| UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER |
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| In Partnership With The Fly Shop |
| Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing |
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Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
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Upper Sacramento River Scorecard |
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Fishing Quality |
Blue Ribbon Freestone |
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Scenic Beauty |
High |
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Size |
Long (35 miles), medium width |
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Accessibility |
High |
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Crowds |
High near access points; low elsewhere |
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Closest Metro Areas |
San Francisco (325 miles), Sacramento (235 miles), Redding (75 miles) |
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Type/Size of Fish |
Rainbows (12" avg., up to 20") and a few Browns |
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Weather |
Summer: sunny and hot; spring and fall: cloudy, cool with some rain (click here) |
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
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Introduction The Upper Sacramento River is an outstanding river of diverse character. It is densely populated with hard-fighting wild rainbows that average 12" and range over 20". Although the river is highly accessible, crowds are localized and solitude is not hard to find. The Upper Sac suffered a major chemical spill in 1991, but has recovered nicely. From San Francisco, the river is over a four-hour drive north. The closest fly shops are in Dunsmuir.
Upper Sacramento Character The Upper Sacramento flows for 35 miles from Lake Siskiyou's Box Canyon Dam to Lake Shasta, just north of Redding. Box Canyon Dam derives its name from the narrow canyon into which the lake empties, forming a narrow river for about two miles to Ney Springs, the first access point. This stretch is tricky wading, but holds some nice fish and beautiful geology, with springs pouring through the rock walls at points. Below Ney Springs, the canyon widens out somewhat but fishing remains good. The next access point to the canyon is Cantera, where the railroad tracks begin paralleling the river to provide easy walking. From Cantera downstream to Dunsmuir, numerous springs and brooks increase the water flow. The water becomes more fast-flowing and freestone in nature, winding through scenic canyons that see little fishing pressure in most areas. The walls of this canyon ooze with spring water in many places. At Mossbrae Falls, an entire creek seems to come crashing into the river over the side of a moss-covered wall and into a deep and narrow pool undercutting the rock wall. From Dunsmuir to Soda Creek, flow continues to increase, access is much easier and houses are in plain view of the river. It is in this area where you must begin to exercise caution when attempting to cross the river. Soda Creek is one of the most popular areas to fish on the Upper Sac. Human dwellings become more prevalent as you continue to head downstream for about 5 miles to Sweetbriar. In this stretch, you can still escape reminders of civilization by fishing in the Castle Crags State Park stretch. From Sweetbriar, flows continue to increase and the crowds thin again until you hit Sims Road (roughly 4 miles). Access points in between include Conant and Flume Creek Road. Sims Road is another very popular fishing spot. Here, the river begins losing its freestone character as it passes through a wider, though still steep valley. Water volume continues to pick up, and the river flattens to resemble a spring creek. You can fish progressively bigger water as you continue downstream pasts numerous access points: Shotgun Crreek, Shiloah, Gibson, Pollard Flat, La Moine, McArdle Flat, Dog Creek/Delta (a third popular area), and Lakeshore (at Lake Shasta).
Accessibility & Directions (see stream map or get driving directions) From San Francisco, take interstate 5 north. The highway parallels the river for roughly 35 miles from Shasta Lake (above Redding) upstream to Lake Siskiyou, offering easy access in many spots. Numerous smaller roads enable additional access in some areas. Despite this, there are abundant opportunities to avoid the crowds by hiking along the railroad tracks that parallel nearly the entire river. The only exception is above Cantera Loop up to Lake Siskiyou. In this stretch, the river can be accessed via trails emanating from Ney Spring, which itself is accessible by road. To get there, cross the dam going southwest, turn left on Castle Lake Road, and then another left on the first dirt road. You will go down a steep hill with some switchbacks before you reach the parking area. |
(photo courtesy of The Fly Shop) Cantera can be reached by exiting I-5 at the McCloud/Mt. Shasta exit and taking your first right at Azalea Street. Go under the highway and across the tracks and go left for about a half mile until you hit Cantera Street. Go right for 1.3 miles down into the canyon until you reach Cantera Loop where you can park near the river. Most other access points require simply exiting from I-5 and taking a short and obvious side road. Two books provide indispensable guidance to all 35 miles of access points to the river: A Flyfisher's Guide to Northern California by Seth Norman and California: Blue Ribbon Trout Streams by Bill Sunderland & Dale Lackey. Roughly 25 miles north of Shasta Lake is the town of Dunsmuir, your best stop for fly shops. Click here to get driving directions to the town of Dunsmuir. Check out the official regulations.
