Exhibit 16.1


Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549


March 26, 2002


Dear Sir/Madam:

We have  read Item 4  included  in the Form 8-K  dated  March 27,  2002 of TriCo
Bancshares  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  and  are in
agreement  with  the  statements  contained  in  the  first,  second  and  third
paragraphs  as they  relate to  matters  between  TriCo  Bancshares  and  Arthur
Andersen LLP.

Very truly yours,

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP




By /s/ Jeffrey M. Jarczyk

       Jeffrey M. Jarczyk




cc:  Mr. Richard P. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer,
     TriCo Bancshares
     Mr. Thomas J. Reddish, Chief Financial Officer, TriCo Bancshares