Off the Hook Fly Fishing provides exceptional guided fly fishing trips throughout Northern California. We’ve been fly fishing and guiding the Golden State since the Early 1980’s. We’ve learned a thing of two since then and provide this local knowledge to you our guests. We’re here to connect you with a memorable, productive and enjoyable fly fishing experience near you with one of our highly rated, hand selected guides. Take advantage of great California weather and year round fly fishing options! We’re here to help connect you with the best fishery and guide available based on your dates, location, fishing preferences and experience level. Click on the waters below to go direct to pertinent information on each river, stream, lake or salt water option, or search regionally based on where you are located.
Northern California Rivers & Streams
American River | Coastal Steelhead | Delta Smallmouth | Delta Striper | East Carson River | Fall River | Feather River | Hat Creek | Klamath River | McCloud River | Napa Valley | Pit River | Putah Creek | Redding Area | Russian River | Lower Sacramento River | Upper Sacramento | Trinity River | Truckee River | Yuba River | Yosemite (Central CA)
Northern California Lakes
Lake Almanor | Lake Berryessa | Clear Lake | Lake Davis | Clear Lake | Lake Oroville | Pyramid Lake (Nevada) | Tahoe
Salt Water
Northern California
Rivers & Streams
American River
The American River is gem in the heart of California’s Capital city Sacramento. Only a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area- the American River provides quality year-round fly fishing for a plethora of desirable species.
Off the Hook Fly Fishing is your connection to the very best fly fishing on The American River near Sacremento!
Coastal Steelhead
Fly fishing for Steelhead on California’s North Coast is something of a storied history. Legendary rivers, huge runs of fish, colorful characters and fly fishing guides that were larger than life. A lot has changed since the old days however there are still great guides and exhilarating fly fishing action for Steelhead on many coastal rivers to take advantage of.
Off the Hook Fly Fishing is your connection to the very best fly fishing for wild steelhead on California's North Coast.
Delta Smallmouth
Would you like to catch 40 to 70 fish in one day on a fly rod? How about doing so virtually exclusively on top-water flies? Oh, and how about fishing within an hour of the San Francisco, Sacramento or the Napa Valley?
Northern California offers a great deal of fly fishing options for anglers of all skill levels and fly fishing tastes. The Bay and San Joaquin River Delta provides some of the most productive fly fishing here in Northern California.
Allow Off the Hook to connect you with a great day on the water on the Delta for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Whether you are new to fly fishing, or are a world traveled angler, fly fishing for smallmouth puts smiles on faces and brings anglers back time and time again for more.
Delta Striper
The San Francisco Bay and Delta region are home to thousands of species of vertebrates and invertebrates. Steelhead, salmon, halibut, rock cod, several species of sharks and rays as well as stripped bass and largemouth bass call this area home. For fly fishers it is the striper and largemouth bass that gain the most attention.
If you are looking for a fly fishing guide in San Francisco Bay or Delta are then you have come to the right place. We feature the very best local professional guides who love to share this fishery with clients and help them catch fish. No prior experience or personal gear is required.
East Carson River
If you are looking to catch a variety of trout species on a fly rod in beautiful surroundings and within striking distance of the Truckee or Lake Tahoe area, then the East Carson River may be just the ticket.
The River – The East Carson River south of South Lake Tahoe near the town of Markleeville is one of the longest rivers un-impeded by dams in the Sierra Nevada range. We focus our fishing efforts in the Wild and Scenic section of river below Hangman’s bridge down to the Nevada state line.
The East Carson river contains all of the classic trout holding water you would expect from a true freestone river. Deep pools, long riffles, under cut banks, fast chutes and miles of pocket water are set to the picturesque Eastern Sierra backdrop. All of this variety of river structure allows us to employ all types of fly fishing techniques to fool the wild trout that call this special river home. In addition the East Carson has a very healthy population of insects including stoneflies. The fish here like big bugs and unlike many Northern California streams where tiny flies are the rule, we fish large dry flies more often than not.
Fall River
The Fall is one of our favorite pieces of water to guide. It is the largest spring creek in the United states and the fly fishing crown jewel of the Shasta Cascade area here in the North state. It is situated East of Redding and flows through a lush valley fed by underground aquifers from Mt. Shasta to the North.It's icy cold water and ph allow for a diverse biomass with lots of bugs and loads of very well fed wild rainbows. Extremely limited access and the technical aspects of this fishery have preserved this fantastic fishery over the years. We highly recommend hiring a competent guide to greatly improve you odds of cracking the code for catching fish here.
It is a remarkable piece of water and all serious fly fishers
visiting the Redding area should give the Fall a go!
