Fishing McCloud River
FISHING
N
orthern California fishing offers a wide variety of opportunities on rivers, streams, and lakes. Some of the best fishing in California is located in the Shasta Cascade Region and whether it’s fly fishing for trout, seeking out the best cove for bass, or spin fishing on a mountain river, virtually anyone can enjoy casting a line. Lakes dominate the northstate and are full of a variety of species to include bass, trout, catfish, kokanee, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and sunfish. Bass fishermen love Shasta Lake as it’s the largest man-made lake in the state and has plenty of natural and planted structures for the game fish to prosper. Trout and salmon flourish in the cool waters of Shasta Lake, causing fishermen to do extremely well. The region is also home to some of the best fly fishing in California, including a 9-mile stretch of the McCloud River below Lake McCloud, a 3.5-mile stretch of Lower Hat Creek east of Burney, and a 23-mile section of Fall River near Fall River Mills. The Sacramento River, as it goes through Redding, is rated one of the top five tailwaters trout fisheries in the world. The Upper Sacramento River, known as a blue ribbon trout fishery, draws fly fishermen from all over the west. The Trinity River is known for its excellent fly fishing for both trout and steelhead. In season, the salmon fishing is unbelievable and there are many times when it’s hard to not catch a salmon in the Trinity River.
Trinity Lake is home of the state angling record for inland king salmon. The lake’s deep waters also contain other prize fish such as trout and smallmouth bass. The brook trout or rainbows in the numerous high alpine lakes of the Trinity Alps await the fishermen willing to take a hike. Just south of Trinity Lake is Lewiston Lake, one of the most rewarding kayak angling experiences in Northern California. You can troll for rainbows and catfish by day and then camp along the shoreline at night. Ruth Lake is also especially appreciated for its rainbow trout and bass.
Confluence Outfitters
The Klamath River is world renowned for trout, steelhead, and salmon fishing. There are numerous spots to stop from Willow Creek north on Highway 96, all the way up to Happy Camp.
Marble Mountain Ranch is the only Klamath River fly fishing lodge with complete lodging, meals, and guide packages. We specialize in steelhead on the fly using drift boats and rafts to transport fishermen along the Klamath River. See our high reviews on TripAdvisor.
Other fishing experiences worth noting are in the eastern portion of the Shasta Cascade Region. They include Eagle Lake with its world famous Eagle Lake trout. This trout is found nowhere else, and because of the unusual chemistry of the water in Eagle Lake, it is the only trout that can survive there. Further south, Lake Almanor, Antelope Lake, Frenchman Reservoir, and Bucks Lake are just a few of the mountain lakes which will provide unforgettable fishing experiences. Several of these lakes have marinas or resorts which rent fishing boats. View an up-to-date weekly fishing report at www.UpStateCA.com/fishing.
Fly Fishing Only Guide Service serving the greater Redding Area. Drift Boat, Jet Boat and Walk/Wade trips for trout and steelhead. Sacramento River, Trinity River, Klamath, Rogue, McCloud, Pit River, Fall River, Hat Creek plus Private Water. Our experienced guide team has great options for beginner through advanced anglers year-round! 14625 Molluc Drive Red Bluff, CA 96080 530-632-3465 www.confluenceoutfitters.com e-mail: info@confluenceoutfitters.com
Marble Mountain Guest Ranch
92520 Hwy 96, Somes Bar, CA 95568 530-469-3322 www.marblemountainranch.com/fly_fishingfly_fishing.html e-mail: guestranch@marblemountainranch.com
Phil’s Propeller Marine propeller repairs and sales. Shasta Lake headquarters for fishing tackle. Live bait available. Call us for the latest fishing information. 3037 Twin View Blvd., Shasta Lake, CA 96019 530-275-4939, 800-462-3917 www.philsprop.com e-mail: info@philsprop.com
Ted Fay Fly Shop Dunsmuir’s oldest fly shop, serving fly fishermen for five decades. A minute from the Upper Sac. Very close to I-5. Guide services available. 5732 Dunsmuir Ave., Dunsmuir, CA 96025 530-235-2969 www.tedfay.com
UpStateCA Visitor Guide
63
