Family Fishing on Sacramento River | Redding, CA

Family Fun on Sacramento's Famed Waters

Get ready for a day of fishing, laughter, and memory-making on the beautiful Sacramento River. Our 4-hour family fishing trips are tailor-made for parents, kids, and newbies looking to wet a line and have a blast doing it. We've got all the gear, know-how, and local secrets to help your crew land some impressive catches. Whether you're teaching the little ones or brushing up on your own skills, this trip is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and quality time with the fam.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step into our comfy drift boat, you'll feel right at home on the Sac. We'll cruise down scenic stretches of river, surrounded by Redding's stunning landscape. Our seasoned guides know every pocket, riffle, and hole where the fish like to hang out. We'll set you up with top-notch rods and show you the ropes - from casting techniques to reading the water. Kids will love the thrill of their first nibble, and parents can sit back and soak in the peace of a day on the river. Don't be surprised if you hear more laughs than splashes - that's just par for the course on our family trips!

Safety is our top priority, so we've got life jackets for everyone and keep a watchful eye on the little ones. The boat's stable design means you can focus on fishing, not keeping your balance. And hey, if someone needs a snack break or a quick lesson, we're happy to drop anchor and take five. This isn't about pressure - it's about having a good time and maybe landing a whopper of a story to tell back home.

Fishing Know-How for All

Don't sweat it if you can't tell a treble hook from a treble clef - we've got you covered. Our guides are part teacher, part cheerleader, and all fish-whisperer. We'll show you how to rig up your line, bait your hook (if you want - we're cool with artificial lures too), and present your offering to the fish just right. We use a mix of techniques depending on the day and the fish's mood - could be drifting with the current, casting to the banks, or trolling behind the boat.

For the kiddos, we might start with simple bobber fishing to get them hooked (pun intended). As they get the hang of it, we can level up to more advanced methods. And for any seasoned anglers in the group, feel free to bring your favorite rod and we'll help you dial it in for Sacramento River success. By the end of the trip, don't be surprised if your 8-year-old is outfishing you - it happens to the best of us!

Species You'll Want to Hook

The Sacramento River is home to some real beauties, and our 4-hour trip gives you a shot at two of the most prized: Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. These aren't your average stockers - we're talking wild, river-bred fish that'll give you a run for your money.

Brown Trout are the cunning predators of the river. They love to hide out under cut banks and fallen trees, waiting to ambush their prey. When you hook into a big brown, hold on tight! These fish are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. They tend to be most active in the low light of early morning or evening, so our early bird trips can be brown trout bonanzas. The challenge of outsmarting these wary fish is what keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Rainbow Trout, or "bows" as we call 'em, are the river's high-flying acrobats. When you hook one, be ready for a show of jumps and tail-walks across the water. These fish are eager biters and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. Kids especially love catching rainbows because they're so active and colorful. In the Sacramento, we see rainbows of all sizes, from palm-sized to the occasional monster that'll have you checking if your drag is set right. They're active year-round, but spring and fall can be particularly hot for rainbow action.

Why Families Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Sac with your loved ones. Maybe it's the shared excitement when someone yells "Fish on!" Or the proud grins when a kiddo lands their first trout all by themselves. Could be the inside jokes that develop over who lost the biggest fish or who fell asleep waiting for a bite. Whatever it is, we see families return year after year, making this trip a tradition.

Our half-day format is perfect for keeping short attention spans engaged without wearing anyone out. It's long enough to get into the groove and land some nice fish, but not so long that the little ones get cranky. Plus, with a morning trip, you've still got the afternoon free for other Redding adventures. Or, if you book an afternoon trip, you can sleep in and have a lazy morning before joining us on the water. It's the best of both worlds!

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to make some waves (and memories) on the Sacramento River? Our 4-hour family fishing trips are booking up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're local to Redding or visiting from out of town, this is one adventure you don't want to miss. Imagine the stories you'll tell, the photos you'll share, and the new family tradition you might just start.

Remember, we provide all the gear, expertise, and good vibes - you just bring yourselves and a spirit of adventure. No experience necessary, no fish-catching guarantees (that's why they call it fishing, not catching!), but we promise a day full of fun on one of California's most beautiful rivers. So round up the crew, pick a date, and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and so are we! Book your Sacramento River family fishing trip today and get ready for some reel fun!