California’s Fly Fishing Paradise
California, with its stunning geographical diversity, boasts a wealth of fly fishing opportunities that cater to anglers of all levels. From the northern reaches of the state, where pristine rivers wind through lush forests, to the arid canyons of Southern California, this golden state offers a remarkable range of fly fishing experiences. Join us on a journey to some of California’s finest fly fishing rivers, each with its unique character and charm. Whether you’re pursuing trophy trout, chasing steelhead, or angling for the elusive smallmouth bass, California’s rivers have it all. Discover the best fly fishing destinations this state has to offer, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while honing your fly angling skills.
Upper Sacramento River:
The Upper Sacramento River in Northern California stands out as a true gem among fly fishing enthusiasts. Stretching a jaw-dropping 447 miles, this river offers diverse opportunities for anglers. The upper stretch, roughly the first 40 to 50 miles from its source below Lake Siskiyou to where it meets Lake Shasta, is known for its pristine beauty and challenging wading conditions. Fly anglers often flock to the town of Dunsmuir for relatively easy access and expert guidance from local fly shops. What truly shines about the Upper Sacramento is its high numbers of big trout, including Rainbow and Brown varieties, with some fish exceeding 20 inches in length. Nymphing is a popular technique here, but terrestrial patterns can also be effective during the summer peak. While the Upper Sacramento offers year-round fishing, spring runoff can make it challenging until river levels stabilize. Learn more about the Upper Sacramento River
Klamath River:
The Klamath River, flowing from Oregon’s Klamath County into Northern California, is a top choice for excellent steelhead fishing. While it doesn’t offer much trout fishing, the summer and winter steelhead runs are popular among spey fishermen. Additionally, there are salmon in the lower reaches of the river, though they face pressure from conventional anglers and don’t venture as far up the river as the steelhead. The upper Klamath River provides a chance to catch feisty wild rainbows for those willing to venture upriver. This river is a prime destination for steelhead enthusiasts. Learn more about the Klamath River
Smith River:
Undoubtedly one of California’s most beautiful rivers, the Smith River is a haven for trout, salmon, and steelhead fishing opportunities. Most fly anglers target the large steelhead and salmon in the river, which is known for producing some of the country’s biggest salmon outside of Alaska and holding the record for the largest steelhead in California. While the Smith River attracts considerable attention, its upper reaches offer more peaceful fishing for resident rainbow and cutthroat trout. This river’s stunning beauty and impressive fish populations make it a must-visit for fly anglers. Learn more about the Smith River
McCloud River:
Located just a few miles from the Upper Sacramento River, the McCloud River is a hotspot for non-stop fly fishing action. Divided into two stretches, the upper river, above McCloud Dam, is known for its feisty but not very large trout. However, it’s the lower McCloud that garners most of the attention due to its large population of the celebrated McCloud River Rainbow trout. This strain of trout is famous worldwide and provides fly fishermen with thrilling opportunities. With numerous hatches throughout the year, the McCloud promises a lively fly fishing experience, making it a favorite among anglers. Learn more about the McCloud River
Fall River:
One of California’s few spring-fed rivers, the Fall River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and massive trout. While access can be limited, this river is home to healthy and large rainbow trout. Nymphing and dry-fly techniques both work effectively here, but stealth is essential when approaching these wary fish. Fishing the Fall River is a unique experience, as it involves using stealthy Jon Boats to identify and target feeding trout. This river offers an extraordinary fly fishing adventure for those seeking large rainbow trout in pristine waters. Learn more about the Fall River
Trinity River:
The Trinity River, one of Northern California’s best steelhead rivers, is the largest tributary to the Klamath River. It benefits from plentiful steelhead runs that migrate up the Klamath and turn towards the hatchery on the Trinity. Steelhead fly fishing primarily occurs from Lewiston Dam downstream to the confluence with the North Fork Trinity, offering good trout fishing as well. With ample wading access, the Trinity River is a suitable option for anglers who prefer to walk and wade. This river is a prime destination for steelhead enthusiasts and trout anglers alike. Learn more about the Trinity River
Owens River:
In Central California, the Owens River stands out as the most productive and picturesque river. It offers dozens of miles of wide-open, technical-but-rewarding trout water. The upper stretch, above Lake Crowley, is a beautiful spring creek winding through golden meadows. Wade anglers find this area particularly appealing due to its excellent bank access and side channels. Massive rainbow and brown trout, some reaching 25 inches or more, reside here. However, the Owens River can be challenging to fish due to its windy conditions and selective trout. The middle stretch, between Pleasant Valley and Tinemaha reservoirs, covers 40 productive miles best explored by drift boat. Both sections offer a unique and rewarding fly fishing experience in a stunning setting. Learn more about the Owens River
Certainly! Here are the remaining fly fishing rivers in California:
Truckee River:
The Truckee River flows through both California and Nevada and is a productive fly fishing water in both states. The California stretch, considered the upper river, flows from Lake Tahoe to the town of Mystic before heading into Nevada. This stretch is very productive, with brown trout as the main target. Dry flies, terrestrial patterns, and traditional nymph patterns like pheasant tails consistently catch fish here. Monitoring the river’s flow is important, as releases from Lake Tahoe can vary, impacting fishing conditions. The Truckee River provides excellent fly fishing opportunities in a scenic mountain setting. Learn more about the Truckee River
