Conditions
The Sacramento is in great shape across its length in late October. The lower river continues to see increasing salmon numbers with healthy, large fish taking eggs and nymphs readily, while steelhead are beginning to show downstream. The upper reaches are experiencing a strong October Caddis emergence as colder weather pushes fish in from the lake. Conditions support both wade and drift boat approaches, with productive fishing from midges and Baetis during the day to caddis pupae and skaters in the afternoons and evenings.
Gauges
Live cameras
Sacramento River at Rio Vista
USGS 11455420 · Oct 29, 2026, 8:15 PM
Every 15 min · 247
Sacramento R bl Walnut Grove Br A Walnut Grove
USGS 381427121305401 · Oct 30, 2026, 4:45 AM
Every 15 min · 247
Sacramento River at Freeport
USGS 11447650 · Oct 29, 2026, 7:30 PM
Every 15 min · 247
Recommended flies
BP Weiss NymphOlive HotspotRubberlegsBird's NestsPMD nymphsMercer's Missing LinkSpotlight Caddis EmergerComparadunJigged Birds NestFox's PoopahBubbleback CaddisWeiss NymphPeaches n GreenPeaches n CreamGinger SnapPat's Rubber LegsMicro SpawnBoles BazookasSedgeback October CaddisLow Water BaetisAdamsParachute AdamsMercer's Tungsten October PupaSkip's TB October CaddisCB Birds NestRed Copper JohnZebra MidgeMercury Black BeautyMercer's Glass Bead Micro MayMercer's GB Dark StoneMercer's Dark StoneGordon's Amber Wing PrinceMercer's CB Micro MayflyWalt's WormSheila SculpinWoolly BuggersZack's Stillwater Swimming LeechMercer's October PupaMercer's October SkaterStimulatorsPerdigonsblack S&Msblack Micro Mays
Access
Drift boat access recommended for best results on the lower river.