A varied abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams makes Redding and its surrounding mountainous landscape a bona fide hot-spot for fishing enthusiasts.

The Sacramento River runs cold and swift right through the heart of Redding creating what many professional fishermen believe to be one of the best tailwater fisheries in the country. In 2009, Forbes.com included Redding in its list of ‘North America's Top 10 Trout Fishing Towns,' stating that "the Lower Sacramento is the largest trout river in California and has some of the most powerful rainbows in the world."

Looking to match the hatch? Redding is the proud home of The Fly Shop - the nation's #1 source for fly fishing tackle and guide services. This small, indiscrete shop just off the interstate is the largest commercial fly distributor in the world! The upper and lower Sacramento River, McCloud River, Hat Creek (considered the most challenging spring creek in the region), and Fall River (the largest spring creek in California) are all excellent resources for the fly fishing aficionado.

But trout aren't the only fish biting in northern California. Shasta Lake, just 20 minutes north of Redding, is home to more than three dozen bass tournaments a year, but fish species within the lake are varied and abundant including trout, Chinook salmon, and spotted, small, and largemouth bass. For more about Shasta Lake log on to ShastaLake.com for fishing reports, water level information, and access updates.

Several professional guide services are available to ensue a more positive fishing experience; but if you prefer to go it alone, numerous bait and tackle shops are available for gear, advice, and information. Updated Fishing Reports for the entire region are available at ShastaCascade.com.