Northern California Fly Fishing Charters

15 Fishing Charters

Northern California: 15 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(4 reviews)
Anderson
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $550
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(18 reviews)
Stockton
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400
Shasta Lake
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450
Just added to our fleet
Reno
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $1,260
Groveland
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $475
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Colusa
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $250
Just listed
South Lake Tahoe
Trips from US $1,300
Shasta Lake
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $175

Fly Fishing in Northern California

Fly fishing in Northern California is something that should be added to every angler’s bucket list. With a wealth of crystal-clear mountain streams, vast lakes, and winding rivers to choose from, this part of the “Golden State” is the perfect place to test your skills on the fly. And when it comes to what you’ll be hooking, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be casting off for a whole host of desirable Trout and Salmon species. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil day on the water, or want to reel in some delicious dinner, NorCal’s diverse fishing grounds have plenty to offer. Grab your fly rod and get ready to strike gold!

Where should I go?

For Newer Fishermen

Perhaps the best place to cast your line as a beginner is in the waters of Lake Tahoe and the nearby Truckee River, which are home to Lake, Brown, and Rainbow Trout, as well as Kokanee Salmon. Even better, you’ll find local guides up and down these waterways. They’ll have you casting like a fly fishing pro in no time.
 
Traveling with the whole family? You can still fit in some fly fishing! The Sacramento River is the perfect spot to head to, thanks to its year-round population of Rainbow Trout, as well as seasonal Salmon. Both the Upper and Lower sections of the river are easily accessible to the public, and provide excellent scenery, too. 

For Experienced Anglers

If you’re looking to test your skills, head straight to the lower McCloud River, located around an hour from the town of McCloud. This part of the river provides plenty of challenges, as the water (and the fish!) are much heavier than its upper section. 
 
The most popular catch is Rainbow Trout, which will give you plenty of fight at the end of a line. Brown and Brook Trout can also be hooked on the fly. In addition to this, the area is also home to some pretty incredible scenery. Get your slice of escapism along with some first-class fly fishing!
 
Hat Creek and the East Fork of the Carson River also offer up some exciting angling action. Hat River is an ideal spot for experienced anglers, as these fish-filled waters are pretty narrow and fast-moving. They’re also full of wild Lake and Brown Trout! Carson River’s East Fork is home to diverse waters, including rapids and narrow creeks. Here, you’ll find mountain Whitefish, as well as Cutthroat, Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout, and some stunning mountain scenery.

How to Prepare

Generally, you should bring your own fly fishing gear along, or rent a rod from one of NorCal’s many bait and tackle shops. If you’re traveling with a guide who caters to newbies, you’ll usually be provided with fishing equipment. All anglers over the age of 16 will need to purchase a valid California fishing license before casting off. 
 
The best time to visit NorCal for your adventure is between April and November, when these waters start bustling with Salmon and Trout. All you need to do is pick up your best rod and come discover the magic of fly fishing in NorCal!
 
Northern California
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Northern California