Merced River:
Located within the legendary Yosemite National Park, the Merced River offers abundant opportunities for fly anglers. While the fish in the river may not grow very large, they are plentiful and not overly picky. What sets the Merced River apart is its spectacular setting, surrounded by the massive mountains of Yosemite. This backdrop provides an incredible environment for a relaxing day of fly fishing. The Merced River is consistently stocked with rainbow trout, making it an excellent place for novice fly anglers to test their skills. It’s a place where the beauty of nature and the joy of fishing come together. Learn more about the Merced River
San Joaquin River:
The San Joaquin River is a tranquil freestone stream in the high mountains south of Yosemite. While the fish in the San Joaquin River typically don’t grow very large, many are eager to take a fly, providing a great opportunity for an enjoyable afternoon of fly fishing. The fish, often around 12 to 14 inches in size, may not be giants, but they add to the charm of this small river in a wild setting. The San Joaquin is ideal for anglers who enjoy exploring, hiking, and navigating rocky ledges. Dry-dropper rigs are especially popular during the summer months. This small river in a wilderness area offers a unique fly fishing experience. Learn more about the San Joaquin River
East Walker River:
Traditional tailwater fisheries are rare in California, but the East Walker is one of them. This river is commonly fished for trophy brown trout in the first mile or two below Bridgeport Reservoir, as this stretch offers ideal conditions for large trout to thrive. While the area below the dam can become crowded, venturing downstream reveals plenty of excellent opportunities. River levels on the East Walker can vary dramatically, from 20 or 30 cubic feet per second in winter to nearly 1000 at other times of the year. Checking conditions before heading out is crucial, as higher flows can make the river difficult to fish and wade. The East Walker River is a destination for those seeking trophy brown trout in a scenic setting. Learn more about the East Walker River
Hot Creek:
Similar to the Upper Owens, Hot Creek is a small stream with huge fish. It is one of the most productive dry fly waters in Central California, offering challenges for both beginner and experienced anglers. Mayflies and midges dominate the hatches at Hot Creek, providing opportunities for fly fishing throughout the year. While most fish in Hot Creek are small, there are massive trout lurking in its waters. The river can be heavily fished, so anglers should be aware that the fish can be wary and challenging to catch. When the conditions align, Hot Creek offers some of the best fly fishing in California. Learn more about Hot Creek
Mammoth Creek:
A tributary of Hot Creek, Mammoth Creek is a popular spot for a casual fly angler to spend an afternoon. While not as renowned as other rivers for huge fish or extremely productive fishing, Mammoth Creek provides opportunities to catch eager rainbow trout. The stream is consistently stocked, offering a great chance for novice fly anglers to practice their skills. The stunning scenery of the Mammoth Creek area, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, adds to the overall fly fishing experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while testing your angling skills. Learn more about Mammoth Creek
Kern River:
In Southern California, the Kern River stands out as an unlikely spot that consistently produces large rainbow trout. Located in the Sequoia National Forest northeast of Bakersfield, the Kern River is a diamond in the rough. Above Isabella Lake is the Upper Kern River, known for its rugged trout country. Below the lake, the Kern River becomes slower and warmer, providing excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. This river offers diverse fishing experiences above and below Isabella Lake, making it a unique fly fishing destination in Southern California. Learn more about the Kern River
Los Angeles River:
While the Los Angeles River may not look like a traditional fly fishing spot, it presents a unique urban fishing opportunity. Carp thrive in the murky waters of this river, making it a distinctive angling destination. Fly anglers target these “sewer salmon” with a variety of fly patterns, from wooly buggers to San Juan worms. Despite its unconventional appearance, the LA River offers a special place to find fly fishing opportunities within an urban landscape, showcasing the versatility of the sport. Learn more about the Los Angeles River
West Fork San Gabriel River:
The West Fork of the San Gabriel River gently flows through a mountain setting north of Los Angeles. Despite being in a region known for its glamorous beaches and big cities, the West Fork San Gabriel offers modest fly fishing opportunities for those willing to explore. While the fish here may not be as large as in northern California, the West Fork San Gabriel is still popular among locals. It’s a reminder that even near a massive city, fly fishing opportunities can still be found, providing a unique angling experience. Learn more about the West Fork San Gabriel River
San Jacinto Mountains (Various Streams):
Southeast of the San Gabriel mountains lie the San Jacintos, a scenic group of peaks offering modest fly fishing opportunities. Although there isn’t one river in particular that fly fishermen gravitate to, there are dozens of streams in this area that contain healthy numbers of small trout. Exploring these streams with a lightweight fly rod and the right gear can lead to rewarding fly fishing experiences in the San Jacinto Mountains. Learn more about fly fishing in the San Jacinto Mountains
Explore these diverse fly fishing rivers across California to enjoy the sport amidst breathtaking natural landscapes. Remember to check local regulations and conditions for a successful angling adventure.