Everyone knows that the Sacramento River in Redding is an outstanding year-round trout fishery and that some of the best access for wade fishermen occurs during the winter when the flows are seasonally the lightest.   But the river is still big water and unless angling from a boat no place for youthful anglers.

What many anglers do not realize is that there are a few ponds in the Redding area that have been stocked with trout for winter fishing and are open to all anglers regardless of age. But these ponds are ideal for an afternoon of fishing with the kids.

Both the Kutras ponds (farthest northeast of the ponds) located off highway 273 behind the Green Giant Flea Market, at the end of Latona Rd. and the pond at the Clover Creek Preserve off Shasta View Dr have been stocked with rainbow trout.  The Kutras ponds also have a resident population of bass, crappie and bluegill, while bass are also found in the Clover Creek Pond. Both powerbait off the bottom or fishing a worm under a bobber would be great ways to try for these trout.  Fly anglers might try stripping wooly bugger or using a hare’s ear fly.

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.