Redding's Wild Rainbow Trout Fishing

Captain Kenny with a beautiful Sacramento River wild rainbow trout.
Photo Credit: Jeff Goodwin Guide Services

by Jeff Goodwin
3-11-2023
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In between the rain and snow storms in Redding, Ca. this week we're seeing some great days on the Sacramento River fishing for wild rainbow trout.  Light crowds and snow capped mountains in the back drop make for some very relaxing days on the river.  This is a year round fishery that always produces at least some action throughout the day but more often than not, we're catching numerous rainbows on our trips and the sizes range from 1-3 lbs. with some bigger trout pushing 5 lbs.  Some days are better than others but it's hard to beat the action when fishing for these feisty trout.  With both salmon and trout spawning in the Redding section of the Sacramento River, egg patterns work well most months of the year.  Pegged beads are a top choice for us and they are pretty easy on the trout in this catch and release section of the river.  Side drifting and bobber doggin are very effective methods for presenting beads for these trout.  If the bead bite doesn't go off, we'll switch to plug fishing and often times save the day with a good plug bite.  We've guided clients onto a handful of trout in the 6-10lb. range using both of the aforementioned techniques.  The water color has been great for most of the winter and hopefully we'll come out of the other end of this very wet season with prime conditions for spring.  With salmon season in 2023 likely closed all year, this rainbow trout fishery will get more bookings than usual and we'll be able to offer our salmon fishing clients an amazing alternative for their summer fishing trip.  For folk's that want to take home some of their catch, we have that covered too but it's hard to beat a day on the river in the summer heat.  It's always 10 degrees cooler on the river and even cooler at first light.  Many of our first time client groups end up coming back year after year to catch these hard fighting fish.  It's just a really fun trip for all ages and experience levels.  if you would like to find out more about this great fishing trip option, please call Jaynie at (530) 510-2925 and she'll be happy to answer any of your questions and schedule your trip.  Thank you!

Captain Jeff Goodwin

Jeff Goodwin is a full time Northern California fishing guide.  He guides year round for salmon, trout, steelhead, Kokanee, and bass on Northern California rivers and lakes. He fishes many bodies of water in the Redding area, but also guides the Sacramento River and Feather River during certain times of the year. Jeff can also be found on the California coast chasing ocean fresh King salmon and steelhead each year. To learn more about the fishing trips Jeff has to offer, please visit Jeff Goodwin's Guide Service.  You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or please feel free to call him anytime at (707) 616-1905.