When & How to Fish The river is open to fishing from the last Saturday in April through November 15. The water is catch and release except for a stretch between Soda Creek (exit 726) and Scarlett Way bridge (near exit 733). On opening day you may be able to fish the bottom with heavily weighted nymphs, but within a week or two snowmelt pushes the water too high to fish. Conditions settle down again in early to mid-June, when mayflies become active. By late July, terrestrials become more important. Water heats up somewhat in July and August, so your best bet is fishing above Mossbrae Falls. Autumn brings September midges, October caddis, and late fall blue-wing olives. For more advice on when and how to fish, contact The Fly Shop, check out the books and other fly shops below and visit the Upper Sacramento discussion board. You may also want to browse the official regulations and The Fly Shop's fishing reports before you leave. We appreciate your input on this page. Please e-mail us.
Author's Remembrances: I have fished this river twice with my brother -- briefly in the summer of 1995 and then for 5 days in the summer of 1999. The second trip drove home how attractive this river is. Mossbrae Falls and the area above it were like a true paradise for fly-fishermen: lush, deserted in the higher stretches, and easily accessible. Fishing just downstream of Mossbrae was outstanding. Above the falls it was a bit slower (perhaps because we were there in the hottest part of the day), but the scenery made the long hike along the railroad tracks worthwhile. In one tight corner of the river, torrential spring floods had created what seemed like the gods' playground: three or four magnificent boulders stood perched on a rocky island that split the river into two deep channels. A huge tree had fallen across the entire river, forming a perfect foot bridge. The power of a river had never seemed so real or frightening. In this area we even saw some hobos on a passing train, as well as a lean-to on the river banks probably made by an indigent (perfect summer weather for outdoor living). Miles downstream, we tied into some great fishing near our camp site on the east side of the river in Castle Crags State Park (where there are some near-perfect camping areas and excellent trails right along the river). Just as it did below Mossbrae, the water literally exploded with rising trout an hour or two before dusk. One night we visited Lake Siskiyou tailwater for some decent nymphing and top-water action. For the entire 5 days the weather was hot and nearly cloudless. At mid-day we could not resist swimming in some of the numerous pools, then basking in the sun to warm up afterwards. All in all, a trip to remember. -- Paul Terpeluk |
Recommended Gear:
-- Upper Sac Fly Package -- $9.99 -- Order Here
-- 4-5 weight, 9-10 feet
-- medium thickness waders (no waders needed after July)
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
About The Fly Shop (partner for Upper Sacramento River page)
The Fly Shop is one of California's premier guide services. Located in Redding, CA, it is within easy striking distance of half a dozen world-famous rivers and offers guide services on the Upper Sacramento, Lower Sacramento, McCloud, Pit, Fall, Hat, Trinity and numerous private waters. According to the Fly Shop, "Our guides are all full time professionals. They are on the water they guide constantly and stay in close contact with the shop staff over stream conditions and the latest hatch information. They're expert fishermen and excellent teachers. They have great attitudes about sharing the sport of fly fishing and making sure the clients have a successful day and a lot of fun. We have a wide spectrum of fly fishing destinations and opportunities. When you call to book a guide we'll put you into a spot tailored for your ability, schedule, and interests."
Trip
Rates
Day Trip: $295/day for 1 or 2 anglers; $340/day for 3 anglers. 3
anglers maximum per guide. Fee includes 8-10 hours of guided fishing with
lunch.
For Questions or to Check Availability: Simply fill out the form below and the Fly Shop will contact you. Otherwise, you can call Duane at 1-800-669-FISH (1-800-669-3474), e-mail Duane@theflyshop.com, or visit The Fly Shop's web site. The Fly Shop wants to hear from you!
