Anglers are enjoying some exceptional fly fishing in the Redding area for Rainbow Trout drifting caddis imitations under an indicator. Many anglers are using a caddis pupa, a cinnamon pupa is very popular, along with a bird's nest and possibly a small midge for the fly selection.

The trout are absolutely gorging themselves on the caddis hatch, many are appearing almost disproportionate as size and girth often exceed the respective head and mouth sizes. But these are not stocked triploids where that is common, these are natural wild trout that are just eating extremely well. And with the salmon run just beginning, as there are reports of a number of fresh run salmon making there way into the region, once the egg imitation bite begins, look out.

The high river flows in the Redding area still presents access issues for waders, but there are a few shore access areas to try out. Fishing from a drift or jet boat, as always, is still the best option and utilizing one of the local guides will definitely increase the strike and hook up ratio. Bringing some of these large bows to the net can however be a welcome challenge.

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.