Fly Fishing Thrills in Northern California's Scenic Landscapes

From coastal steelhead rivers to bass-filled lakes, this California adventure offers world-class angling

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A writer explores the exceptional fly fishing opportunities in Northern California, from the bass-rich waters of Shasta Lake to the legendary steelhead runs of the Smith River. Despite some challenging river conditions, the trip delivers an array of memorable angling experiences amidst the region's stunning natural beauty.

Why it matters

California's diverse landscapes and waterways offer unparalleled fly fishing, drawing anglers from around the world to pursue trophy-sized steelhead, bass, and trout. This story highlights the state's status as a premier fly fishing destination, showcasing the variety of exceptional angling experiences available to both visiting and local anglers.

The details

The writer's California fly fishing road trip began at Shasta Lake, where he encountered an abundance of hard-fighting spotted bass that eagerly took his dark-colored, weighted streamers. Despite high water conditions that prevented him from targeting steelhead on the Trinity River as originally planned, the bass fishing proved to be a fortuitous backup plan. The writer then traveled to the Smith River, California's largest undammed river, where the exceptional water clarity allowed him to observe the steelhead's movements and holding spots, even on a relatively slow fishing day. Although he didn't limit out, the writer was captivated by the Smith's wild, scenic beauty.

  • The writer's California fly fishing trip took place in early 2026.
  • He spent a day fishing Shasta Lake for bass before moving on to the Smith River to target steelhead.

The players

Jasper Taback

The writer and fly angler who embarked on the Northern California fly fishing road trip.

Shasta Lake

California's largest reservoir, located near the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which offered the writer excellent bass fishing opportunities.

Smith River

The largest undammed river in California, known for its clear waters and prolific steelhead runs that the writer sought to experience.

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What they’re saying

“Even on a slow fishing day, it makes for a pretty entertaining float. The Smith runs cold and clear.”

— Jasper Taback (si.com)

“Over the course of a day, I must have brought thirty spotted bass to the boat – which usually max out at around three pounds, and fight pretty damn hard for their size. And they're not terribly picky; a dark-colored, weighted streamer was enough to keep them eating all day. They act a whole lot bigger than they are.”

— Jasper Taback (si.com)

What’s next

The writer plans to return to Northern California in the future to further explore the region's exceptional fly fishing opportunities, particularly targeting the legendary steelhead of the Smith River.

The takeaway

California's diverse landscapes, from coastal redwood forests to mountain lakes and rivers, offer fly anglers a wealth of world-class fishing experiences. This story showcases the state's status as a premier fly fishing destination, with a variety of trophy-caliber species and breathtaking natural backdrops that appeal to anglers of all skill levels.