California has more diverse trout fishing than most anglers realize — from the technical wild brown trout of Hat Creek to golden trout in remote Sierra Nevada lakes to the steelhead of the Trinity and Smith Rivers. The state manages both wild and stocked fisheries, with some exceptional designated wild trout streams offering quality fishing on wild fish throughout the year.
Top California Trout Waters
Hat Creek
A designated Wild Trout stream in Shasta County and one of the most technically demanding dry fly streams in the US. Large, highly selective wild brown and rainbow trout in crystal-clear spring-fed water require long, fine tippets and precise presentations. The catch-and-release section between Power House 1 and Power House 2 holds the best fish. Best fished April–June and September–October. Carry size 18–24 flies — anything larger gets ignored.
Upper Sacramento River
A productive wild trout fishery from Lake Siskiyou to Dunsmuir with excellent rainbow and brown trout running the canyon alongside I-5. Hatches of caddisflies and yellow sallies in summer. Accessible from multiple pullouts along the highway. Good year-round fishing with fewer crowds than Hat Creek.
Truckee River
The outlet of Lake Tahoe flowing through Truckee and into Nevada. California-designated Wild Trout water between Tahoe City and Truckee holds excellent wild rainbow and brown trout. Accessible from downtown Truckee and fishes year-round with special winter regulations applying to parts of the river.
McCloud River
Three distinct sections below McCloud Dam — the lower section is open to public fishing and holds wild rainbow and brown trout in beautiful volcanic canyon country. The middle section (Conservancy water) requires a permit but offers some of the finest wild trout fishing in Northern California.
Golden Trout — Sierra Nevada Wilderness
California’s state fish, found only above 10,000 feet in the southern Sierra Nevada. Access requires backpacking into the Golden Trout Wilderness or a commercial pack trip. Their coloration — brilliant orange-red sides, olive back, red lateral band — is unlike any other trout in North America. Worth every step of the approach for any serious trout angler.
➜ Browse Sierra Nevada Fishing Pack Trips — Viator
Northern California Steelhead
The Trinity, Klamath, Eel, and Smith Rivers all receive steelhead runs. The Trinity below Lewiston Dam is the most consistent; the Smith is the wildest and most scenic. Winter runs (December–March) are primary. See our complete steelhead guide.
California Fishing License
A California fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Available online at wildlife.ca.gov or at sporting goods stores. Wild trout streams have additional special regulations — always check before fishing.
When to Fish California
April–June: Best overall season on most Northern California streams before summer heat. Excellent hatches on Hat Creek and Upper Sacramento.
July–August: High Sierra lakes at peak. Fish Hat Creek early morning and evening to avoid midday heat.
September–October: Fall conditions return to most rivers. Brown trout spawning activity on Hat Creek and Upper Sacramento. Excellent fishing with minimal crowds.
November–March: Steelhead season on the Trinity and Smith Rivers.
Book a Guided Trip
➜ Browse California Fishing Guide Trips — Viator
Where to Stay
➜ Browse Hotels Near Redding / Hat Creek, CA — Booking.com