Definitely! Great spots, beautiful landscape and high chances of catching fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely! Great spots, beautiful landscape and high chances of catching fish!
Delta BASSNโ€™ Guide Service
Delta BASSNโ€™ Guide Service
Donโ€™t be the dummy who thinks shorts and a tank top is a good idea. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Bring a styrofoam cooler with dry ice at the bottom and ice on top of the dry ice to leave in the car. Gallon size ziplock bags, paper towels, hand soap with pumice (ie: Fast Orange), and a change of clothes for afterwards are a good idea, too.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t be the dummy who thinks shorts and a tank top is a good idea. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Bring a styrofoam cooler with dry ice at the bottom and ice on top of the dry ice to leave in the car. Gallon size ziplock bags, paper towels, hand soap with pumice (ie: Fast Orange), and a change of clothes for afterwards are a good idea, too.
fishSFbay
fishSFbay
Check the season carefully before you book so you know what's hitting. If you are too early or too late for Kokanee salmon, for example, you may be disappointed in your catch. Also, I highly suggest you book your charter direct rather than through FishingBooker. They add little value, their incessant text messages are excessive, and they won't prep you for the day the way the skipper will.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Check the season carefully before you book so you know what's hitting. If you are too early or too late for Kokanee salmon, for example, you may be disappointed in your catch. Also, I highly suggest you book your charter direct rather than through FishingBooker. They add little value, their incessant text messages are excessive, and they won't prep you for the day the way the skipper will.
Double Down Guide Service
Double Down Guide Service
Prepare to be amazed at all the whales you'll see. Be amazed at how nice everyone is. Don't forget sunscreen and dramamine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Prepare to be amazed at all the whales you'll see. Be amazed at how nice everyone is. Don't forget sunscreen and dramamine.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Charter Addictive fishing if you want the very best fishing overall fishing experience. It ainโ€™t cheap but my experience far exceeded my expectations. Bring warm layers - this is a quick boat, and a beanie!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Charter Addictive fishing if you want the very best fishing overall fishing experience. It ainโ€™t cheap but my experience far exceeded my expectations. Bring warm layers - this is a quick boat, and a beanie!
Addictive Sport Fishing
Addictive Sport Fishing
Definitely book a guide if you are wanting to fish Crescent City. We fished from the jetty, the surf and booked a guide. We caught a couple fish from the shore but limited it out with 60 fish when we went out with our guide. With the price of fish these days, you almost pay for your trip in the amount of fish you bring home.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely book a guide if you are wanting to fish Crescent City. We fished from the jetty, the surf and booked a guide. We caught a couple fish from the shore but limited it out with 60 fish when we went out with our guide. With the price of fish these days, you almost pay for your trip in the amount of fish you bring home.
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Yes, the spot Captain Brad took us to was about a 15 minute boat ride from Carnelian Bay. We fished in 150 feet depth and caught many Macinaw Trout. We kept three and released the others.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, the spot Captain Brad took us to was about a 15 minute boat ride from Carnelian Bay. We fished in 150 feet depth and caught many Macinaw Trout. We kept three and released the others.
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Dramamine and water bottles for sure. Be prepared to throw up if the water is a bit choppy haha
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dramamine and water bottles for sure. Be prepared to throw up if the water is a bit choppy haha
Riptide Charters
Riptide Charters
Bring a cooler with ice you will for sure. Catch some fish and they taste great.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a cooler with ice you will for sure. Catch some fish and they taste great.
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Steve Huber โ€“ Crescent City
Wear layers. The wind can be extreme in some places and nonexistent in others. Check the tides.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wear layers. The wind can be extreme in some places and nonexistent in others. Check the tides.
fishSFbay
fishSFbay
Use Mark scratcher as your guide. He knows this lake better then anyone and will take you to the fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Use Mark scratcher as your guide. He knows this lake better then anyone and will take you to the fish
Mark Crutcher Fishing
Mark Crutcher Fishing Seattle, Washington
Early start good during summer as it gets hot- but great way to experience fishing with a professional.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Early start good during summer as it gets hot- but great way to experience fishing with a professional.
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Being warm clothing, since SF is chilly most of times, other than that bring a good attitude to fish & have fun! :)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Being warm clothing, since SF is chilly most of times, other than that bring a good attitude to fish & have fun! :)
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
As an ocean novice, this was great fun. We caught limits pretty easily and had fun bycatch to reel in also.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
As an ocean novice, this was great fun. We caught limits pretty easily and had fun bycatch to reel in also.
Argo Sportfishing
Argo Sportfishing
Fish with captain Brad! He is great with beginners and experienced anglers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish with captain Brad! He is great with beginners and experienced anglers.
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips
Fishing in the bay can be both challenging and enjoyable, as well as very rewarding, Even in the heat of the summer, wear lots of layers, it can be 100 degrees in nearby cities but downright cold out on the water, but it can also get hot if the wind dies down and there are no clouds. Best part, itโ€™s like your taking a tour of the local sights and scenes but having a line in the water, you might as well be fishing while checking out Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in the bay can be both challenging and enjoyable, as well as very rewarding, Even in the heat of the summer, wear lots of layers, it can be 100 degrees in nearby cities but downright cold out on the water, but it can also get hot if the wind dies down and there are no clouds. Best part, itโ€™s like your taking a tour of the local sights and scenes but having a line in the water, you might as well be fishing while checking out Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge!
Nautilus Excursions
Nautilus Excursions
It was colder than we expected but we didnโ€™t let it ruin our day fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was colder than we expected but we didnโ€™t let it ruin our day fishing.
Here We Go Sport Fishing
Here We Go Sport Fishing
Just be sure to dress for cold and windy weather with layers. Hat, gloves, windbreaker and sunblock recommended!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just be sure to dress for cold and windy weather with layers. Hat, gloves, windbreaker and sunblock recommended!
Argo Sportfishing
Argo Sportfishing
Fishing in the morning in the bay, you have very calm waters, one of my sons get sick easily and this wasnโ€™t a problem, you have a lot of bottom feeder fish here so you can be successful with weighting and drop to the bottom. No experience needed for casting. Very good sized catch in the area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in the morning in the bay, you have very calm waters, one of my sons get sick easily and this wasnโ€™t a problem, you have a lot of bottom feeder fish here so you can be successful with weighting and drop to the bottom. No experience needed for casting. Very good sized catch in the area.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Wear layers and boot. Rain or wind breaker. It is cold in the morning and wet.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wear layers and boot. Rain or wind breaker. It is cold in the morning and wet.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing

Top Targeted Fly Fishing Species in Northern California