Redding River Rainbow & Steelhead Fly Fishing
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday private fly fishing trip on Sacramento RiverTarget rainbow trout and steelhead with expert guidanceAll gear and lunch included for up to 2 guests
The Sacramento River around Redding is hands-down one of California's premier fly fishing destinations, and this full-day private trip puts you right in the heart of the action. You'll be targeting two of the most sought-after species in Northern California waters - rainbow trout and steelhead - while soaking up some of the most scenic river stretches you'll find anywhere. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or just getting your feet wet, this guided experience delivers the kind of productive fishing day that keeps folks coming back season after season. We'll handle all the gear, throw in lunch, and make sure you're set up for success from the first cast to the last.
This isn't your typical crowded fishing spot - we're talking about a private, full-day adventure on some of the Sacramento River's most productive stretches around Redding. The river here flows clear and cold year-round, creating perfect conditions for both rainbow trout and steelhead to thrive. You'll be fishing from the riverbank and wading prime spots that most anglers never get to see, all while taking in views of the surrounding foothills and spotting wildlife like osprey, river otters, and the occasional bald eagle. The pace is relaxed but focused - we're here to fish, and we're here to catch. With just two guests max, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one time to dial in your technique. The river changes character throughout the day, and we'll move to different runs and pools to stay on the fish as conditions shift.
We'll be using classic fly fishing methods that have proven deadly effective on this stretch of the Sacramento. Depending on the season and water conditions, you might find yourself swinging wet flies through deep runs, dead-drifting nymphs along undercut banks, or even throwing dry flies during hatch periods. All your gear is provided - we're talking quality fly rods, reels loaded with proper line weights, and a full selection of proven flies that match what the fish are seeing. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that's perfectly fine too. The river bottom here ranges from smooth gravel to rocky ledges, so we'll outfit you with proper waders and boots that'll keep you comfortable and sure-footed all day. I'll be right there coaching you through reading the water, mending your line, and setting the hook when that indicator goes down or you see that flash of silver.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of Sacramento River fishing, and these aren't your typical stocked fish. We're talking about wild, river-born rainbows that average 12-16 inches, with plenty of 18-20 inch fish mixed in. These beauties are aggressive feeders that'll slam a well-presented nymph or rise to a perfectly drifted dry fly. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and absolutely love the oxygenated water below riffles and around boulder fields. What makes catching Sacramento rainbows so special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like fish twice their size. Fall through early spring tends to be prime time, when water temps are cool and the fish are feeding heavily to bulk up.
Steelhead are the holy grail of West Coast fishing, and the Sacramento River run is legendary among serious anglers. These are ocean-going rainbow trout that return to the river to spawn, and they can range anywhere from 5-15 pounds or even bigger. Steelhead fishing requires patience and persistence, but when you hook into one, you'll understand why anglers become obsessed. They're incredibly strong, acrobatic fighters that will test every knot in your setup. The best steelhead action typically happens from late fall through early spring, when fresh fish are moving up from the bay. These fish haven't eaten since leaving the ocean, so they strike out of aggression rather than hunger. Landing a chrome-bright steelhead on fly gear is one of those experiences that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.
The Sacramento River around Redding offers world-class fly fishing year-round, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime steelhead season. This top-rated guided trip combines productive fishing with personalized instruction in one of California's most scenic settings. With all gear provided, lunch included, and a maximum of just two anglers, you're getting the kind of quality experience that serious fly fishers appreciate. Don't forget to grab your California fishing license before the trip, dress for the weather, and come ready to learn something new about reading water and presenting flies. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, target a new species, or just spend a day on some of the West Coast's best trout water, this Sacramento River adventure delivers the goods.
Perfect for targeting rainbow trout and steelhead on the Sacramento River, this drift boat handles two anglers comfortably while navigating Redding's prime fishing waters. The stable platform gives you excellent casting room and lets you cover more productive runs throughout your day on the river. Built for Sacramento River conditions, it moves quietly through both deeper pools where steelhead hold and shallow riffles where rainbows feed. Your guide positions the boat for optimal presentations while you focus on reading the water and working your flies through promising spots. The open layout provides easy access to all your gear and plenty of space for landing fish. Whether you're swinging streamers for steelhead or dead-drifting nymphs for trout, this boat puts you in the right position to make the most of Sacramento River's year-round fishing opportunities.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout here on the Sacramento average 12-18 inches, with some beauties pushing 20+ inches. They love the cooler, oxygenated water near riffles and undercut banks where insects drift by. You'll find them holding in 2-6 feet of water, especially around boulders and fallen timber. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 55-65°F. These fish are scrappy fighters - they'll jump, run, and test your drag. The pink flesh makes for excellent eating too. Winter months can be productive since our water stays cool year-round. Pro tip: focus on the seams where fast water meets slow water. That's where they position to pick off drifting food with minimal effort. A well-presented nymph or small dry fly in these spots will often get their attention.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ocean-going version of rainbow trout, returning to spawn in our river. These are bigger, stronger fish - typically 24-30 inches and 6-12 pounds, with some monsters over 15 pounds. They hold in deeper runs, tailouts, and behind large structure where they can rest during their spawning journey. Best fishing runs from late fall through early spring when they're moving upriver. What makes steelhead special is the fight - they're incredibly powerful, often jumping multiple times and making long runs that'll test your equipment. The silvery, chrome-bright appearance from their ocean time is stunning. They prefer deeper water than resident rainbows, usually 4-10 feet. My go-to technique is swinging flies through likely runs at different depths until you find where they're holding.
Anderson, CA, United States