Trip brief · Upper Sacramento River
How to go fish the Upper Sacramento River
The months we list for the Upper Sacramento River are May, June, July, August, September. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for August.
August
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — August
Caddis#14-16
Terrestrials#10-14
Dave Hopper
Access
Cantara Loop / Box Canyon Dam
41.320, -122.280parking
Dunsmuir City Access
41.200, -122.270parking
Sims Road / Sims Flat
41.070, -122.360parking
Gibson Road Bridge
41.140, -122.310parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Regulations vary by zone. Upper section (Dam to Scarlet Way in Dunsmuir): zero trout retention, artificial lures, barbless hooks required. Middle section (Scarlet Way to Sweetbriar): general regulations apply. Lower section to Lake Shasta: 2 trout limit, artificial lures, barbless hooks. Season typically opens last Saturday in April. California fishing license required. Check current CDFW regulations for zone boundaries and current restrictions.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Upper Sacramento River page →