Fishing in Northeast Trout and Salmon

Pit River.There’s a natural fishery of 12- to 15-inch trout in the Pit River, with some up to 4 pounds. Fishing here requires caution while wading or shore fishing, because currents resulting from hydropower generation can be swift; watch for deep, hidden holes as well.

Lower Sacramento River.An excellent fishery for large native rainbows, the Lower Sacramento is often overlooked. Salmon can be caught from September through December, and fat rainbows are taken all year long. Anglers work The Lower Sacramento primarily in drift boats, from Redding to Red Bluff. Drift anglers who drag lures catch rainbows consistently. From late April through mid-September, the Lower Sacramento offers exciting fly fishing opportunities, especially for 10- to 22-inch rainbows.

Upper Sacramento River.One of California’s premier trout waters, the Upper Sacramento has plenty of 10- to 14-inch fish, including wild rainbow and brown trout. There’s the occasional brook trout here, among them trophy-size fish. The river’s many deep pools are excellent for bait anglers, and the deeper pockets and tail-out areas provide good lure action; overall, however, these waters are known for outstanding fly fishing. Traditionally the best hatch has been from late July through early October.

Lake Shasta.Shasta’s year-round fishery has one of the foremost trout populations in the state. Its 30,000 surface acres hold rainbow and brown trout, as well as Kamloops. Fishing is best in the early spring, when near-surface feeding peaks. Flatline trolling is particularly productive at this time. As water temperatures increase, the trout actively begin to pursue schools of threadfin shad; casters can score when they push the bait to the surface.