Lower Sacramento River Fly Fishing Report – June 20, 2026

The Lower Sac has been as consistent as we’ve seen in the past three years. That said, it’s still a game of knowing where to be and when. The fish are heavily keyed in on hatch activity right now. Find the bugs and you’ll often find the better fish.

PMDs, various caddis species, and Baetis are all on the menu. The caddis fishing, in particular, has been a lot of fun. It can change by the day—or even by the hour—which keeps things interesting. We’re excited to see how these summer evenings shape up and where the next surface feeding frenzy develops.

August 1 Opener

On August 1st, the upper section of the Lower Sacramento River above Highway 44 reopens to fishing. After being closed since April, these trout have spent months feeding, growing, and resting without angling pressure.

This stretch of river, which flows near the Sundial Bridge, is home to some of the largest wild rainbow trout in the entire system. The seasonal closure creates a unique opportunity for anglers to target fresh, aggressive fish that haven’t seen a fly in months.

Early August typically brings the chance to connect with truly memorable trout. Whether you’re a seasoned Lower Sac angler or looking to experience this special fishery for the first time, early August is one of the best times of the year to be on the water.