DUNSMUIR’S TRADITIONAL OPENER…
It originally was on the last Saturday of every April to start the Opening Day of World-Class Fly-Fishing on the upper Sacramento River. Now with fishing allowed all year, this day is celebrated with our annual Fisherman’s Breakfast Opener at the Dunsmuir Fire Station.
It’s time once again to wade the crystal clear and cool waters of the Sacramento River as the days lengthen and the weather turns warm. The City and Dunsmuir Chamber will put forth the Dunsmuir Big Fish Program to strengthen the lure for travelers to enjoy the planted trophy trout as they find pockets in the deep cuts to spend their days of summer.
April 30, 2016 is the day to enjoy the Fisherman’s Breakfast will be put on by the Dunsmuir/Castella Fire Department and there will also be a demonstration by Brian Wilson, on the technique of “catch and release” with trout from our local hatchery. A representative from Fish and Game may be present to answers any questions and explain any new regulations that are in effect.
Thanks to El Nino’, it has improved the water levels with a snowpack close to historical average and is at 106% of normal water content, (March 2016), reflecting plenty of cold water. Whereas the drought has impacted California, the area around Dunsmuir, California, is looking very good.
It also helps to know that the Upper Sac is spring fed from deep below Mt. Shasta with melted glacier water. It pools into Lake Siskiyou, behind the city of Mt. Shasta, where it is held by 209-feet deep Box Canyon Dam which produces 5.5 megawatts of electricity. The river emerges as a freestone stream with boulders which create pockets for the fish to thrive in highly oxygenated holding water.
There is easy river access and parking for the public at the Dunsmuir City Park and Tauhindauli Park. Other locations are near the numerous bridges at Scarlett Way, River, Butterfly, Scherrer and Financial Avenues and on down to Sweetbriar. Most businesses have free fishing maps for visitors. Visitors can rent or purchase gear and hire guides for instruction. Everything is here for a quality experience learning about fishing on the Upper Sac, including lots of fresh air.
Bob Grace, proprietor of the iconic Ted Fay Fly Shop says, “Dunsmuir is putting their hard earned dollars into your fun, stocking extra fish so you’ll have a great time visiting in Dunsmuir.”
Visit the Dunsmuir Trophy Trout Facebook page. You can see what others have caught and add your own trophy selfie to the timeline.
Accommodations and Amenities
Dunsmuir is famous for its restaurants from upscale Mediterranean to California cuisine and on to pizza, burgers, Asian, brew pub and more. Motels and vacation rentals abound. Find more information at the Dunsmuir.com website.