Redding California Fishing | Private Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Guided fly fishing on Lower Sacramento and Trinity RiversChoice of wading or walking with all gear providedFullday trips include food and drinks for comfort
Looking for some world-class fly fishing in Northern California? You've found the right spot. This private fishing trip with Peter Santley Flyfishing puts you right on the Lower Sacramento River or Trinity River for 4 to 8 hours of pure angling bliss. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher or just getting your feet wet, these pristine waters around Redding offer some of the best trout fishing you'll find anywhere in the Golden State. With all gear provided and your guide handling the details, all you need to bring is your fishing license and the desire to land some beautiful fish.
Your day starts early when most fish are still actively feeding in the cooler morning temps. Peter keeps his groups small - just two anglers max - so you get personalized attention and won't be fighting crowds for the best spots. You'll have your choice of wading right into the river or staying dry and working the banks, depending on conditions and your comfort level. The Lower Sacramento runs clear and cold year-round thanks to Shasta Dam releases, creating perfect habitat for healthy trout populations. On the Trinity, you're dealing with a more intimate river setting with deeper pools and classic pocket water that holds fish throughout the seasons. Full-day trips include food and drinks, so you can stay focused on reading the water instead of worrying about lunch.
These Northern California rivers demand a versatile approach, and Peter comes prepared with everything you'll need. In the morning, you'll likely start with nymphs - think Prince Nymphs, Hare's Ears, and Pheasant Tails bounced along the bottom where trout do most of their feeding. As the day warms up and insects start moving, dry fly action can be phenomenal with PMDs, caddis, and the occasional BWO hatch bringing fish to the surface. The Sacramento's consistent flows mean you can fish it effectively twelve months a year, while the Trinity offers more seasonal variety with incredible fall runs and spring action. Your guide will read the conditions and adjust tactics accordingly - maybe swinging soft hackles through likely runs or dead-drifting indicators through deeper pools. All rods, reels, flies, and terminal tackle are included, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you have preferences.
Brown Trout are the kings of these waters, and for good reason. These smart, aggressive fish can grow massive in the nutrient-rich Sacramento system - we're talking 20+ inch specimens that will test your drag and your patience. Browns love structure and tend to hold in undercut banks, fallen timber, and deeper runs. They're most active during low-light periods, making early morning and evening prime time. What makes landing a Sacramento brown so special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. Fall and winter are peak seasons when browns move up to spawn, but you can find quality fish year-round if you know where to look.
Rainbow Trout bring a different kind of excitement to your day. These acrobatic fighters are more willing to chase flies and tend to be more active throughout the day. Sacramento rainbows average 14-18 inches and are known for their spectacular aerial displays once hooked. They'll often hold in faster water than browns, making them perfect targets for dry fly fishing during hatches. Spring is absolutely phenomenal for rainbows as they recover from spawning and feed aggressively to regain their strength. The Trinity system produces some stunning wild rainbows with that classic red stripe and perfect proportions that make them Instagram-worthy before you release them.
Steelhead Trout are the holy grail of West Coast angling, and both the Sacramento and Trinity systems offer legitimate shots at these sea-run rainbows. These fish are built different - think of a rainbow that's spent years in the ocean packing on muscle and attitude. A 10-pound steelhead will give you a fight you'll remember for years, with blistering runs and jumps that can happen anywhere in the river. Timing is everything with steelhead - fall and winter runs bring fresh fish up from the Pacific, but water conditions and regulations change seasonally. When conditions align and you hook into a chrome-bright steelhead, you'll understand why anglers become completely obsessed with these fish. They represent the perfect combination of power, beauty, and the wild nature of California's river systems.
The Redding area consistently ranks as one of California's top fishing destinations, and Peter Santley's reputation speaks for itself among local anglers. This isn't just another guided trip - it's your chance to fish world-renowned waters with someone who knows every pool, riffle, and undercut bank. Whether you choose the 4-hour option for a taste of what these rivers offer or commit to the full 8-hour experience, you're investing in memories that'll last long after you've hung up your waders. The personalized approach means beginners get patient instruction while experienced anglers can push their skills to the next level. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - the best fishing seasons book up fast, and you don't want to miss your shot at landing the trout of a lifetime in some of California's most productive waters.
This 17' ClackaCraft drift boat is your ticket to some of the best fly fishing waters around Redding. Built in 2018 with solid craftsmanship, she handles the Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers like a dream. The spacious design comfortably fits you and a buddy, with plenty of room to move around when you're working a good stretch of water. Her stable hull cuts through currents smoothly and positions perfectly for those prime fishing spots you can't reach from shore. Whether you're drifting down a long run or holding steady while you work a deep pool, this boat gives you the control and comfort you need for a full day on the water. All your gear fits easily, and there's room for lunch and drinks when you take a break from casting. Perfect for anglers who want to cover more water and access those hidden spots where the big ones are waiting.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart kids of the trout family - they're naturally wary and put up one heck of a fight once hooked. These golden-brown beauties typically run 12-20 inches in our local waters, though we see some real trophies pushing 24+ inches. They love hanging out in deeper pools and undercut banks along the Sacramento and Trinity, especially where there's good cover from overhanging vegetation. Fall through early spring gives you the best shot at them since they feed more aggressively in cooler water. What makes browns special is their intelligence - they'll study your fly before committing. The meat is excellent with a rich, nutty flavor. Here's a local trick: fish your nymphs dead-drift along those shaded bank lines where the current slows down. Browns often hold just off the main current, waiting for food to wash by.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are what most folks think of when they picture trout fishing - that beautiful pink stripe and those acrobatic jumps when you hook one. They typically run 10-16 inches in our area, with the occasional fish pushing 20. Unlike browns, rainbows are willing feeders and you'll find them in faster water - riffles, runs, and the heads of pools where the current brings steady food. Spring and fall are prime time, but they bite year-round in the Sacramento and Trinity. What guests love most is the fight - these fish will jump, run, and give you a real workout on light tackle. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip for our waters: during mayfly season, watch for rising fish in the evening and match the hatch with smaller dry flies. Rainbows can't resist a well-presented emerger.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that hit the gym - they're the same species but ocean-living makes them bigger, stronger, and more silver. These are the trophy fish everyone dreams about, averaging 24-30 inches with some monsters over 35. They run up the Sacramento and Trinity from fall through spring to spawn, holding in deeper pools and tailouts during the day. What makes steelhead fishing special is the challenge and reward - they're incredibly strong fighters with long runs and aerial displays. The meat is rich and flavorful from their ocean diet. Best fishing happens during winter months when fresh fish are moving upstream. Here's the key: steelhead often hold in the softer water just off the main current. Swing your flies through these spots repeatedly - these fish can be moody and might ignore your offering a dozen times before finally striking.
Redding, CA