Steelhead fishing on the Sacramento River got a boost this week when water managers bumped up the flows from Keswick Dam from 5,000 cfs to 10,000 cfs. Simply put, summer time flows have been restored while Shasta Lake continues to receive copious amounts of water from recent rains in the region. This has given us back the plentiful flows which enable us to fish more holding water for these fantastic trout and steelhead.

Russ Holpuck of Redding, Ca. caught this 6.13 lb steelhead while back trolling Mag Lip plugs.

The fishing should continue to remain good with steady flows and as the fish become acquainted with their new holding water. I have attempted many techniques when pursuing these fish, but back trolling plugs is still the top producer for me this time of year. Fishing current seams has yielded the most fish. Good plug colors have been the black/silver and the gold. Anyone interested in fishing for these great steelhead and trout should take advantage of these unusually high flows this season. I have plenty of open dates and can definitely put you on some good fish!