Northern California Fly Fishing Charters
Northern California Fly Fishing Charters
Best Fly Fishing Charters in Northern California
Best Fly Fishing Charters in Northern California
Fly Fishing in Northern California
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
4.6
/
5
Based on 27,732 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Northern California
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Northern California
Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
5.0
/
5
Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
Eric S.
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
5.0
/
5
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
Matt J.
Milpitas, CA
Do the research, the more you know about where the fish are, the better chance you'll have of catching fish
4.7
/
5
Do the research, the more you know about where the fish are, the better chance you'll have of catching fish
Matt A.
Sacramento, CA
All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august
5.0
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5
All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august
Francis M.
East McKeesport, PA
Donโt reel to quickly the fish have soft mouths and the hooks pop out right at the boat
5.0
/
5
Donโt reel to quickly the fish have soft mouths and the hooks pop out right at the boat
Roman M.
Meadow Vista, California
Be courteous to your captain and the other boaters at the boat dock by being on time and ready to get out on the water. It is a busy boat launch first thing in the morning.
5.0
/
5
Be courteous to your captain and the other boaters at the boat dock by being on time and ready to get out on the water. It is a busy boat launch first thing in the morning.
RICHARD P.
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
4.7
/
5
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
Jesse G.
CEDAR E BETHL, MN
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
4.7
/
5
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
Anthony F.
Holt, MI
Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.
5.0
/
5
Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.
Kaonoi V.
Cottage Grove, MN
The morning bite for Lake Trout is better than the afternoon bite, but no matter when you go out, if you go with Captain Rob, itโs going to be an amazing experience.
5.0
/
5
The morning bite for Lake Trout is better than the afternoon bite, but no matter when you go out, if you go with Captain Rob, itโs going to be an amazing experience.
Jesse D.
If you are fishing the area for the first time, don't hesitate to book with Captain Frank. You will be glad you did.
5.0
/
5
If you are fishing the area for the first time, don't hesitate to book with Captain Frank. You will be glad you did.
Robert J.
Stockton, CA
Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.
4.7
/
5
Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.
Marc D.
Red Bluff, CA
The fishing on SF Bay is the same as anywhere.except if there not biting great you get some iepic views of the bay! Some days are better fishing than others so hope for the best and enjoy the day!
5.0
/
5
The fishing on SF Bay is the same as anywhere.except if there not biting great you get some iepic views of the bay! Some days are better fishing than others so hope for the best and enjoy the day!
David N.
Felton, CA
It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!
5.0
/
5
It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!
Audra S.
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Hire John and he'll put you where it gives you the best chance to land the fish you're looking for.
5.0
/
5
Hire John and he'll put you where it gives you the best chance to land the fish you're looking for.
Joseph S.
Halibut! Lots of them. HUGE!!! Leaving from Fisherman's Wharf passing Alcatraz, seeing the sun come up over the east bay ills, watching the yacht regatta, passing all the freighters and cruise ships, going under the bridges, seeing the rising sun reflected off the skyscrapers; it's a gorgeous place to catch BIG fish.
5.0
/
5
Halibut! Lots of them. HUGE!!! Leaving from Fisherman's Wharf passing Alcatraz, seeing the sun come up over the east bay ills, watching the yacht regatta, passing all the freighters and cruise ships, going under the bridges, seeing the rising sun reflected off the skyscrapers; it's a gorgeous place to catch BIG fish.
Matt K.
San Jose, CA
Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.
5.0
/
5
Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.
Seth D.
Pacific House, CA
Be prepared for a high temperatures and power fishing. Knowing how to use baitcasting equipment is a must.
5.0
/
5
Be prepared for a high temperatures and power fishing. Knowing how to use baitcasting equipment is a must.
Kingsway L.
West Menlo Park, CA
It's the Captain's boat and safety is first and foremost. Great trip with the Family, my little one (7 years old) got sick and the Captain's turned in so she. Old get off the boat!!!
5.0
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5
It's the Captain's boat and safety is first and foremost. Great trip with the Family, my little one (7 years old) got sick and the Captain's turned in so she. Old get off the boat!!!
Dylan B.
Grants Pass, OR
Go early parking is limited and purchase your fishing lic at Ace Hardware in Truckee.
5.0
/
5
Go early parking is limited and purchase your fishing lic at Ace Hardware in Truckee.
Philip J.
Kent, WA