Sacramento River Striped Bass Fishing Report - May 9, 2024
What a heck of a month April was for striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River. From start to finish, the month of April did not disappoint. Nearly every fisherman polled will tell you the same thing. “Best we’ve seen in years”. A vibe that was long over due for Northern California fishing guides and recreational anglers suffering through the loss of two separate fisheries this past year in the Sacramento River. As Fall Chinook Salmon and White Sturgeon hit the chopping block by CDFW ( California Department of Fish and Wildlife). Their failure to manage these public resources before it reached a crisis level caused a state wide fishery shutdown for both species in the Sacramento River. Nevertheless this striped bass season came as a huge relief for those looking to get back on the Sacramento River.
The month of April flew by for anglers who were caught up catching large quantities of striped bass. Which continue to show up in the Sacramento river until current time. Fishing Guides and recreational anglers have enjoyed the success of limit out style fishing for the entire month. Some adaptions had to be made for this continued success. Anglers who typically rely on live minnows or casting swimbaits decided to make some changes and dig their trolling lures out of their tacklebox’s and started trolling. For whatever the reason, the success was overwhelming. Swimbaits and plastics in general, never really showed the same consistent success as they have in years past. While live minnows will always work the troll by certainly was king. Not to mention the grade of striped bass caught while trolling was far superior to the striped bass caught while dragging live minnows. As well as a heck of a lot easier on the wallet. And who doesn’t like a big ol plug bite?
Northern California weather couldn’t have worked out better for striper fisherman. The weekly onslaught of winter storms throughout the month of April, kept the striped bass from spawning. Water conditions ( flow and temperature) remained favorable for anglers on the Sacramento River until early last week. Just before this last cold storm Sacramento River water temperatures jumped above 62 degrees. Prompting the striped bass to start a heavy spawn. Primarily due to the USBR choking off river flows to a dismal 6,000cfs. With less flow the river water slows down, and exposure to the sun is greater. This causing the Sacramento River to warm up as it runs through the Sacramento Valley. Nevertheless a pretty significant spawn occurred last week river wide when river temperatures climbed above 62 degrees. Making the stripers harder to catch for about two days. Before the weekend storm dropped river temperatures dramatically and put the bass back on the bite.
The striped bass action has slowed from its peak a little over a week ago. Not to say the season is over by any means. Just that the stripers arnt jumping in your boat like they had been. Fishing Guides Robert Petty, and Ryan Tripp are still pulling limits of mixed fresh and half spent striped bass for their customers. Tanner Carrick, owner of TC ‘s Guide Service put a great box of bass together for his clients on Tuesday this past week. While fishing an afternoon trip out of the Colusa State Park. Raith Herryford of RH Guide Service has also shown no signs of slowing down either. Making daily live feed videos on his Facebook page. Catching striped bass real time for his followers to see. While some striped bass have spawned and are backing out of the Sacramento River system. There are new schools of stripers making their way up the river to spawn. The Sacramento River at current time is on the rise. Which in turn will keep the river water cooler, and the stripers from starting another spawn. Good news for everyone who isn’t ready for the season to wind down.
Expect the month of May to be consistent striper fish as it traditionally is. In fact some anglers prefer the month of May as apposed to April for the simple fact boat traffic and the non stop relentless fishing pressure subside to some degree. As I mention earlier new batches of stripers are arriving on the striper grounds surrounding Colusa, Ca as you read this report. Also look for night fishing to kick in big time as daytime air temperatures reach the 90’s in the coming weeks. The troll bite has still remained outstanding and is the go to method of take for most anglers fishing the “ditch” south of Colusa. While fishing North of Colusa live minnows and chucking plastics have been clutch.
If you’re looking to book a reservation for a striped bass fishing charter, or fishing guide service in the Colusa, Ca area. You shouldn’t have a problem locating one. There are several mentioned in this fishing report as well as others that are still operating locally in the Colusa area. Kittles Outdoor and Sports in Colusa is still stocked with live minnows and any other bait or tackle you may need. Plenty of opportunities still exist to experience great striped bass fishing here in Northern California on the Sacramento River. This fishery is a excellent choice for taking family groups out fishing. Kids typically love striper fishing as it provides fast action and keeps the youngsters from getting bored while waiting for a fish to get on the line. More importantly it gets families in the outdoors as a whole and exposes children to all the Northern California outdoors has to offer. As the school year comes to a end fishing is a great opportunity for a quick summer get away. Tight Lines!
Mike's Fishing Guide Service for Sacramento River fishing targeting King Salmon, Striped Bass, White Sturgeon, American Shad and Rainbow Trout. The Best Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide and Striped Bass Fishing Guide on the Sacramento River.