Feather River
The Feather River flows through historic California gold country. It emerges from the bottom of Lake Oroville in the town that also shares it’s name. Over the last few years Steelhead and Salmon numbers have been improving. Steelhead come into the system on the heels of their anadromous cousins making for some pretty darn good fly fishing. Miners founded the town of Oroville and came here to scour the Feather, the surrounding hillsides and tributaries in search of "Oro".(the Spanish word for gold and thus gold town is a direct translation) Now anglers prospecting the Feather in search of Silver sided steelhead can expect to encounter hard fighting bar room brawlers. The rivers proximity to Sacramento and San Francisco and the fact that it is an early run of steelhead make the Feather a great spot to target them before the Trinity river and other coastal California options heat up.
Hat Creek
Hat Creek bubbles from cold glacier fed aquifers on the North side of Mt Lassen here in Northern California. It flows clean and clear and it’s shallow riffles and weedy bottom are ideal habitat for a myriad of insects including Stoneflies, Caddis and several mayfly species. However it the rainbows and browns that call it home which bring anglers from around the country. Hat Creek provides challenging and rewarding fly fishing opportunities for those up to the task on virtually any given day of the year.
Klamath River
The Klamath River system has traditionally been one of the most productive on the West Coast going back to pre-Columbian times. Flowing south from the Klamath basin in southeastern Oregon down through California's Siskiyou mountains it was an integral part of life for the regions inhabitants. It has been a source of food, and transportation and enjoyment for many Indians groups who lived along its banks as well as ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Klamath has had its struggles, however we are happy to say that it is on its way back!
McCloud River
The McCloud River here in Northern California is a storied fishery and with good reason. At the turn of the century eggs from the rivers genetically unique rainbows were taken from the cool pristine waters were used to stock far off places such as New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. Dignitaries, railroad barons and even presidents have fished these waters. But the rainbows and history are only part of the reason why we come back to the McCloud time and time again.
Napa Valley
Fly fishing in the Napa Valley? Many people are unaware that there is great year round fly fishing in and around Napa. From rainbows, and steelhead to striper, smallmouth and largemouth. There is enough variety here in Northern California to keep even the most well traveled angler happy.
Putah Creek
Putah Creek has the largest trout in California where fish to 30+ are caught each year! At Off the Hook our guides are patient consummate professionals and boast a combined total of over 50 years of fly fishing the creek. They know where to find fish year round even with water levels that fluctuate drastically along with the seasons. They help our clients land more of the largest fish that Putah is famous for than anyone else.
In addition to the public access points our guides have private access to the water around Canyon Creek Resort. Our clients enjoy use of the facilities on their guided day with us.
Even experienced Putah Creek anglers will benefit from spending time with our knowledgeable guides. They will share tips and techniques that will help you unlock the mystery of consistently catching fish here. They know this stream intimately and are fervent in their desire to protect, preserve and restore this fantastic fishery.
Pit River
The Pit River is arguably one of the finest trout streams in California and definitely one of our favorites. Although it has a reputation for being unforgiving due to challenging wading conditions it can be a very enjoyable and rewarding spot to fish with year round potential. From it's source North East of Mt Lassen the Pit flows through a series of PG& E resevoirs and through some of California's most scenic, remote and rugged landscape. In between these impoundments the Pit flows through a canyon lined with evergreens and deciduous forest with boulder strewn runs with more pocket water and trout habitat than virtually any other river in California. Ultimately it flows into Lake Shasta and becomes the Lower Sacramento River..
Redding Area
The area around Redding California boasts some of the best fly fishing in the West. Located roughly 2 hours North of Sacramento in a veritable outdoor playground. The area is surrounded by mountains who's snow capped peaks feed cool crisp springs that bubble life to the surrounding landscape. In the Spring the snow pack feed the many streams, rivers and lakes in this part of the country.
Redding has lots to do and see for outdoor enthusiasts. For fly fishers the draw is the variety of target species and experiences within striking distance and literally running right through the middle of town. Streams, rivers and lakes in the area are home to everything from five distinct species of Trout along with Steelhead, Salmon, Shad to several warm water species. On top of that, great California weather allows for year round fly fishing opportunities!
Russian River
Of all the rivers in California the Russian is one that is perhaps the most storied. Located 70 miles north of San Francisco it flows over 100 miles from its headwaters North of Healdsburg South East through Santa Rosa then turns its head West towards the mighty Pacific. The Russian River has a deep and colorful past with equally legendary runs of steelhead, salmon and anglers that chased them. It's world famous reputation was well deserved. Large runs of Salmon, Steelhead, Shad and Stripers brought anglers from all over the world to test their skills. Those years are long gone, however there are still fish to target and a following of dedicated anglers, guides, and activists that love this river and are working hard to restore its native runs.
