Lower Sac Fishing Report – Nov 5, 2026

The big change on the Lower Sac this week is the flow. Keswick stepped down from about 6,000 CFS last Thursday to around 5,200 this morning, and the shop report (11/4) says the river has been brought down toward 4,900 with the ACID canal boards coming out soon. The fall run is finishing up, and the Baetis are taking over as the main food source besides eggs.

Current Conditions

Flows: About 5,200 CFS at Keswick this morning, down from roughly 6,000 a week ago. Bend Bridge reads about 6,400. Expect a little more fluctuation while the ACID boards come out.
Water temp: About 57°F at both Keswick and Bend Bridge, unchanged.
Clarity: Clear, and no rain in the forecast.

What's Working

Small BWO nymphs: With Baetis hatching most days, small olive and green nymphs in the 16–18 range are the primary flies. Pair one with a rubber-leg stone as the anchor.
Eggs: Still worth running behind the last of the spawning salmon, but the egg bite will taper as the redds empty out.
Dries on cloudy afternoons: Keep a few small BWO comparaduns or emergers handy in case fish start rising in the slower seams.
Steelhead: More hatchery steelhead are moving in below Jellys Ferry. Swing a fly or nymph the deeper riffle edges.

Beat the Crowd

The Posse Grounds to Bonnyview float is still taking the most pressure. The shop's guides say the river below Anderson is fishing very well, and that's where I'd point my boat for more room and less pressured fish.

Wading vs. Boat

At about 5,000 CFS there's a lot more walk-in water than there was a month ago, since anything under about 7,500 opens up public wading access. A drift boat still covers much more water. Wear studs, and a PFD in the boat.

Weather & What to Wear

Unusually warm and dry for November, with sunny skies and highs in the low to upper 70s through Monday, and lows near 50. A light jacket for the morning boat ride is all you'll need.

Regulations & Etiquette

The first 650 feet below Keswick Dam are closed to all fishing. Barbless hooks are required on the upper river, and only adipose-clipped hatchery trout and steelhead may be kept. Stay off the spawning gravel. Check current CDFW regs before you go.

Ready to book? Call or text me at (530) 722-8331.

Lower Sac questions this week

Is the Lower Sac fishing well right now?

As of November 5, 2026: The big change on the Lower Sac this week is the flow. Keswick stepped down from about 6,000 CFS last Thursday to around 5,200 this morning, and the shop report (11/4) says the river has been brought down toward 4,900 with the ACID canal boards coming out soon. The fall run is finishing up, and the…

What flies are working on the Lower Sacramento River right now?

As of November 5, 2026: Small BWO nymphs: With Baetis hatching most days, small olive and green nymphs in the 16–18 range are the primary flies. Pair one with a rubber-leg stone as the anchor. Eggs: Still worth running behind the last of the spawning salmon, but the egg bite will taper as the redds empty out. Dries on cloudy afternoons: Keep a few small BWO comparaduns or emergers handy in case fish start rising in the slower seams. Steelhead: More hatchery steelhead are moving in below Jellys Ferry. Swing a fly or nymph the deeper riffle edges.

What are the Lower Sacramento River flows right now?

As of November 5, 2026: About 5,200 CFS at Keswick this morning, down from roughly 6,000 a week ago. Bend Bridge reads about 6,400. Expect a little more fluctuation while the ACID boards come out. Water temperature: About 57°F at both Keswick and Bend Bridge, unchanged. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.

Lower Sac Fishing Report – Flows Down, BWOs Up

Current conditions in brief