Don’t Miss the Thrill: Learn Trout Spey Fishing in Northern California’s Pristine Waters.
The trout spey – why learn it? Spey fishing has rapidly gained popularity in Northern California, offering a refreshing and effective approach to catching trout. The down-and-across streamer or wet fly swing presents a unique, exciting way to fish, with a tight-line “grab” that delivers a thrilling strike. This method not only gives trout a fresh look at your flies but also allows anglers to embrace a simpler, more rhythmic style of fishing. Learning it couldn’t be easier!
At MoJoBella Fly Fishing®, our guides are passionate about trout spey fishing and regularly explore Northern California rivers with two-handed rods. Here’s why you should give trout spey a try and how it could redefine your fishing experience.
Why Try Trout Spey?
Learn a New Skill
Fly fishing is a lifelong learning journey, and mastering two-handed casting is an essential milestone. Whether you’re gearing up for a steelhead trip or just exploring new techniques in your local streams, trout spey offers a rewarding challenge. Even seasoned anglers find joy in learning this casting method, adding another layer of versatility to their skill set.
See Water Differently
Trout spey fishing encourages you to approach water in new ways. Instead of targeting deep seams at the head of a run, spey anglers focus on the smooth, consistent flow in the middle and the broad, flat tailouts. This perspective opens your eyes to new trout-holding zones that might otherwise go overlooked.
Cover More Water
With a two-handed rod, longer casts are easier, enabling you to reach holding water that single-hand anglers might miss. Large rivers like the Lower & Upper Sac, the Trinity, the Klamath, The American are perfect for swinging flies, with their expansive runs providing ample space to cast, swing, step, and repeat downstream. This method is particularly effective for covering large stretches of water efficiently.
The Joy of Simplicity
One of the best parts of trout spey fishing is its simplicity. All you need is your rod, a sink tip or two, some leader material, and a small selection of flies. Leave the bulky fishing vest at home and enjoy the freedom of traveling light—just waders and a few essentials in your pocket.
A Slower Rhythm
Swinging flies offers a more deliberate pace compared to nymphing or dry fly fishing. The long, slow presentations allow you to relax, enjoy your surroundings, and settle into a meditative rhythm. It’s a refreshing change from the fast-paced, high-effort techniques that dominate traditional trout fishing.
Experience Northern California from a New Angle
Northern California’s rivers provide the perfect backdrop for trout spey fishing, combining breathtaking scenery with world-class trout fishing. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to enhance your skills, our experienced guides at MoJoBella Fly Fishing® are here to help. We offer on-the-water instruction and can set you up with everything you need to get started. To make this even easier for the beginner we have a budget friendly option that can get you started. Check out the details here: Trout Spey Fly Fishing on a Budget
- Trout Spey Rod Set Up: Redington FIELD KIT – TROUT SPEY 4113-4
What Is Spey Fishing?
Spey fishing is a fly fishing technique that originated on the Spey River in Scotland. It’s primarily used to catch salmon and steelhead and involves the use of longer, two-handed fly rods, usually 12–15 feet long.
The unique feature of spey casting is its reliance on water tension to load the rod and propel the line forward. Unlike traditional single-handed casting, which requires a back cast, spey casting uses a roll cast, eliminating the need for extra casting space. This makes it ideal for fishing in tight or overgrown areas.
Key Features of Spey Casting:
- Two-Handed Technique: Both hands are used to perform casts.
- Water Tension: The surface tension of the water helps load the rod, making it easier to cast with minimal backcasting room.
- Versatility: Anglers can use floating or sinking lines.
- Efficiency: Perfect for covering wide stretches of water, especially in large rivers.
Spey is popular among anglers targeting anadromous fish (Salmon & Steelhead)
Guided Trout Spey Fly Fishing Trips
We offer full-day and half-day drift boat and walk-and-wade trips. Most importantly, we provide all the necessary gear to help you learn this method before committing to purchasing your own equipment.
Trout Spey Rivers We Guide On:
- Lower Sacramento River
- Upper Sacramento River
- Lower Yuba River
- American (shad)
Salmon & Steelhead Rivers We Guide On:
- Trinity River (Steelhead)
- Klamath River (Steelhead)
- American River (Steelhead)
- HooDoo River, Alaska (Salmon)
- Sandy River, Alaska (Steelhead)
Gear Recommendations:
- There are endless options in the gear category, however, to keep this incredibly simple for the beginner we recommend one of our guided trips where all gear is provided before you make a purchase. If you have to buy something this package will get you started:
- Trout Spey Rod Set Up: Redington FIELD KIT – TROUT SPEY 4113-4
- Trout Spey Fly Assortment buy here
EASY ACCESS POINTS
Swinging flies for willing rainbow trout and steelhead on the Lower Sacramento River can be done on your own. When flows coming from Keswick Reservoir are below 6,500 CFS it’s safe to walk and wade many areas along the Sacramento River.
Here’s a list of a few of our favorites spots:
Sacramento River – Keswick CA measure station (see current flows)
Open: Aug 1 – Mar 31st (fishing above the highway 44 bridge is closed from April 1 – July 31)
- South Diestelhorst Bridge Trailhead (park here walk across street): https://maps.app.goo.gl/7yAET6gkN77LA9xP6
- Sun Dial Bridge (park here, walk across street): https://maps.app.goo.gl/AwmdxRH5oXkdra8h9
- Little Alaska (park here, walk the sac river trail): https://maps.app.goo.gl/mKWCJ8Zb9iE997tZ6
Open year round:
- Turtle Bay East: park here walk trail up or downstream https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Bz35pxznQapzyP77
- Nur Pon Open Space: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dJSZkEqPNuj7GShw9
- Kum Bay Xerel: park here, walk trail upriver, https://maps.app.goo.gl/a5ssEop3B6oqvS6U9
- Girvan Access point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b9RD877aVYwu2VTV6
- Barge Hole Gravel Bar: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FDR6QJUcuvfSxXTg9
- Perry Riffle Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJT3cHdPhQcHab9a9
Ready to Learn Trout Spey in Redding, CA?
Don’t miss out on one of the most fun and addicting ways to catch trout. Whether you’re looking for a guided day, casting lesson, or just curious to see if trout spey is right for you—we’ve got you covered.
📞 Call us at 530-333-3484
📧 Or Book Online
Let MoJoBella Fly Fishing® show you how to swing flies, catch wild trout, and explore Northern California’s incredible rivers in a whole new way.
Top 5 Flies For Trout Fishing Northern California
