What Thomes Creek offers and when to fish it

Thomes Creek runs roughly 50 miles from its headwaters in the Sierra Nevada foothills down to the Sacramento River near Red Bluff, and it holds smallmouth bass year-round, steelhead in winter and spring, and occasional salmon depending on water conditions. The creek is accessible in sections — some stretches run through private land, others through Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property, and a few through state wildlife areas — so knowing which section you're targeting matters before you load the truck.

The lower creek (from Highway 99 down to the Sacramento confluence) is the most reliable for smallmouth and the easiest to reach. The middle section around Paskenta holds steelhead and some larger bass but requires more planning. The upper creek above Paskenta is smaller, colder, and less predictable for visiting anglers. Water levels drop sharply by June and stay low through September, which concentrates fish but also limits access and makes low-water regulations stricter.

Key Takeaways

  • Thomes Creek's lower section near Red Bluff holds smallmouth bass year-round and is the most accessible entry point for anglers unfamiliar with the creek.
  • Steelhead run from December through April, with peak activity in February and March when water temperatures drop and flows stabilize.
  • Much of Thomes Creek runs through private land; BLM sections and state wildlife areas offer legal public access, but you must know which stretch you're fishing.
  • Summer flows (June through September) are low enough to require catch-and-release only and make wading difficult in many sections.
  • Parking and access points are scattered; the most reliable public launches are at Paskenta Bridge and near the Highway 99 crossing.

Lower Thomes Creek near Red Bluff — smallmouth and easier access

The section from Highway 99 south to the Sacramento River confluence is the most forgiving for anglers new to the creek. Smallmouth bass hold in current breaks around boulders, fallen trees, and the deeper pools that form where the creek bends. This stretch runs 8 to 12 feet wide in most places and is wadeable during normal flows, though the bottom is rocky and uneven.

Access here is limited but real. There is a small parking area and informal launch near the Highway 99 bridge itself; from there you can walk downstream or wade upstream into the better habitat. The creek here is warmer than the upper sections, so smallmouth are active even in late summer when the upper creek slows. Spinner baits, small crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 2- to 4-inch range work well. Fish the deeper pools in the heat of the day and the shallower edges early and late.

This section also sees steelhead in winter, though they are fewer and less predictable than in the middle creek. If you're targeting steelhead here, focus on the deeper pools and slower water; drifting small roe bags or using a 4- to 6-pound test leader with a small spoon works better than the heavier rigs needed upstream.

Middle Thomes Creek around Paskenta — steelhead and larger bass

The section around Paskenta Bridge (roughly 15 miles north of Red Bluff on Highway 99, then east on Paskenta Road) is where Thomes Creek's steelhead population concentrates. The creek here is narrower and colder, with deeper pools and faster current. Steelhead move into these pools from December through April, with the heaviest run in February and March when winter rains push flows up and water temperatures drop to the 45–55 degree range.

Steelhead fishing here requires different tackle than the lower creek. Use 6- to 8-pound test, a 12-foot rod, and either drift small roe bags or swing small spoons and spinners through the pools. The creek is too narrow for long casts; you'll be working water 20 to 40 feet away. Fish the head and tail of each pool, not the middle. Patience matters more than coverage — one good pool fished thoroughly beats five pools rushed through.

Smallmouth bass also live here, and they run larger than in the lower creek because the water is colder and the food base is richer. Fish early morning and late evening with the same soft plastics and spinners you'd use downstream, but expect to work deeper water and slower presentations. The Paskenta Bridge area has a small parking lot and informal access; ask locally before you fish, as some adjacent land is private.

Upper Thomes Creek — technical water and limited access

Above Paskenta, Thomes Creek becomes a smaller, colder stream with steeper gradients and more technical habitat. The water is clearer, the pools are smaller, and the fish are spookier. This section holds native steelhead and some cutthroat trout, but it is not a beginner's destination. Access is also more complicated — much of the upper creek runs through private land, and the BLM sections that are open require you to know exactly where you are.

If you do fish the upper creek, focus on the small pools and pocket water behind boulders. Use lighter tackle (4- to 6-pound test), smaller presentations (size 8–12 spinners, small roe bags), and approach from downstream so you don't spook fish in the clear water. The upper creek is best in winter when steelhead are moving through, not in summer when flows are too low and fish are scattered.

