REDDING FISHING GUIDE: WHERE, WHEN AND WHAT FISH TO CATCH
Redding is known for hiking, biking, and waterfalls. But it’s also one of the best fishing destinations in North America.
With year-round access to rivers, lakes, and streams, this Northern California hub offers diverse waters and species for anglers of all levels.
Whether you’re fly fishing the Lower Sacramento or casting from shore at Shasta Lake, this guide will help you plan your next fishing trip.
Why Fish in Redding, California?
Redding sits on the Sacramento River and is surrounded by pristine lakes, creeks, and reservoirs.
It has become well known as one of the best fishing areas in the western United States, drawing both local anglers and travelers from around the country.
Photo by Danny Orloff
Mike Mercer, a travel consultant at The Fly Shop and internationally recognized fly tier and angler, has spent decades fishing around the world, but still calls Redding his favorite.
“Northern California is still my favorite place in the world. If I had to pick one spot to go fish, it’s here,” Mike said. “I mean, I love traveling. I love a lot of other places, but this place has everything. We’ve got amazing trout fishing. Brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout.”
Photo by The Fly Shop
“We’ve got striped bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass. We’ve got all the sunfish, we’ve got steelhead, we’ve got salmon,” he continued. “On top of all these incredible varieties of species, we’ve got this weather pattern here that allows us to fish 365 days a year.”
But don’t take our word for it. Use this guide to discover first-hand why the Redding area is so notorious for its fishing.
Redding Fishing Seasons and Species
King Salmon (Chinook Salmon)
Photo by The Fly Shop
When to Fish:
- Lower Sacramento River: July 16 to December 31
- Trinity River: mid-July through October
- Battle Creek: Last Saturday in April through November 15
- Shasta Lake: June to November
King or Chinook Salmon is the prize that lures nearly every angler from Shasta Lake to San Francisco Bay.
These monsters can grow as big as 5.2 feet and weigh up to 126 pounds.
The Lower Sac season includes three runs, with the one in late fall the most productive, but you cannot fish for king salmon above the Deschutes Bridge.
They are landlocked on Shasta Lake, which is constantly restocked.
The Trinity River is open all year with the exception of a “fly fishing only” area a few miles below Lewiston Dam.
Rainbow Trout
Photo by Brent Van Auken
When to Fish:
- Lower Sacramento River: Year-round (high season April to May and mid-September to November)
- Shasta Lake: Year-round (late winter and early spring best)
- Battle Creek: Last Saturday in April through November 15
- Baum Lake: Open all year (winter through spring is prime)
- Fall River: Open all year (spring and early summer are excellent)
- Hat Creek: Open all year for catch and release (April to fall best)
- Manzanita Lake: Ice-out to fall (catch and release only)
- McCloud Reservoir and McCumber Reservoir: Accessible most of the year, but heavy snow may block winter access
Redding’s rainbow trout fishery is world-class.
The Lower Sac below Keswick Dam produces wild trout that consistently measure 15 to 20 inches.
Hat Creek is ideal for fly anglers seeking solitude, while Manzanita Lake offers stunning scenery and strictly regulated fishing to preserve its healthy population.
Steelhead Trout
Photo by Brent Van Auken
When to Fish:
- Lower Sacramento River: Late fall through early spring (best in December and January)
- Trinity River: Year-round (peak September to March)
- Battle Creek: Last Saturday in April through November 15
These beautiful seagoing trophy fish can be caught in large numbers, up to 40 a day, all year long, weighing up to 15 pounds.
Steelhead tends to be prolific in the uppermost 45 miles of the Lower Sac between Keswick Dam and Red Bluff, some exceeding 28 inches!
Klamath River is also famous for its half-pounders.
Young Steelhead only spend a year at sea before returning to the rivers to breed and growing up to 18 inches.
Rainbow Trout belong to the same species but spend most or all of their lives in freshwater.
Brown Trout
Photo by Steven Fry
When to Fish:
- Shasta Lake: Spring (March and April best)
- Trinity River: Mid-June
- Baum Lake: Winter through spring
- Manzanita Lake: Summer and fall
- Battle Creek: Last Saturday in April through November 15
Shasta Lake is known nationwide for producing giant brown trout, with some topping 20 pounds.
Baum Lake offers steady action in cooler months, while Manzanita Lake is a favorite for catch and release fishing.
Trinity River and Battle Creek are also productive during their seasonal peaks.
Bass (Striped, Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)
Photo by Caleb Marmolejo
When to Fish:
- Lower Sacramento River: Summer (striped bass peak April to July)
- Shasta Lake: Year-round (spring and early summer best for largemouth and spotted bass)
- Whiskeytown Lake: Year-round
The Lower Sac is home to striped bass during spring and summer.
Shasta Lake is a top destination for spotted bass, but largemouth and smallmouth bass also thrive in its waters.
Whiskeytown Lake provides calm conditions and consistent bass fishing throughout the year.
Coho (Silver Salmon)
Photo by The Fly Shop
When to Fish:
- Trinity River: June through October
Coho Salmon inhabit parts of the Trinity River, but recreational fishing for Coho is prohibited in California.
If you hook one, it must be released immediately.
Other varieties
Photo by Brent Van Auken
When to Fish: Year-round, depending on location.
- Sunfish: Salt Creek and other local ponds
- Catfish and Crappie: Shasta Lake and Whiskeytown Lake
- German Brown Trout and Panfish: Found in stocked creeks and reservoirs
- Additional Trout Waters: Grace Lake, Hatchet Creek, Montgomery Creek, Nora Lake
These additional species add to the variety of Redding’s fisheries and provide plenty of options for anglers of all experience levels.
Know Before You Go
Before you head out, check the latest regulations at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Pay attention to catch-and-release areas, seasonal closures, and barbless hook requirements to protect these valuable fisheries.
Plan Your Redding Fishing Trip
Fishing in Redding is more than just a pastime.
It’s an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy the region’s beauty, and experience one of the most diverse fisheries in North America.
Whether you prefer drifting a fly on a quiet river, trolling a deep lake, or casting from shore, Redding has a spot for you.
For local tips, maps, gear rentals, and guided trips, visit our Fishing in Redding page.
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SUSTAINABLE FISHING: EMBRACING KOKANEE SALMON IN SHASTA COUNTY
SACRAMENTO RIVER FLOWS IN REDDING: A GUIDE TO FISHING AND WATER ACTIVITIES