Fishing in Northern California

River Fishing in Northern California

Northern California offers unparalleled opportunities for truly wild river fishing that are serene and abundant with fish species.

The Klamath River

The Klamath River is the second largest river in California, running 263 miles from Oregon through California, to the Pacific Ocean. From September through March, Klamath River salmon fishing is at its peak. Plan for a multiple-day stay in Happy Camp or Hornbrook to fish the hard fighting salmon and steelhead. On the scenic drive stretching from Hornbrook through Yreka to Happy Camp, there are as many as eight river access points that provide access to the Klamath.  The Klamath River Resort Inn in Happy Camp and the Klamath Ranch Resort & Blue Heron RV Park in Hornbrook also offer front row stay and play access to the river. While much of Klamath is ideal for skilled anglers, the Iron Gate Dam is a friendly NorCal spot for beginner fishers, with easy access and slow-moving streams.

Upper and Lower McCloud River

The McCloud River is a designated wild and scenic river that offers a true wilderness experience and has been fished by dignitaries, railroad barons and even presidents. The upper and lower portions are so named by their division at the McCloud Reservoir. The narrow canyon – also famous for its waterfalls – holds deep pools of unpolluted, aerated water creating great fishing conditions year round, even in the summer months. The McCloud River is also home to one of the most famous strains of Rainbow trout on the planet, exported to stock bodies of water around the world.

Sacramento River

The Sacramento River spans nearly the entirety of Northern California, running nearly 400 miles south-southwest from its headwaters in the Klamath Mountains all the way to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay, where it finally joins the Pacific at Golden Gate. Probably the most versatile fishing river in NorCal, you can catch something on “The Sac” any day of the year.

Upper Sacramento River, flowing from Lake Siskiyou to Shasta Lake, is where you go fly fishing for trout.  Lower Sacramento River, spanning Shasta Lake all the way to San Francisco Bay, is where you’ll find many drift fishing from a boat for Chinook Salmon. And along the way you’ll find bass and even sturgeon to keep things fun. Nymphing is popular year-round, through the heat of summer and into the cold of winter when the river is open for catch and release, but it’s in the fall, when the October Caddis flies return to the river to lay their eggs, when fishing the Upper Sac provides one of the most action packed fishing experiences in Northern California.

Lake Fishing in Northern California

Lake fishing in Northern California features stunning lakes like Shasta Lake, Clear Lake, and Lake Tahoe that offer diverse fish species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, kokanee salmon, and catfish.

Lake Siskiyou

Lake Siskiyou is a reservoir formed by Box Canyon Dam on the Sacramento River.  The 30,000-acre lake is nestled at the foot of the Trinity Divide and fed by five mountain streams, and has become a prime recreational hub, especially for fishing boats. The fish in Lake Siskiyou include Rainbow and Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Channel and White Catfish, and Brown Bullhead.

The McCloud Reservoir

The McCloud Reservoir in Siskiyou County feels like your own private lake tucked away deep in the Shasta National Forest. Serving as the division between lower and upper McCloud River (another great spot for river fishing), the reservoir is home to the famous McCloud River Trout. It is also fed by silt that flows in from Mud Creek that remains suspended in the still water of the reservoir and reflects back the sky. This gives the McCloud Reservoir its typical vivid turquoise hue.

Jaunita Lake

Juanita Lake is an off-the-beaten path jewel that offers a unique combination of recreation opportunities, and is regularly stocked with trout and has a bass and catfish population. There is a 1.5-mile paved, barrier free trail that circles the lake with 2 fishing jetties for easy access to the lake and is ADA accessible.

Orr Lake

Orr Lake is a popular fishing area with a gorgeous view of Mt Shasta. Here you’ll find trout, bass, and catfish. A scenic trail along the east edge of the lake provides access to several fishing jetties and connects the 4 campsites on the east side of the lake with the 4 double sites on the north end of the lake. A boat ramp on the east shore and a hand-launch boat ramp on the north end also provide easy access to the lake.

Gumboot Lake

A high alpine lake on south slope of Mount Eddy, Gumboot Lake is 7 acres wide and about 18-feet deep. The reedy lake is rimmed by a grass shore and pine trees and stocked with rainbow trout. No motorboats are allowed on the lake but it is easily fished from the shore.

Kangaroo Lake

Kangaroo Lake is a gorgeous reservoir nestled among rocky bluffs and is located conveniently from Callahan or Weed. It is seasonally stocked and is a hotspot for fly fishing, baitcasting and spinning. There’s no boat ramp but motorless boats are permitted. There are also well-maintained facilities at the adjacent campground and ADA access to part of the lake.

Guided Adventures & Resources

Fishing in Northern California is one of the region’s favorite and most popular pastimes, so there’s no shortage of bait shops, charters, and guides on offer. Nearly every city or town near to the spots listed above will have what you’re looking for. Below are some of the top ones you’ll find in and around Siskiyou.

Ted Fay Fly Shop is a full-service destination shop with local information and everything you need to fish the Upper Sacramento and McCloud Rivers. Located in downtown Dunsmuir.

Wild Waters Fly Fishing This outfitter and trout specialist based out of Mount Shasta was officially endorsed by Orvis in 2018 as the fly-fishing outfitter of the year. Also partners with McCloud Fly Fishing Adventures.

SC Guide Service Specializing in drift & Jetboat Fishing Trips with food, gear and tackle provided. All you need is a fishing license.

Ironhead Guide Service Specializing in salmon and steelhead adventures on the Klamath River, with peak season September through March.

Jack Trout Fly Fishing Offering guided fly-fishing trips with gourmet meals and unmatched personal attention.

NorCal Fish Adventures for Kids

Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery

The Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery is the oldest trout hatchery west of the Mississippi where you can feed the fish. 1 N. Old Stage Road, 530-926-5508, open year-round 8am-sundown. Added bonus: next door to Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum (open March 31-December)

Iron Gate Fish Hatchery

The Iron Gate Hatchery is a salmon and steelhead hatchery that releases fish back to the Klamath River.  In the fall during spawning season, it is also a great spot for kids to watch the salmon run.

Just note, to fish you must have a current California Fishing License in full view and be familiar with Dept. of Fish and Game regulations. Local regulations and limitations may apply to specific streams so make sure to check before you go!

Go Fish Northern California

Northern California offers anglers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience amidst some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes. From pristine mountain lakes to winding rivers and hidden streams, the region’s waters teem with a variety of fish species, ensuring that every fishing expedition here is filled with adventure and memorable catches.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has a great interactive fishing map to learn more about each specific fishing spot in Northern California, as well as get the latest dates for fish planting (stocking) in the region. NorCal Fish Reports is another great resource for tips, guides, resources, and to see what other angles are catching in the region.

For more local insights on fishing NorCal, take a listen to our podcast where we talk with several local experts on the best ways to enjoy fishing in Siskiyou.