Water levels, seasons, and regulations

Thomes Creek's flow drops dramatically from spring to summer. In April and May, flows can exceed 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) after rain or snowmelt; by July, the creek often runs below 50 cfs. This matters because low flows concentrate fish but also trigger stricter regulations. During summer (typically June through September), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) often imposes catch-and-release-only rules on Thomes Creek to protect stressed populations.

Steelhead season runs from December through April, with the best fishing in February and March. Smallmouth bass are present year-round but are most active in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) when water temperatures are moderate. Summer smallmouth fishing is possible but requires fishing early, late, and deep. Check current CDFW regulations before you go, as they change by section and season.

Winter storms can blow out the creek for days; if you see muddy water, wait for it to clear before fishing. The creek clears faster than larger rivers because it is smaller, usually within 24 to 48 hours of the rain stopping. Spring snowmelt can also push flows high; call ahead or check the USGS stream gauge for Thomes Creek near Paskenta to confirm conditions.

How to find parking and legal access points

The most reliable public access is at Paskenta Bridge, where there is a small parking area and a trail down to the creek. From Red Bluff, take Highway 99 north about 15 miles, turn east on Paskenta Road, and follow it roughly 5 miles to the bridge. There is also informal access near the Highway 99 bridge south of Red Bluff, though parking is limited and you should arrive early.

BLM land along Thomes Creek is open to the public, but it is not always obvious where it begins and ends. Before you park and hike in, confirm with the Red Bluff BLM field office (530-224-2100) that the section you want to fish is open and accessible. Some BLM parcels have seasonal closures or require a free permit. Private land signs are common; respect them. Trespassing will close access for everyone.

The Thomes Creek Wildlife Area, managed by CDFW, offers some public access in the lower creek, but it is small and often crowded during peak season. Check the CDFW website for current hours and any seasonal restrictions before you visit.

Gear and tactics for Thomes Creek

For smallmouth, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound test. Spinner baits (1/4 to 3/8 ounce), small crankbaits (1.5 to 2.5 inches), and soft plastics (3 to 4 inches) all work. Fish the edges of current, around structure, and in the deeper pools. Smallmouth in Thomes Creek are not huge — most run 10 to 14 inches — but they are aggressive and plentiful.

For steelhead, use a 10- to 12-foot rod with 6- to 8-pound test and either a centerpin reel (if you drift) or a conventional spinning setup (if you swing). Small roe bags, drifted through pools, are the most effective method. If you swing, use a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce spoon or a small spinner. Steelhead in Thomes Creek average 6 to 10 pounds; fish over 12 pounds are possible but rare.

Wading boots with good grip are essential — the creek bottom is slippery and uneven. A wading staff helps, especially in faster water. Bring polarized sunglasses to read the water and spot fish in the clear sections. In summer, sun protection matters; the creek has little shade in the lower sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Thomes Creek year-round?

Smallmouth bass are present year-round, but steelhead season is December through April. Summer regulations often restrict fishing to catch-and-release only from June through September. Check current CDFW regulations for the specific section you plan to fish before you go.

Do I need a guide to fish Thomes Creek?

No, but the creek rewards local knowledge. If you are unfamiliar with the water, start at Paskenta Bridge or the Highway 99 access point and fish slowly. Talk to anglers you meet; most are willing to share information about current conditions and which sections are producing.

What is the best time to catch steelhead on Thomes Creek?

February and March offer the most consistent steelhead fishing. Water temperatures are cool, flows are stable, and fish are actively moving upstream. December and January can be good after heavy rain, but flows are often too high to fish effectively.

Is Thomes Creek good for beginners?

The lower creek near Red Bluff is beginner-friendly for smallmouth fishing. The middle creek around Paskenta requires more skill and patience, especially for steelhead. The upper creek is technical and best left to experienced anglers familiar with small-stream tactics.

What should I do if I see a private land sign?

Turn around and find another access point. Thomes Creek has enough public water that trespassing is not worth the risk. Respect private land, and the creek will stay open for everyone.