The Upper Sac
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Mossbrae Falls
Mossbrae Falls is an amazing waterfall spring on the Upper Sac near Dunsmuir.
Many springs combine to supply the Upper Sac with cold water year round.
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Wild Rainbow Trout
The average fish on the Upper Sac is about 10 inches.
On most trips we hook fish from 8 to 16 inches, and they can get quite a bit larger!
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Crystal Clear water
The crystal-clear water of the Upper Sac is ideal for nymphing, dry fly fishing, and dry-dropper techniques.
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Access via the Train Tracks
The train tracks parallel the river and are fairly close to the water in many areas.
We use the tracks to access different parts of the river.
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Pocket Water and More
The Upper Sac has great pocket water plus some great riffles and runs.
You can target fish in each water type.
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Summer Wet-Wading
Wading "wet" is a great option during the summer months on the Upper Sac.
Air temps can get pretty hot mid-day but you can cool off by keeping your feet wet.
Wild Trout Along Interstate 5
The Upper Sac is one of California's great trout streams.
It has 30+ miles of public access, a great variety of water types, and countless wild rainbows.
We offer walk/wade trips on the Upper Sac.
Fishing can be excellent throughout the spring, summer and fall on the Upper Sac.
The Upper Sac is a little easier to wade than the Pit and McCloud River, and access is very easy.
Upper Sac Guide Availability
For more Upper Sac dates, please visit our Online Booking page!
Gear Recommendations for the Upper Sac
Rods, Reels & Lines:
Five and six-weight nine-foot rods are ideal on the Upper Sac. We primarily use floating lines. Nymph or Double Taper Lines are best for versatility. We occasionally use fast-sinking sink-tip or full-sink lines to fish streamers.
Leaders, Tippet & Indicators:
We usually use 3X-5X tippet on the Upper Sac. Come prepared with 7.5' 3X or 4X leaders. We use a variety of indicators, including corkies and yarn. For indicatorless nymphing we like the nymph taper fly lines with the bright red tip. Attaching a permanent butt section of 25# red amnesia also works well. We use split shot in sizes BB and larger on the Upper Sac.
Waders & Boots:
We use chest-high breathable waders on the Upper Sac. Spiked wading boots are not necessary. Wading staffs are recommended and are provided. Make sure to bring your own wading belt. All fishing on the Upper Sac is done while wading. In the middle of the summer we frequently wet-wade.
Hatches & Seasons
The Upper Sac is open year-round. Some of the most popular hatches include the golden and giant stoneflies, caddis and little yellow stones on summer evenings, and the October Caddis hatch in the fall.
Flies:
Nymphs:
- BH Prince, 12-16
- Mercer's Micro Mayfly, all colors, size 16-18
- Fox's Poopah, tan, 14
- BH Bird's Nest, natural, 12-14
- Flashback PT, 16-18
- Brown Rubberlegs, size 8
Dries:
- Parachute Adams, 12-18
- Green Drake Paradrake, 10 (May)
- Burk's Extended Body Yellow Stone, 14 (mid-summer)
- Grand Hopper, tan, 10 (mid-summer)
- Rogue Foam Salmonfly, 6 (May & June)
- Rogue Foam Golden Stone, 8 (May & June)
- Madam X, 10 (October/November)
- Morrish's October Caddis Adult, 8, (October/November)
Sample Itinerary
Meeting Time & Place:
We typically meet our clients at their lodge or hotel at 8:30am. On some trips we may arrange to meet on the river.
Vehicle Considerations:
We typically have our clients ride with us in our vehicles. However, be prepared to follow us in your own vehicle.
Wading difficulty:
We offer walk/wade trips on the Upper Sac.
Waders and boots are required for all trips.
The wading is moderately challenging and wading staffs are highly recommended.
Felt soled boots are best. We do a lot of hiking on the Upper Sac.
Multiple Fisheries in one Day:
When we fish the Upper Sac, we usually spend the whole day on the Upper Sac. Sometimes we may spend part of the day on the upper or lower McCloud.
Length of the Day:
Most full days conclude around 5:30pm. Half days end around 12:30pm. On many full days we take a break around 2pm and reconvene around 7pm to fish the evening hatch.
Lodging & Travel Info
Please visit our Redding page for hotel and restaurant recommendations in Redding.
Public Lands
Some of our Upper Sac fly fishing trips are conducted on public lands administered by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
Confluence Outfitters operates under permit from the Shasta/Trinity National Forest on a non-discriminatory basis.