REDDING, Calif. — After three years without salmon fishing on the Sacramento River, anglers are back on the water in the Redding area, and local guide Matt Mitchell says the return is already making a difference.
Mitchell said the season started slowly, but fish began showing up in the upper river by the second week of July and opened to salmon fishing on Aug. 1.
“The fishing on the Sac started a little slow. August 1 on the upper opener, some quality fish around though, and every week it should be getting better and better,” said Mitchell
Mitchell said the three-year closure directly affected his work. He estimated it took about 35 to 50 days of work away each year, forcing him to shift his focus to other fisheries.
Now that salmon fishing is open again, Mitchell said he is able to work more and continue his business. He also said the reopening will bring more people to Redding to fish, boosting the local economy.
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