Northern California
Rivers & Streams
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 | Little Truckee | Yuba River | Yosemite (Central CA)
Northern California Lakes
Lake Almanor | Lake Berryessa| Clear Lake |Lake Davis | Lake Oroville |Pyramid Lake (Nevada) |Lake Shasta|Lake Sonoma
Salt Water
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 including steelhead, trout, shad and striper.
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 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.
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.
Putah Creek
Putah Creek has the largest average size trout in California, where fish to 30+ inches are caught each year! Our guides are patient consummate professionals that will make the most of your time an dhard earned dollars. We know where to find fish year round, even with water levels that fluctuate drastically with the seasons. We will help you crack the code to catch the largest fish that Putah has become famous for.
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.
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.
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.
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(Lower)
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.
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 | Little Truckee | 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.
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
The Napa River here in Northern California's sunny Napa Valley offers Spring, Summer and Fall fly fishing for striped bass right here in wine country. These hard fighting fish provide hours of fun and are worthy adversaries as apex predator's for fly anglers.
Allow us the pleasure of providing some memorable fly fishing to your Napa Valley vacations plans.
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 Bay
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