Upper Sacramento River · Weekly report
Upper Sacramento River fishing report
Current conditions in brief
As of October 29, 2026: The Upper Sac is low and wadeable at about 210 CFS at Delta, with cooler water. October Caddis are hatching strongly up around Cantara and spreading toward Dunsmuir, and BWOs are increasing. Fish October Caddis pupae by day, big orange dries in the evening, and sculpin streamers for lake-run rainbows in the lower canyon.
Conditions
- Flows: About 210 CFS at Delta. It bumped to about 245 with last week's rain and dropped right back.
- Water temp: Cooler after last week's storm. The shops say the drop has the river fishing well.
- Bugs: October Caddis (strongest up high near Cantara), BWOs, midges and small mayflies.
- Fish: Resident rainbows and browns throughout, plus lake-run rainbows in the lower river.
Read this week's full report: Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Moving Downriver
Upper Sac questions this week
Is the Upper Sac fishing well right now?
As of October 29, 2026: The October Caddis are the story on the Upper Sac. Ted Fay Fly Shop (via the 10/22 regional report) says the hatch is coming off strong up around Cantara and should work its way down to Dunsmuir quickly with this cold weather, and BWOs are picking up too. The Fly Shop's 10/27 report adds that more…
What flies are working on the Upper Sacramento River right now?
As of October 29, 2026: October Caddis pupae: Dead-drift them through the riffles and let them swing up at the end. Evening egg-layers: When the big caddis come down at dusk, a big orange dry, a Stimulator or a skater with a little twitch. Daytime nymphing: Tiny nymphs in the fast water are the best daytime bet: zebra midges in size 18 or smaller, small black mayfly nymphs, perdigons, rubber legs and Bird's Nests. Lake-run fish: Sculpin and shad-style streamers in the lower canyon. They'll take nymphs too.
What are the Upper Sacramento River flows right now?
As of October 29, 2026: About 210 CFS at Delta. It bumped to about 245 with last week's rain and dropped right back. Water temperature: Cooler after last week's storm. The shops say the drop has the river fishing well. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.
All Upper Sacramento River reports
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Moving Downriver ()
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Building ()
- Upper Sacramento River Fishing Report – October Caddis Season Is Starting ()
New reports post every Thursday. Upper Sacramento River guide trips and seasons → · All rivers →
Ready to book a trip?
Call or text Travis at (530) 722-8331 for a quick, same-day response, or book through The Fly Shop at 1-800-669-3474.