Redding California Fishing | Private 8 Hour Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full-day guided fishing on Sacramento and Trinity RiversAll gear, food, and drinks provided aboard drift boatTarget brown trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead species
When you're looking for world-class trout fishing in Northern California, the waters around Redding deliver some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere. This private 8-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of it all, drifting down either the Lower Sacramento River or Trinity River with everything you need for a full day of serious fishing. Peter Santley knows these waters like the back of his hand, and you'll spend the day learning from someone who's been putting clients on fish for years. With all gear, food, and drinks provided, all you need to bring is your California fishing license and the appetite for some top-rated trout fishing.
Your day starts early with a meet-up in Redding, where you'll get rigged up and head out to whichever river is fishing best that day. The Lower Sacramento River is famous for its year-round fishery and consistent flows, while the Trinity River offers more intimate water with stunning scenery and excellent wild trout populations. You'll be fishing from a drift boat, which is hands-down the best way to cover water and get into fish that haven't seen much pressure. The boat allows you to hit prime runs, deep pools, and undercut banks that bank anglers can only dream about reaching. With just two guests maximum, you get personalized instruction and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The guide handles all the rowing and positioning, so you can focus entirely on reading the water and perfecting your presentation. This isn't a rushed half-day trip either – eight full hours gives you time to really dial in your technique and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
You'll be fishing primarily with fly rods and drift fishing techniques that are absolutely deadly on these rivers. The guide provides all the gear, including quality rods, reels, lines, and a full selection of flies and lures that are proven producers in these waters. Depending on conditions and what the fish are doing, you might be swinging streamers through deep runs, dead-drifting nymphs along the bottom, or working dry flies during a hatch. The Lower Sacramento is perfect for indicator nymphing with patterns like Prince nymphs, hare's ears, and pheasant tails in sizes 12-16. When the Trinity is running clear, it's hard to beat swinging woolly buggers and sculpins through the pools. The guide will set you up with the right rig for the conditions and teach you how to read the water like a local. You'll learn to spot the subtle seams, eddies, and depth changes where trout love to hold. The drift boat setup lets you approach fish from the perfect angle and make multiple drifts through productive water without spooking anything.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These Lower Sacramento rainbows are chunky, hard-fighting fish that average 14-18 inches with plenty of bigger ones mixed in. They're active year-round thanks to the dam releases that keep water temperatures stable, but spring and fall are when they really turn on. You'll find them in the faster water at the heads of pools and along current seams where they can dart out to grab drifting insects. What makes these rainbows special is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit your fly hard and immediately go airborne, which never gets old no matter how many you catch.
Brown trout are the trophy fish that keep anglers coming back for more. These river browns are smart, moody, and absolutely gorgeous when you get them to the net. They tend to hold in deeper water and under cover during the day, making them perfect targets for streamer fishing and deep nymphing. Fall is prime time for browns as they get more aggressive heading into their spawn, but skilled guides know how to find them year-round. A 20-inch brown from these rivers is a fish of a lifetime, with their golden flanks and bright red spots. They fight completely different from rainbows – more bulldogging and head-shaking than jumping – but they'll test your tackle and your patience.
Steelhead trout are the ultimate prize when they're running. These sea-run rainbows push up from the Pacific Ocean and turn into absolute rockets when hooked. Steelhead runs typically happen in late fall through early spring, depending on river flows and ocean conditions. When they're in the system, everything changes – these fish can easily top 10 pounds and will take you well into your backing on the first run. The guide knows the timing and the spots where steelhead stage up, and landing one of these chrome-bright fish is something you'll be talking about for years. They're incredibly strong and seem to have unlimited energy, making multiple long runs and jumps that will have your arms burning.
This private 8-hour trip represents some of the best value fishing you'll find in Northern California. With all gear, food, drinks, and expert guiding included, you're getting a world-class fishing experience without any of the hassle. The personalized attention you get with just two anglers means you'll improve your skills dramatically and have the best shot at landing fish of a lifetime. Peter Santley's reputation speaks for itself, and dates fill up fast, especially during prime seasons. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to explore new water or someone who wants to learn from a top-rated guide, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait around – the fish are biting and the calendar is filling up. Grab your California fishing license and book your spot for a day on the water that you'll remember every time you pick up a rod.
Your fishing adventure floats down Northern California's prime waters aboard our 17-foot ClackaCraft drift boat. This sturdy 2018 vessel glides smoothly through the Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers, giving you and one companion the perfect platform to cast for brown trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead. The spacious layout keeps your gear organized while providing comfortable seating for those long drifts between productive holes. Built tough for river conditions, this drift boat handles everything from gentle pools to faster runs with ease. You'll appreciate the stable design when fighting fish or moving around to get the perfect angle on rising trout. All fishing equipment and meals are provided – just bring your license and get ready for eight solid hours on some of California's most productive trout waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wary veterans of our local rivers - typically running 12-20 inches and 2-4 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 6+ pounds. They love deep pools with overhead cover, undercut banks, and slower water near structure. These European natives are most active during cooler months, especially fall when they're aggressive before spawning. What makes them special? They're incredibly smart fighters that test your skills, plus they're excellent table fare with firm, flavorful meat. Here's a local trick: target the deeper holes just downstream of rapids during overcast days or low-light periods. Browns often hold tight to bottom structure, so get your fly or lure down deep and be patient.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the acrobats of our waters - averaging 10-16 inches but capable of surprising you with 20+ inch specimens. You'll find them in faster currents, riffles, and oxygen-rich water where they actively feed on insects. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during evening hatches. Guests love their aerial displays and spirited runs that'll test your drag. They're also fantastic eating with delicate, pink flesh. The Sacramento and Trinity both hold healthy populations that respond well to nymphs and dry flies. Pro tip: watch for rising fish during caddis hatches around dusk - match the hatch with a size 14-16 elk hair caddis and you'll often connect with some of the most eager feeders in the river.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are ocean-going rainbows that return to spawn - basically rainbows on steroids. These chrome-bright fighters average 24-30 inches and 6-12 pounds, with some monsters hitting 15+ pounds. They prefer deeper runs with good current and gravel bottoms, often holding near structure. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're migrating upstream. What sets them apart is their raw power and stamina - they'll make multiple long runs and jump repeatedly. Winter steelhead are especially prized for their strength. Local secret: focus on tail-outs below deep pools using bright flies like pink or orange patterns. Steelhead often follow the same migration routes, so once you find productive water, mark it well.
Redding, CA