Fall is a special time for steelhead anglers on the Sacramento River. This is the time of year when the hatchery run of Coleman reared steelhead return as 2 year olds and we even see some returning 3-4 year fish. Coleman has already seen its steelhead returning to the ladder this season, and thats a good sign for this years run! Its a great fishery and the scenery below Battle Creek is simply stunning this time of year. Boat pressure is light so its not uncommon to pretty much have this section of the river to ourselves for most of the day. This season has already seen its challenges with all the wet weather, but its pulling up fresh steelhead and salmon with every storm we see. We will continue to pursue these bright steelhead through Devember. As always, we will also be fishing for the prized late fall salmon as well.

Fred Barrett with a Sac River hatchery steelhead.