As the water releases from Keswick Dam were dropped to just above 20,000 CFS, the restrictions and closures of river use and river ramps were lifted. But before hooking up the drift boat and heading to the river, keep in mind that 20,000 CFS is still a lot of water and only skilled boat handlers should test the waters. A quick visual at a couple of river locations still show the river running a heavy coffee mocha color, with very limited surface visibility.

Another consideration with limited surface visibility is that the entire river has been remodeled. Where flood waters covered the pathways under the Highway 44 bridge in Redding, the gravel is piled high along the edges and gravel beds have been scoured to bedrock. Brush and trees line the now dry flooded area. What is still underwater has also been changed. Boaters and anglers are going to be fishing a whole new river, where new holes, channels and riffles have been created.

The fishing should be exciting as the trout have not seen an artificial fly, lure or bait in weeks and should be hungry as the high water and subsurface limited visibility has also impacted their feeding habits.  Hopefully the river comes into shape quickly as many guides and anglers are anxious to get back on the water and explore the river changes.

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.