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Rainbow trout are among North America's most prized gamefish, known for their spectacular colors and acrobatic fights. These salmonids thrive in cold, clean water with high oxygen content, making Northern California's mountain streams ideal habitat. - Native to Pacific Coast drainages from Alaska to Mexico. - Can live 4-6 years in wild populations. - Feed primarily on aquatic insects, terrestrials, and small fish. - Spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 50-60°F.
Peter Santley Flyfishing offers expert guided fishing trips in Redding, California, targeting the area's renowned rainbow trout populations. Located in the heart of Northern California's premier trout country, these guided fishing trips provide access to some of the region's most productive waters. Guide Peter Santley brings years of local knowledge to help anglers of all skill levels experience the exceptional fly fishing opportunities that make Redding a destination for serious trout enthusiasts. From technical dry fly presentations to nymphing deep pools, each trip is tailored to current conditions and angler preferences. All essential gear and expert instruction included for a complete Northern California fishing adventure.
Guide Peter Santley of Peter Santley Flyfishing provides expert instruction and local knowledge for productive days on Redding's premier trout waters. These guided fishing trips include all necessary fly fishing equipment, flies, and personalized instruction tailored to your experience level. Peter's intimate knowledge of local hatches, water conditions, and fish behavior ensures you'll be fishing the right spots with the right techniques. Trips accommodate both beginners learning their first cast and experienced anglers seeking to refine their skills on challenging Northern California trout. Contact Peter Santley Flyfishing directly to discuss rates, availability, and customize your Redding fly fishing experience.
Redding sits at the confluence of some of California's most celebrated trout streams, offering diverse fishing opportunities from technical spring creeks to powerful freestone rivers. The Sacramento River system provides year-round fishing with healthy populations of wild and hatchery rainbow trout, while nearby Hat Creek and Fall River offer world-class spring creek fishing. Water temperatures remain favorable through most seasons, with excellent mayfly, caddis, and stonefly hatches supporting robust trout populations.
The region's varied water types allow for different fishing approaches throughout the day. Morning sessions often focus on emerging insects and surface activity, while afternoon fishing may shift to deeper nymphing techniques or streamer fishing in faster water. Peter's local expertise ensures you'll experience the best techniques for current conditions, whether that's delicate dry fly presentations on glassy pools or indicator nymphing through productive riffles.
Rainbow trout in the Redding area are known for their strength, beauty, and willingness to take well-presented flies. These fish thrive in the region's cold, oxygen-rich waters, growing healthy and strong on abundant insect life. Local rainbows typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with larger specimens possible in the deeper pools and runs of the Sacramento River system. Their diet consists primarily of mayflies, caddisflies, midges, and terrestrial insects, making them excellent targets for both dry fly and nymphing techniques.
The best fishing occurs during morning and evening periods when insect activity peaks and water temperatures are optimal. Rainbow trout in these waters are particularly responsive to natural presentations, rewarding anglers who match the hatch and present flies with proper drift and timing. Their acrobatic fights and stunning coloration make every fish a memorable catch in Northern California's pristine trout habitat.
Your guided fishing trip includes all fly fishing equipment, including rods, reels, lines, leaders, and a selection of proven local fly patterns. Peter provides waders and boots if needed, along with nets and all terminal tackle. Trips typically run 6-8 hours and can accommodate 1-2 anglers for personalized instruction and maximum fishing time. Transportation to fishing locations is included, with multiple backup spots available based on water conditions and fishing pressure.
Early morning starts are recommended to take advantage of prime fishing conditions and insect activity. Peter provides detailed instruction on reading water, fly selection, casting techniques, and fish handling throughout the day. All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced anglers looking to improve their technique on challenging Northern California waters.