Lower Sacramento
The Sacramento River begins at the foot of Mount Shasta and literally gushes from the ground spilling south into Shasta Lake. It emerges from the bottom of Shasta Dam near Redding and flows cold and clear on it's way to the Pacific Ocean via the Golden Gate. Constant flows and a plethora of insects make this stream a remarkable fly fishing gem. The "Lower Sac" has earned a great reputation of containing large numbers of healthy Rainbow Trout. The fish here are hard fighting football shaped wild fish that will take your breath away for many reasons. While some wading is possible depending on output from Shasta Dam, fly fishing from a McKinsey style drift boat is the best way to maximize your experience. We book only the best local fly fishing guides for this exceptional classic tail-water fishery.
Upper Sacramento
The Upper Sacramento River bubbles straight up from the subterranean aquifers near Mt. Shasta before tumbling down and ultimately emptying into Lake Shasta. Along the way it is fed by cold springs providing oxygenated and nutrient rich water which create the ideal habitat for a myriad of insects and the trout that call this river home.The Upper Sacramento offers year round access and fishing in this idyllic canyon within minutes of Interstate - 5 North of Redding. Inhabited by scores of wild rainbows it is nestled in a beautiful canyon with some of the most scenic and rugged country in the West. Anglers travel from all over the world to fish in Redding due in part to the Upper and Lower Sacramento Rivers or Upper and Lower Sac as it is affectionately called by locals.
It is stream with extensive riffles and pocket water in it's upper reaches and longer runs and deep pools down lower just above where it joins Lake Shasta in the town of Lake Head. It is ideal for anglers looking for a walk and wade fishery with opportunities for wild trout on nymphs and dries.
Trinity River
The chilly water released from the Lewiston Dam into the river provides an excellent environment for aquatic insects, stoneflies and a variety of mayflies as well as juvenile steelhead and salmon. There are beautiful sea run Brown Trout in these waters and lurking nearby, adult steelhead as well. The average Trinity steelhead runs 4-8 pounds and 24-28 inches. Every year steelhead are landed that push 10-14 pounds. These fish are full of fight and prove them selves to be the notorious acrobats of fresh water, jumping, shaking and reel-blazing.
As always we do our research to provide you with the best fly fishing guides available. We only book guides we know personally and have fished with ourselves. You can book with confidence knowing you are getting a professional individual as your guide. We stand behind our guides 100%. Click on the phone number us for an up to date Trinity steelhead fishing report. (707)287-2939
Truckee River
The area around Tahoe near Truckee here in California offers some truly remarkable opportunities for fly fishing for trophy trout. Off the Hook is your source for information and fly fishing guides on the Truckee River and other Tahoe area fisheries.One area in particular on Tahoe's North Shore has what many consider to be some of the most challenging, yet rewarding fly fishing rivers in the state of California. The Truckee and Little Truckee rivers offer what many rivers can not, a chance at a truly trophy size large wild trout any day of the year in this scenic wonderland! We offer the very best local fly fishing guides for the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe.
Yuba River
The Yuba River offers something for beginning fly fishers and seasoned anglers alike. It is a fantastic fishery with enough healthy wild fish to keep the attention of even the most jaded fly fishers. Not only are there great dry fly opportunities for die hard anglers we also can also employ nymphing techniques that make catching fish on this river very doable even if this is your first time out. No prior experience is required! Our guides are incredibly knowledgeable and patient. They will assist you in learning the necessary tips and techniques that will give you success on your trip. Additionally along with great memories these skills will be of value wherever your next trip takes you.
Experienced anglers and dry fly "purists" will enjoy the challenge of hooking and landing the Yuba's hard fighting rainbows using dries. It is exhilarating to see a fish come to the surface and engulf your fly! There is nothing else quite like it.
Yosemite and Central Sierra
The Sierra Nevada Mountains here in Northern California are home to the best fly fishing in the west. Yosemite and surrounding areas have some great trout fishing to be experienced and scenery that is hard to put into words! We would be happy to help connect you with the Yosemite fly fishing trip of you dreams.
Northern California Rivers & Streams
American River | Coastal Steelhead | Delta Smallmouth | Delta Striper | East Carson River | Fall River | Feather River | Hat Creek | Klamath River | McCloud River | Napa Valley | Pit River | Putah Creek | Redding Area | Russian River | Lower Sacramento River | Upper Sacramento | Trinity River | Truckee River | Yuba River | Yosemite (Central CA)
Northern California Lakes
Lake Almanor | Lake Davis | Lake Oroville | Pyramid Lake (Nevada) | Clear Lake | Lake Berryessa | Tahoe
Salt Water
Northern California Lakes
Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa in Napa California offers some pretty remarkable year round fly fishing opportunities. Weather you are looking for a little escape from the wine tasting or a local looking for a good guide to help learn the lake we have you covered. On any given day Berryessa offers chances for Largemouth, Smallmouth and even spotted bass, Crappie, Bluegill and even Kokanee and trout on a fly rod at certain times of the year.
