Lower sacramento river steelhead Fishing
The Lower Sacramento River hosts a run of steelhead in addition to the wild rainbow trout. These close relatives to our wild trout migrate downriver to the ocean to feed and then return back upriver for spawning. Sacramento River steelhead adults will run from 18 to 30 inches in length (occasionally more) with an average weight in the 3-4 pound class. Fall and winter are the best time to target the adults, however, they are commonly present nearly every month of the year.
There is also a lesser known spring run that consists of primarily wild fish. At the same time we have half-pounder steelhead present as well. These fish are aggressive, shallow water feeders. They fight hard and like to jump!
The primary technique we use to target these fish is a nymphing setup. Lower Sacramento River steelhead behave like a trout when they are in the river and the exact same rigs we use for trout catch steelhead as well. A day of targeting steelhead on the Lower Sacramento River will take you to the more wild and scenic sections well below the congested city of Redding. We will target the prime steelhead water while catching wild rainbow trout along the way.
Being a migratory fish, we don’t always encounter steelhead, however, the Lower Sac is unique in that we will have action throughout the day with wild trout regardless of whether we encounter a steelhead (and some of these wild trout are steelhead sized to begin with). How many fisheries can boast that?! Have fun catching wild trout while hunting for steelhead! It’s a unique opportunity and we are strategically positioned right in the middle of the best steelhead water on the whole river!
Get in touch with any questions and book your Lower Sacramento River steelhead fishing trip online when you’re ready. Prime dates fill quick!
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