like much, but it's perfectly paced for absorbing the fundamentals without getting overwhelmed. The Sacramento River around Redding fishes well year-round, but if you want my honest opinion, fall through early spring offers the most consistent action for beginners. The trout are more active, the weather's comfortable, and you won't be dealing with the summer tubing crowds. With just two spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention that you simply can't find on those cattle-boat operations. This is your chance to start your fishing journey the right way, on water that produces results, with instruction that'll serve you well no matter where your angling adventures take you.
You'll be fishing from our restored 14-foot Lavro motorboat, a classic 1991 vessel that got a complete makeover in 2018. This compact boat runs on a quiet 1HP Arms engine that won't spook the fish, making it perfect for drifting along the Sacramento River's productive fishing spots. The boat comfortably handles two anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room for casting and landing your catch. We've got an onboard icebox to keep your drinks cold and store any fish you decide to take home. The shallow draft design lets us navigate the river's varied depths and get you close to where the salmon and steelhead like to hang out. This setup is ideal for learning the basics - the stable platform gives beginners confidence while practicing their casting technique, and the responsive handling means we can quickly position ourselves over the best fishing holes along this stretch of the Sacramento.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the clever fighters of the Sacramento River, typically running 12-20 inches and putting up a serious battle once hooked. These golden-brown beauties with black spots love hiding in deeper pools, undercut banks, and around fallen timber during the day. They're most active in cooler water, making early morning and evening prime time, especially in fall when they feed aggressively. What makes them special is their wariness - they'll test your skills more than most trout. The reward? Great table fare with firm, flavorful meat. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing near structure, let your bait sit still for 30 seconds after it settles. Browns often follow before committing to bite.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are perfect for beginners - they're eager biters that typically measure 10-16 inches in the Sacramento River. You'll find them in faster water, riffles, and shallow runs where they actively feed on insects drifting downstream. Spring through early summer offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot around 60°F. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - rainbows jump and run like crazy once hooked. They're also excellent eating with mild, pink flesh. The signature pink stripe along their silver sides makes them easy to identify. Pro tip: cast slightly upstream and let your bait drift naturally with the current - rainbows hate anything that looks unnatural.
Sacramento River