Our Rivers & Waterways
Each river is unique and offers a different experience. Learn more about which rivers TroutOPS fishes in!
Large Tailwater Rivers
Lower Sacramento River
The Lower Sacramento is a flagship fishery for Northern California, offering year-round tailwater trout fishing at its finest. Flowing from Keswick Dam through Redding, this river fishes best from a drift boat, though wading access exists in town and downstream. The main draw is large rainbow trout and, come fall and winter, steelhead and king salmon join the mix, migrating up from the Delta. Hatches of caddis, PMDs, and midges make for dynamic nymphing opportunities. Ideal for anglers of all skill levels.
Feather River
Known for its powerful steelhead and Chinook Salmon runs, the Feather River is a tailwater fishery below Oroville Dam, flowing west through the town of Oroville. The most productive sections for fly anglers are around the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet and the Low Flow section, especially in the fall. The Feather’s steelhead are aggressive and willing takers of nymphs and swung flies. There’s also opportunity for resident trout and seasonal American shad. With its urban surroundings, and ability to choose between fishing the low flow or high flow sections, this river can be a beginners or advanced anglers dream.
Lower American River
Flowing right through the heart of Sacramento, the Lower American is an urban tailwater with seasonal steelhead and shad runs. Winter is prime time for steelhead, while late spring and early summer sees explosive shad action on intermediate lines and flashy patterns. Wading access is excellent via the American River Parkway, making this a go-to for DIY anglers. It’s a dynamic river where you can swing streamers, Euro or Indicator Nymph or even skate dries depending on season. Accessible to all skill levels, though success improves with solid casting and water-reading skills.
Mid-Sized Tributaries
Trinity River
The Trinity is a legendary steelhead river, drawing fly anglers from across the country each fall and winter. Fed by the tailwaters of Lewiston Dam, this river carves through rugged mountain terrain west of Redding. Steelhead are the star attraction—both hatchery and wild fish—and are best pursued with swung flies or indicator rigs. Late summer through January is the sweet spot though the steelhead fishing can still be spectacular all the way into March. The Trinity’s clear water and structure-rich runs demand thoughtful presentations and stealth. Ideal for intermediate to advanced anglers, but guided trips make it approachable for committed beginners.
Lower Stanislaus River
Flowing out of New Melones Reservoir and through the Sierra foothills, the “Stan” is a seasonal tailwater offering wild and stocked trout, plus winter-run steelhead. Late fall through early spring is prime time. Access is good near Knights Ferry and further downstream, with both drift and wade options available. The river fishes well with indicator nymph rigs, dry-dropper setups, and swung soft hackles during hatches. Suited for beginners to intermediate anglers, especially those looking for a quieter alternative to bigger-name rivers.
Mokelumne River
The Mokelumne, affectionately known as “The Moke,” is a small but productive tailwater with seasonal steelhead and year-round trout fishing, located east of Lodi. Below Camanche Dam, a short but fertile stretch supports impressive fish during higher flow months (fall–winter). It continues to have record returns of Chinook Salmon with eager steelhead chasing egg patterns all the way up until the seasonal closure October 15-December 31.
Hard fighting resident trout can also be landed year-round. Nymphing with attractor patterns, dry dropper and swinging streamers all produce results, especially after flow pulses to attract migrating steelhead. Limited access and sensitive flows make this a better choice for intermediate anglers, or beginners with local guidance.
We are one of the few outfits that guide this river. Buy it is one of if not our favorite to fish. The takeout at Stillman McGee has a sharp incline that can make for a difficult end of the day. We load out raft onto kayak carts to wheel it up this steep bank. It does take two people to push this up the hill so this trip may not be for those who are not able to help.
Technical Small Tailwaters
Putah Creek
A technical fly-fishing gem tucked between Napa and Davis, Putah Creek is a spring creek-style tailwater best known for its wild rainbow trout. This is strictly catch-and-release, barbless-only water, with tight flows and intelligent fish that demand precision. Flows are dictated by releases from Lake Berryessa, and fishing is best in cooler months. Tiny midges, baetis, and ultra-thin tippet are the name of the game. Recommended for experienced anglers, or patient beginners who thrive on a challenge.
