Trout Source

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.

River Character and Access

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. 

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 and 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 before you leave.  We appreciate your input on this page.  Please e-mail us. 

 

Troutsource highly recommends the services of a local fly fishing guide.  We've listed the best ones below, and you can contact all of them at once using our e-mail form.  A guide can be the difference between getting skunked and catching 20 fish.   Remember, getting the right fly is only half the battle.  You need to know exactly where to put it, and how -- and this is where guides earn their money.   A customary tip is 15%.