Tell 'em Troutsource sent 'ya.
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Fly selection -- save money and lower your risk
2. Book
Upper Sacram
ento Fly fisihing
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
For more advice on fishing the Upper Sacramento, check out the books and fly shops below and visit the Upper Sacramento discussion board. We appreciate your input on this page. Please e-mail us.
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
Bibliography & Recommended Books:
Flyfisher's Guide to Northern California, Seth Norman, Wilderness Adventures Press, 1997
California: Blue Ribbon Trout Streams, Bill Sunderland & Dale Lackey, Frank Amato Publications, 1998
Trout Fishing in California, Ron Kovach, Marketscope Hourglass Books
Guide to Fly Fishing in Northern California, Ken Hanley, David Communications, 1996
Trout Fishing Sourcebook, Mark D. Williams, Menasha Ridge Press
"The Sac is Back," John E. Nordstrand, Fly Fisherman Magazine, February 1996
America's 100 Best Trout Streams (Trout Unlimited), John Ross, Falcon Publishing, 1999
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
Fly Shops, Guides and Other Web Sites -- They want to hear from you!
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
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Fly Shop |
Guide Service |
Lodging |
Location |
Telephone |
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Albany, CA |
510-526-1937 |
Info@fishfirst.com | |
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X |
X |
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Cassel, CA |
415-381-1173 |
Info@clearwater.com | |
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X |
X |
X |
Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-0705 |
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X |
X |
Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-4018 |
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X |
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Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-2969 |
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X |
X |
Fall River Mills, CA |
530-336-6288 |
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X |
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Mount Shasta, CA |
530-926-3947 |
Foster@snowcrest.net | ||
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X |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-1743 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-2431 |
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X |
X |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-4540 |
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X |
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McCloud, CA |
530-964-2533 |
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McCloud, CA |
530-964-2130 |
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X |
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Redding, CA |
530-524-7566 |
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X |
X |
X |
Redding, CA |
800-669-3474 |
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X |
X |
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Sacramento, CA |
800-410-1222 |
Peter@americanfly.com | |
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
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Name |
Location |
Phone |
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Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-0705 |
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Castle Rock Inn & Cafe |
Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-0100 |
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Cave Springs Resort |
Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-2721 |
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Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-2884 |
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Dunsmuir, CA |
530-235-4440 |
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Fall River Mills, CA |
530-336-6288 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-6724 |
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Carriage House |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-0296 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-3200 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
877-375-4744 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
800-55-econo |
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Evergreen Lodge |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
888-926-2143 |
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Finlandia Motel |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-5596 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-5396 |
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Mt. Shasta Ranch B & B |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-3870 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
800-958-3363 |
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Mountain Air Lodge |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
800-727-3704 |
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Pine Needles Motel |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
888-926-4811 |
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Pine Street Retreat |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-244-0263 |
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The Secret Cottage |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-6206 |
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Shasta Lodge Motel |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
800-shasta1 |
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Strawberry Court |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-4704 |
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Strawberry Valley Inn |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-2052 |
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Swiss Holiday Lodge |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-926-3446 |
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Tree House Best Western |
Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-545-7164 |
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Mt. Shasta, CA |
530-673-1547 |
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McCloud, CA |
530-964-2882 |
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Joanie's Bed & Breakfast |
McCloud, CA |
530-964-3106 |
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McCloud Guest House |
McCloud, CA |
530-964-3160 |
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McCloud, CA |
800-964-2823 |
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McCloud, CA |
800-261-7831 |
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McCloud Timber Inn |
McCloud, CA |
530-964-2893 |
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McCloud, CA |
800-369-6118 |
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You may also want to check out the Mt. Shasta Area Chamber of Commerce.
Upper Sacramento Fly fisihing
You may camp at Castle Crag State Park (6 miles south of Dunsmuir) and at Sims Road.
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Site |
# Sites |
Water |
Toilets |
RV Size |
Unit Fee |
Seasons |
Phone |
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Castle Crags |
76 developed & 6 environmental sites | 800-444-PARK | |||||
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Sims Road |
Please submit feedback to pterp@troutsource.com
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