Lower Sacramento River Steelhead: What They Eat and How to Catch Them
- Josh James
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
The Chrome of the Lower Sac: A Guide to Steelhead Fishing
The Lower Sacramento River is one of California’s best year-round fisheries. It offers wild trout, steady flows, and every fall, a push of hard-fighting steelhead. When these ocean-run fish start showing, the river transforms into an angler's paradise.
At NorCal Spey, we spend our fall and winter chasing these chrome-bright fish from Redding downstream. Whether you’re swinging flies or nymphing deep, the Lower Sac is as good as it gets for NorCal steelhead fly fishing.
Meet the Lower Sac Steelhead
Lower Sacramento steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that migrate up from the Delta each year to spawn. Most arrive in the fall, but fish can show up anytime between late September and February.
These fish range from 16-inch half-pounders to big adults pushing ten pounds. They hit like a freight train and fight with everything they’ve got. This is exactly what makes steelheading so addictive.
What Lower Sac Steelhead Eat
Understanding the food source is key to success. Steelhead are opportunistic feeders, and their diet shifts with the season:
Caddisflies: A staple food year-round. Soft hackles or caddis pupae swung through riffles are deadly in late summer and fall.
Mayflies: Baetis and PMDs are reliable producers. Fish nymphs and emergers during cooler months or on overcast days.
Salmon Eggs: When the Chinook spawn (October–November), steelhead line up behind them to gorge. Beads and egg patterns are prime choices.
Sculpins & Baitfish: Big, aggressive fish love a meal with movement. Intruder and sculpin patterns fished on a swing often trigger explosive strikes.
Techniques for Catching Lower Sacramento Steelhead
Swinging Flies
This is the soul of steelheading. Covering long runs with a two-hander and feeling that unmistakable grab is thrilling. The swing game rewards patience, rhythm, and confidence.
Pro Tips:
Focus on early mornings and evenings.
Match your sink tip to depth and current.
Let the fly swim — don’t strip it.
Indicator Nymphing
For anglers chasing numbers, indicator fishing produces consistent action. Dead-drifting egg patterns, small nymphs, and caddis pupae through deep runs is a proven Lower Sac method.
Pro Tips:
Adjust your weight and depth often.
Use small attractors when water’s off-color.
Maintain a drag-free drift — that’s what gets eats.
Light Conventional Gear
Spinning setups are effective, too. Use drift beads, soft plastics, or small spinners for steelhead that aren’t shy about chasing a moving target.
When to Fish the Lower Sacramento
Prime steelhead season runs from October through February, but the Lower Sac fishes well year-round. Fall brings bright chrome fish fresh from the Delta, while winter brings bigger, darker fish nearing the spawn.
Resident rainbows keep rods bent through spring and summer. This means there’s always something to pull on your line.
The Best Locations on the Lower Sacramento
Redding Area
The Redding area is a hotspot for steelhead fishing. The flows here are consistent, making it an ideal location for both novice and experienced anglers.
Anderson River Park
Anderson River Park offers excellent access to the river. It’s a great spot for families and those looking to enjoy a day on the water.
Bonnyview Access
Bonnyview Access is another popular location. It provides ample space for casting and is known for its productive runs.
Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip
Gear and Tackle
Choosing the right gear is essential for a successful fishing trip. Make sure to have a variety of flies and lures to match the conditions.
Weather Considerations
Weather can greatly impact fishing success. Pay attention to forecasts and plan your trips accordingly. Overcast days can often yield better results.
Local Regulations
Always check local regulations before heading out. This ensures you’re fishing legally and helps protect the fishery for future generations.
Book Your Trip with NorCal Spey
Whether you want to perfect your spey cast, learn new water, or finally hook your first chrome rocket, NorCal Spey has you covered. We guide the Lower Sacramento and surrounding Northern California rivers for steelhead and trout year-round.
📅 Ready to fish?
Book your trip with NorCal Spey and come chase chrome on one of California’s finest rivers.
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