Sacramento River - Lower Fish Report for 5-12-2025
The third of three scheduled pulse flows was dropped on us Sunday
Sacramento River - Lower - Redding, CA (Shasta County)

by The Fly Shop
5-12-2025
Website
The third of three scheduled pulse flows was dropped on us Sunday. The river is at 14,000 CFS today. The BoR will begin dropping the releases tomorrow morning and by Thursday the flows are aimed to be 9,000 CFS where we expect it will remain for the time being. Fish are still on the good old Rubberlegs with a few still eating eggs. More PMDs are coming off and some Yellow Sallies as well. Current flies are the dark brown or black Rubberlegs in #8 & 6, Olive Hotspot, the Jigged Bird's Nest, UV Sally, Ginger Snap, Peaches n' Cream, and BP Weiss Nymphs.
We've got some great weather in store this week! To get a day on the books with one of our guides this spring, give Bryan a call in Outfitters at 800-669-3474
The Fly Shop does not offer a shuttle service. Kim at Sac River Shuttle can get your shuttle done seven days a week. You can reach her at (530) 782-9090
Access To the Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sacramento has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities when the flows are below 7,500 CFS. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Fishing Large Rivers Can be Frustrating
There are many great places you can get in and wade this blue ribbon tail water. Having said that, the absolute best method to fish the Sac is from a drift boat. Aside from being able to access all of the water, you can fish the long runs on a dead, perfect drift which is deadly on these legendary wild rainbows. And who would be a better oarsman than one of our Professional Guides? They know every nook and cranny of the river, what insects are and will be hatching, and the setups and methods that will get you onto the fish of a lifetime.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Most of our fishing, whether from a drift boat, or wading when the releases are low enough, is done dead drifting nymphs. The Fly Shop's Signature Indicator Rod is nine and a half feet of indicator nymph fishing perfection designed by our professional staff right here on the Lower Sac. Teamed up with a 6 or 7 weight Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Floating Fly Line or a Rio Intouch Xtreme Indicator Fly Line it will put a center pin rig to shame.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Mercer's Missing Link, Dark
• Spotlight Caddis Emerger - Spotlight Caddis Emerger
• Comparadun - BWO, PMD
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Jigged Birds Nest - Natural, Hot Spot #14-16
• Fox's Poopah - #12-14
• Bubbleback Caddis, - Amber #14
• Olive Hot Spot, - #18
• Weiss Nymph, -
• Peaches n' Green, -
• Peaches n' Cream, -
• Ginger Snap, -
• Pat's Rubber Legs - #4-8
Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Peachy King, Shrimp Pink
• Boles Bazookas - Shrimp Pink, Peachy King
More Reports
The Fly Shop Reports
for Monday, May 12th
Fall River: Once we are past this unsettled weather the mayfly hatches will continue to increase through the month
Hat Creek: The upper riffle continues to fish well and the salmonflies are beginning to come off in force
The Fly Shop Reports
for Tuesday, May 6th
Fall River: Good numbers of fish are in the upper reaches in and around the Spring Creek bridge and Zug Bug
Hat Creek: The upper riffle continues to fish well
Sacramento River - Lower: Releases for now are stabilized at 8,000 CFS
McCloud River: The tributary flows continue to drop and the river is in great shape
Pit River: Flows are dropping, but still high
Sacramento River - Upper: The spring snow melt is happening and will be bumping the flows daily

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