Sacramento River Fishing Guide - 4 Hour Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
4-hour guided fishing charter on Sacramento River watersExpert instruction provided for all angling skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests capacity
The Sacramento River near Redding is hands-down one of California's premier trout fishing destinations, and our 4-hour guided charter puts you right in the sweet spots where browns and rainbows love to hang out. Andrew Surtees Guide Service has been working these waters for years, and we know exactly where to find fish when others are coming up empty. This isn't your typical crowded fishing spot - we're talking about pristine stretches of river where the trout are healthy, feisty, and ready to put up a real fight. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're just getting started, our personalized approach means you'll learn something new while having a blast on the water.
When you meet us at the launch, we'll have everything dialed in and ready to go - no wasted time fumbling around with gear or wondering where to start. The Sacramento River flows clear and cold year-round thanks to Shasta Dam upstream, creating perfect conditions for trout fishing. We'll be drifting prime runs and working productive pools where these fish like to feed, and trust me, once you see how aggressive Sacramento River trout can be, you'll understand why anglers drive hours just to fish here. The scenery is pretty spectacular too - rolling hills, oak-studded banks, and crystal-clear water that lets you watch trout rise to your fly or lure. Our boat gives us access to stretches that bank anglers can't reach, so we're often fishing water that sees very little pressure. You'll spend the day learning reading water, understanding seasonal patterns, and picking up techniques that'll make you a better angler wherever you fish.
We fish the Sacramento primarily by drifting and anchoring up in productive holes, using a mix of techniques depending on what the trout are telling us that day. Fly fishing is absolutely killer here - we'll work nymphs through deep runs, swing streamers along undercut banks, and when conditions are right, throw dry flies to rising fish that'll make your heart pound. For spin fishing, we use everything from small spinners and spoons to drift fishing with salmon eggs and PowerBait in the deeper holes. The key is staying versatile and reading the water as we go. Water temperatures and bug hatches change throughout the season, so what worked last week might not be the ticket today. We provide all the gear you need - quality rods, reels, and tackle that's matched to these conditions. If you've got your own setup and prefer using it, bring it along. We're always happy to help you dial in your technique or show you new presentations that work well on this particular stretch of river.
Brown Trout are the river's true prize fish, and Sacramento River browns are known throughout California for their size and fighting ability. These fish are incredibly wary and smart - they didn't get big by being easy to catch. Browns here average 14-18 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 20+ inches that'll test your drag system and make you question whether you're hooked into a trout or a salmon. They love structure - fallen trees, undercut banks, deep holes with good cover. Fall through early spring is prime time for browns when they're actively feeding before and after their spawn. What makes these fish so special is their wariness combined with their aggression. They'll inspect your fly or lure carefully, but when they decide to eat, they hit hard and fight like fish twice their size. The satisfaction of fooling a big Sacramento brown is something every serious trout angler needs to experience.
Rainbow Trout are the river's bread and butter, and Sacramento rainbows are some of the most beautiful and energetic fish you'll find anywhere. These fish average 12-16 inches and are absolute rockets when hooked - they'll jump, run, and put on an aerial show that makes every fight memorable. Unlike the sneaky browns, rainbows are more willing to chase moving baits and are generally more aggressive feeders. Spring and fall offer the best rainbow action, but we catch quality fish year-round. What's really cool about Sacramento rainbows is their coloration - bright silver sides with that classic pink stripe that's more vivid than you'll see in most places. They're also excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner. These fish respond well to small spinners, flies, and drift fishing techniques, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action and the chance to improve their fish-fighting skills on willing participants.
A 4-hour charter on the Sacramento River with Andrew Surtees Guide Service gives you the perfect taste of what makes this fishery so special without eating up your entire day. You'll leave with new techniques, a better understanding of trout behavior, and hopefully some great photos of quality fish. The Sacramento fishes well year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when trout are actively feeding and moving around. Our small group size means you get personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on time with different techniques. Whether you book this trip as a introduction to guided fishing or as a way to explore new water, you're going to have a great time on one of California's top-rated trout streams. The fish are here, the techniques work, and we know where to find them - all you need to do is show up ready to fish and learn something new.
Our restored 14' Lavro brings decades of Sacramento River fishing knowledge to your charter. This classic 1991 boat got a complete makeover in 2018 and runs on a dependable 1HP Arms engine that cuts quietly through the water - perfect for not spooking the fish. The compact size lets us navigate shallow spots and tight channels where the big ones hide. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space without bumping elbows. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and gives you a perfect place to store your catch fresh until we head back to shore. Whether you're working spinners for salmon or drifting bait for steelhead, this boat puts you right where the action is on one of California's premier fishing rivers.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are smart, wary fish that'll test your skills on the Sacramento. These golden-brown beauties typically run 12-20 inches here, with some pushing well over 24 inches. They love deeper pools, undercut banks, and structure where they can ambush prey. Fall brings aggressive feeding as water temps drop into their sweet spot of 54-65°F. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump less than rainbows but pull stronger, and taste fantastic on the table. Browns are most active during low-light periods - early morning and evening are prime time. Here's a local tip: when the water's crystal clear like it gets here, drop down to lighter tippet and smaller flies. These fish have seen every lure in the book, so finesse often beats power.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the bread and butter of our Sacramento River trips, and for good reason. These colorful fighters average 8-16 inches with plenty of bigger ones mixed in. You'll find them in faster water, riffles, and tail-outs where they can easily grab drifting insects. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when water temps sit between 55-64°F. What guests love most? Rainbows are acrobatic - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show once hooked. They're also excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Unlike browns, rainbows are more forgiving and aggressive, making them perfect for newer anglers. My go-to tip for our local fish: watch for rising fish near the surface during morning and evening hatches, then match whatever bugs are coming off the water.
Sacramento River