Berryessa offers a variety of fly fishing opportunities within about an hour drive of San Francisco, Sacramento and a few minutes from the Napa Valley's renown food and wine. Escape from the ordinary wine country experience and include some exciting and memorable fishing to your wine country itinerary.
Lake Oroville
Lake Oroville offers fantastic and virtually year round fly fishing opportunities. It's great choice for beginning fly fishers due to the variety and numbers of fish caught as well as for experienced anglers looking to do something different and catch allot of fish.
Situated one hour north of Sacramento in the Sierra Foothills Oroville is a great place target spotted bass as well as largemouth and smallmouth on the fly. Bass strike aggressively and most takes are either on topwater or at least visible to the angler making for some exciting fishing. It's close proximity to down town Sacramento make it a great spot for a quick trip. If you live in the area and are looking form some exciting action on the fly or perhaps are in Sacramento for business and can spare a few hours to get in some good fishing then Lake Oroville may be just the ticket.
The lake can produce 20-50 bass days on the fly 9 months out of the year. 40+ fish days are not uncommon either. The lake is predominately home to spotted bass which average 1-4lbs, as well as largemouth that grow to 5 lbs or better as well as a few smallmouth.
Pyramid Lake (Nevada)
Are you ready to escape the ordinary fly fishing experience and tangle with some monster trout? Perhaps your not quite ready to spring for a fly fishing trip to Alaska or New Zealand? Come experience the magic of guided trip on Pyramid Lake Nevada with Off the Hook Fly Fishing.
As the new season approaches we are looking forward to another stellar year on Pyramid. Last season was absolutely amazing and this fishery seems to just get better. several double digit fish caught.
The native “Pilot Peak” strain of Lahontan Cutthroat were reintroduced a while back and fish sizes have reached epic proportions. We are hoping to break some of our records this year and hope it will be with you!
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has been long recognized by our conventional gear friends as one of the top bass lakes in the country. Fly fishing has been virtually untapped on this amazing fishery up until now.
After years of eyeing this fishery and taking the time to learn it, Off the Hook Fly Fishing is proud to now offer guided fly fishing trips on Clear Lake.
Take advantage of our years of trial and error and now sustained success on the fly to experience both the quality and quantity of largemouth bass that Clear Lake churns out.
Northern California Rivers & Streams
American River | Coastal Steelhead | Delta Smallmouth | Delta Striper | East Carson River | Fall River | Feather River | Hat Creek | Klamath River | McCloud River | Napa Valley | Pit River | Putah Creek | Redding Area | Russian River | Lower Sacramento River | Upper Sacramento | Trinity River | Truckee River | Yuba River | Yosemite (Central CA)
Northern California Lakes
Lake Almanor | Lake Davis | Lake Oroville | Pyramid Lake (Nevada) | Clear Lake | Lake Berryessa | Tahoe
Salt Water
Salt Water
Napa River
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San Diego
Off the Hook Fly Fishing is your connection to private guided fly fishing charters for mako sharks in San Diego. Experience the exhilaration of seeing one the the Pacific's top apex predators circling the boat and then eating your fly before taking to the air and testing your tackle to the limits. Or feel the brute force generated by an angry yellowfin tuna headed for Panama. Watch helplessly as your fly line evaporate from the deck and then listen to your reel sing as backing melts away at a frightening rate.Our clients enjoy fishing everything from off shore blue water to inshore and bay fishing in beautiful San Diego California. Anglers can choose to target everything from makos, tuna and dorado, to bonita, bay bass, halibut, and bonefish. Our captains are Coast Guard certified and fully licensed and bonded. With plenty of options for year round fly fishing, great weather and a plethora of off the water activities, San Diego is an ideal spot to visit for work or play.
San Francisco
Would you like to add a day of fly fishing to your San Francisco vacation plans? Escape from the stress and unplug with a fishing trip without wasting time driving out of the city. The San Francisco Bay and Delta region are home to thousands of species of vertebrates and invertebrates. Steelhead, salmon, halibut, rock cod, several species of sharks and rays as well as stripped bass and largemouth bass call this area home. For fly fishers it is the striper and largemouth that gain the most attention and can make for some exciting fishing. Stiper love to eat flies and are some of the hardest fighting fish caught here in Northern California. Couple that with opportunities to have largemouth bass attack your popper right in front of the boat on the same trip and you have a recipe for a real blast!
Northern California Rivers & Streams
American River | Coastal Steelhead | Delta Smallmouth | Delta Striper | East Carson River | Fall River | Feather River | Hat Creek | Klamath River | McCloud River | Napa Valley | Pit River | Putah Creek | Redding Area | Russian River | Lower Sacramento River | Upper Sacramento | Trinity River | Truckee River | Yuba River | Yosemite (Central CA)
Northern California Lakes
Lake Almanor | Lake Davis | Lake Oroville | Pyramid Lake (Nevada) | Clear Lake | Lake Berryessa | Tahoe