Tehama County, CA · Inland River
Sacramento River (Red Bluff)
California's largest river — the upper Sacramento around Red Bluff carries the state's major fall and winter chinook runs plus wild rainbow trout, while the lower river adds steelhead and striped bass. Drifted and bank-fished. Live USGS flow above Bend Bridge.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Chinook Salmon & Steelhead — tied at the top (74/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Sacramento River (Red Bluff).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Sacramento River (Red Bluff)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Chinook Salmon Great day to fish for Chinook Salmon. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 6 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha — The “king” — the largest Pacific salmon and the marquee stocked predator of the Great Lakes. Trolled over open water through summer, then staged off river mouths and run up tributaries on the fall spawning push. Flow and water temperature drive the river bite.
Prefers. Water 42–58°F (ideal 50°F) · either tide · depth 15–150 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
California North Coast: chinook seasons are quota-managed and frequently closed — the Russian River is "no-catch" for chinook (endangered). Confirm the current river-specific rule before targeting salmon.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Steelhead Great day to fish for Steelhead. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 6 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — Lake- or sea-run rainbow trout — chrome-bright fighters that ascend tributaries from fall through spring. The Great Lakes tributary steelhead run (Lake Erie’s “steelhead alley,” Lake Ontario, Michigan rivers) is a destination fishery; bite keys on flow and water clarity.
Prefers. Water 40–55°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 2–60 ft.
- Min size
- 16"
- Daily creel
- 2
California: Hatchery fish only (adipose fin clipped); wild (intact-fin) steelhead must be released. 2 hatchery steelhead/day where open (e.g. Smith River). A Steelhead Report Card is required, and many North Coast rivers are barbless / seasonal.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
California
Coordinates
Notes
California Central Valley: salmon seasons are quota-managed and were closed in recent years; a Steelhead Report Card is required. Confirm the current rule before targeting salmon.
Local reports & rules for Sacramento River (Red Bluff): California CDFW fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Sacramento River (Red Bluff)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Sacramento River (Red Bluff) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Sacramento River (Red Bluff)?
Sacramento River (Red Bluff) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Sacramento River (Red Bluff)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Sacramento River (Red Bluff) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Sacramento River (Red Bluff) have?
Sacramento River (Red Bluff) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. California Central Valley: salmon seasons are quota-managed and were closed in recent years; a Steelhead Report Card is required. Confirm the current rule before targeting salmon.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Sacramento River (Red Bluff)?
state agency regulations apply at Sacramento River (Red Bluff). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Sacramento River (Red Bluff) tidal water?
No. Sacramento River (Red Bluff) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.