Late winter and early spring fishing on the Upper Sacramento presents a fantastic opportunity, provided water conditions and weather align favorably. The season kicks off with hatches of March Brown mayflies and smaller caddisflies, commencing as early as February and extending throughout March and April. The peak arrives with Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) starting in mid-April. A major highlight of this early-season fishery is the emergence of the massive Pteronarcys californica, commonly known as the salmon fly, which begins hatching as the weather warms in April.

The success of fishing during these initial months hinges entirely on weather conditions and runoff. Wet winters can result in a high and off-color Upper Sacramento, posing challenges for fishing in late winter and spring. Conversely, dry years often keep the river at a low and wadeable level. Although it may rise and become off-color after significant storms, the river typically clears with a few days of sunny weather. The warm, sunny days marking the onset of spring in the North State are particularly advantageous for fishing during this time. The increased bug activity, spurred by the warming weather, tends to make the trout more responsive, enhancing the overall fishing experience.

The period from late April to early June often experiences runoff, impacting the Upper Sacramento. Despite the challenges, the river remains fishable even during high-water conditions, with fish congregating in slower-moving pockets and pools. This time of year on the Upper Sac can be rewarding, with anglers discovering concentrated fish pods in specific pools and witnessing prolific hatches.

Noteworthy hatches during the early summer months include Salmonflies, Golden Stoneflies, Little Yellow Stoneflies, PMDs, Green Drakes, and caddisflies, accompanied by appearances from numerous smaller mayflies and caddis. Some days offer epic dry fly fishing, allowing anglers to cast to rising trout from dawn till dusk. Even when fish aren't actively rising, nymphing in the deep pools remains effective throughout the middle of the day, with predictable evening hatches enhancing the overall experience.

July and August:

The "dog days" of summer provide the optimal conditions for wet-wading the Upper Sac. High-sticking the pocket water and oxygenated pools yields nice trout throughout the morning and middle of the day. Hatches of Golden Stoneflies and caddis bring nearly every fish in the river to the surface in the hour just before dark.

By late July or early August, the river's many submerged boulders turn black with midge larva, offering a new delicacy for trout from late summer through the fall. Angling activity on the river remains light during the summer months, making it one of the preferred times of the year.

September and October:

Autumn heralds the arrival of the giant October Caddis and ushers in the most pleasant weather of the season. The colossal October Caddis larvae start emerging on rocks and boulders near the river's edge as early as late August, reaching a peak with millions of inch-long cases adorning the river bottom by mid-September. As the cooler nights of fall set in, the adult insects hatch at dusk throughout October and November, creating brief flurries of dry fly activity every evening. These hatches entice trout to rise to large attractor patterns, sometimes even in the middle of the day. Additionally, the trout eagerly consume caddis larvae and pupae throughout the day, akin to trout candy.

Overcast days in this season can yield phenomenal blue-winged olive hatches. These tiny mayflies are responsive to changes in barometric pressure and hatch during storm fronts, providing excellent midday dry fly action on regional streams, including the Upper Sacramento. This phenomenon extends throughout both the fall and winter seasons, enhancing the fishing experience.

Fly fishing the Upper Sacramento River during the winter months is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor for passionate trout anglers. Embracing late-season opportunities, anglers brave the cold mornings and evenings in the narrow river canyon, equipped with the knowledge that midday sunshine can transform the fishing experience. As temperatures rise, the river responds, offering exciting action on nymphs and streamers, particularly in the deeper pools where larger trout seek refuge. Winter fly fishing on the Upper Sac demands strategic preparation, with anglers advised to carry a selection of blue-winged olive dry flies. These prove invaluable during overcast afternoons when Baetis mayfly hatches occur, creating memorable moments for those who venture into this picturesque and dynamic angling environment.

Late winter and early spring are some of the best months to get into a large rainbow trout that has moved up from lake Shasta. if the flows cooperate , then fly fishing the upper sac during these months is a must!