Upper Sacramento River
Dunsmuir to Delta
N California, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 11342000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Upper Sacramento is running at 434 cfs — perfect wading flows that make the entire canyon accessible on foot. Golden Stoneflies are in their peak emergence window, with Ted Fay Fly Shop noting the metaphysical vibes but prime June conditions. Focus on the railroad access points for wade fishing, as these lower flows eliminate the need for floating permits. Caddis are also active in the #14-18 range. Current temps in the low-to-mid 50s should trigger consistent afternoon emergence windows.
- Flow: 434 cfs — excellent wading conditions throughout the canyon, well below typical June range of 600-1,500 cfs
- Hatches: Golden Stones peaking (#8-12 Stimulator Yellow), plus active caddis (#14-18 Elk Hair). Prime emergence 1-4pm
- Water Temp: Mid-50s — ideal for Golden Stone activity and consistent afternoon hatches before weekend cooling trend
- Best Window: 1-4pm daily for dry fly action, mornings for nymphing before emergence kicks in
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–July
The Upper Sacramento River from above Lake Shasta down through the Dunsmuir corridor in northern California is a productive freestone trout river — wild rainbow and brown trout in classic California pocket water through dense canyon country. The 1991 Cantara Loop chemical spill devastated the fishery but the river has recovered impressively over three decades. The corridor along I-5 provides extensive wade access. Hatches are reliable: stoneflies in spring, caddis through summer, and reliable terrestrial fishing through August and September.
The Upper Sacramento's recovery from the 1991 Cantara Loop chemical spill — a tank car derailment that killed nearly every fish in 40 miles of river — is one of the most dramatic fishery-restoration stories in the western United States.
January Outlook
January on the Upper Sacramento is the winter off-season. The volcanic canyon near Dunsmuir is cold and access can be challenging. Some midge and Baetis nymph fishing is possible on mild days in the slower pools.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Hare's Ear
Tips
Winter on the Upper Sacramento is quiet. The railroad right-of-way access through the canyon is the standard approach. Midge fishing in the slower pools between the lava rock riffles. The canyon is stunningly beautiful in winter, often with snow on the canyon walls.
Water Notes
400–800 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Cold volcanic canyon. Railroad access points stay accessible. Low fishing pressure.
February Outlook
February midge and Baetis fishing on the Upper Sacramento. The volcanic canyon setting near Dunsmuir is beautiful in winter. Some early Baetis activity on warm afternoons.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
February on the Upper Sacramento is quiet and productive for dedicated winter anglers. The railroad access points through the canyon provide year-round access. Fish the slow pockets behind boulders for winter residents.
Water Notes
400–800 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Cold volcanic canyon. Consistent winter conditions.
March Outlook
March brings early hatches to the Upper Sacramento. Baetis activity begins on warm afternoons and the river transitions toward spring. The volcanic canyon setting near Dunsmuir is spectacular.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis (small)
- RS2
- PMD Nymph
Tips
March on the Upper Sacramento is the preview season. Early Baetis hatches and the first caddis activity on warm afternoons. The canyon section above Dunsmuir is the best early-season water. The native rainbows are aggressive.
Water Notes
500–1,200 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Early spring activity building. Volcanic canyon setting spectacular in March.
April Outlook
The Upper Sacramento near Dunsmuir is one of California's finest wild trout fisheries. The canyon runs through stunning volcanic scenery.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
- Stimulator
- Hare's Ear
Tips
The upper Sacramento requires accessing the canyon. The water is cold and clear with strong native rainbow trout. Fish the pocket water carefully.
Water Notes
Flows regulated by Box Canyon Dam and seasonal snowmelt. 400–1,200 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Crystal clear volcanic water.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing on the Upper Sacramento. Golden Stones and Caddis produce great dry fly action.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stone
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Stimulator #10
Tips
The section from Dunsmuir to Box Canyon fishes best. Wade carefully in the canyon — the lava rock is very slippery. Wild native rainbows are strong and aggressive.
Water Notes
800–2,000 cfs in May. Water 50–58°F. Cold volcanic water. Clear and very productive.
June Outlook
Prime season on the Upper Sacramento. Multiple hatches and cooperative fish in a stunning volcanic canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Golden Stone
- PMD
- Stimulator
Tips
Float the river from Dunsmuir to Delta for the most efficient approach. The canyon requires a permit to float. Shore fishing from the railroad right-of-way is possible.
Water Notes
600–1,500 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Outstanding northern California trout river conditions.
July Outlook
Hopper and caddis season on the Upper Sacramento. The volcanic canyon setting is spectacular in summer.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Stimulator
Tips
The Upper Sacramento in July is excellent — the cold volcanic water keeps fish active even in summer heat. The canyon provides shade for comfortable fishing.
Water Notes
400–900 cfs. Water 56–64°F. Volcanic source keeps the river cooler than freestone rivers.
August Outlook
August on the Upper Sacramento with excellent hopper fishing in the volcanic canyon. The cold water source from the upper Cascades keeps temperatures moderate relative to other northern California rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
- PMD Cripple
Tips
August hopper fishing on the Upper Sacramento is excellent along the rocky canyon banks. The evening caddis hatch continues. Fish the canyon section between Dunsmuir and Delta for the best summer experience.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Water 58–65°F. Volcanic source keeps temps cooler than nearby rivers. Good summer conditions.
September Outlook
September fall fishing on the Upper Sacramento with BWO hatches and excellent resident rainbow action. The canyon is beautiful in fall light.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Mahogany Dun
- Hopper
Tips
Fall on the Upper Sacramento is excellent. BWO hatches on overcast afternoons and continued caddis and hopper action. The canyon section near Dunsmuir is the top fall destination.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Good fall conditions in the volcanic canyon.
October Outlook
October is one of the Upper Sacramento's finest months. BWO hatches, reduced pressure, and wild native rainbows in peak condition. The volcanic canyon in fall colors is spectacular.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
Tips
October on the Upper Sacramento is a bucket-list California trout experience. Reliable BWO hatches on overcast afternoons and fish in prime fall condition. The canyon section near Dunsmuir is stunningly beautiful in October.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Excellent fall conditions. Prime Upper Sacramento month.
November Outlook
November late-season fishing on the Upper Sacramento. Late BWO and midge activity on mild days. The volcanic canyon is quiet and beautiful.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
November on the Upper Sacramento is quiet and productive. Late BWO hatches continue on mild afternoons. The railroad access points through the canyon remain accessible. Fish the slower pools for winter residents.
Water Notes
400–800 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Late fall conditions. Low pressure on the canyon.
December Outlook
December returns the Upper Sacramento to winter mode. Midge and Baetis nymph fishing in the volcanic canyon near Dunsmuir. A quiet winter California trout experience.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle
Tips
December on the Upper Sacramento is for the dedicated angler. The canyon railroad access points stay open. Midge and Baetis nymph fishing in the slow pockets. Mount Shasta is often snow-capped above the canyon — spectacular winter scenery.
Water Notes
400–800 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Cold volcanic canyon in winter. Low pressure. Railroad right-of-way access.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Stonefly Perlidae spp. |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #8–12 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Dunsmuir, CA is the primary base. Public access at multiple highway pull-offs along I-5. California fishing license required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Ted Fay Fly Shop
- The Fly Shop
- Confluence Outfitters
Regulations & License
Fishing in California requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
California fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Upper Sacramento River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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