Well you made it! It’s been roughly seven and a half months without any salmon fishing on the Sacramento River. For some of us, this is what we live for. And for the next five and a half months this is what some of us do. We fish! Good or bad, wet or dry, cold or hot, sick or not, we fish. For some of you the 2022 salmon season starts in a couple days. For some of us it starts in a matter of hours, counting down as we speak. Needless to say we are always eager for the moment when we get to drop our sardine wrapped plugs into the river on opening morning. Always with the expectations that one opening morning may be reminiscent of opening mornings over a decade ago. Fish On, Fish On, Fish On!

Despite all the success being had in the Pacific Ocean currently. There is no doubt that things will get off to a slow start here on the Sacramento River. Without getting into water politics, big ag, and special interests. I will make quick note that things concerning salmon on the Sacramento River, are not up to par. Hydraulically speaking of course. The Sacramento River water management plan 2022 has indeed already proven environmentally unfriendly. Water flows on the Sacramento River are dismal at best. Water temperatures, about the same, dismal at best. Currently river water temperatures on the Sacramento River are running 6-8 degrees warmer then I personally have ever previously witness in my twenty years spent paying close attention to, and being aware of these particular things. Currently Sacramento River water temperatures are running in the mid to high 60 degree variant on average. When triple digit heat beats down on the Northern Sacramento Valley. Temperatures tend to run 67-69 degrees in downtown Red Bluff, Ca. Which is hard on, but still livable for fall run chinook (king) salmon. What would be considered “not livable”, or potentially lethal? Water temperatures hovering around the mid to upper 70’s or anything over 80 degrees. Which is in my opinion are occurring. These lethal water temperatures are very likely being reached much farther down the Sacramento River. Near Knights Landing, Ca. As the Sacramento River water warms up dramatically on its way south through the Sacramento Valley. At a snails pace I mind you. The slow, seemingly lifeless currents of the Sacramento River allow for more sun exposure. Ultimately causing much higher river water temps. Unappealing to migrating chinooks. Who after leaving the California Delta arrive at Discovery Park and the confluence of the cold waters of the American River. Where they pump their brakes briefly. Identifying that much warmer river water exist ahead. As they leave “Disco” they make it slightly farther North before running into the confluence with the Feather River ( California’s second largest producer of Sacramento River fall chinook salmon). Historically and instinctually upon arriving at the confluence of the Feather River at Verona, Ca. The arriving chinook salmon have a choice. Left, up the Sacramento River, or right up the Feather River. Strictly depending on their place of their origin. Theoretically! Chinook salmon of modern times are kind of like “Dory” from the film Finding Nemo! Just plain LOST! Easily influenced by unnatural hydrological water management and movement through the Central Valley Project. Sacramento River chinook salmon could and likely will end up in the Feather River. Simply because more suitable living conditions are present.

In the past two weeks while spending the majority of my time on the Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Ca. I haven’t seen a single salmon jump. I have graphed (sonar) a handful, but not may. Not nearly as many as in the past few season openers. Prior two the last two weeks a solid movement of chinooks made their way through this area and are likely to be in the much cooler waters of the “canyon region” of Sacramento River. The absence of the early arriving fall chinooks the past two weeks would seem to indicate they found greener pastures. Possibly heading up the Feather River, or are reluctant to engage the lethal water temperatures of the Sacramento River when they leave Verona, Ca where the two rivers meet. Likely staying put in the mix of much cooler water coming in from the Feather River side of the confluence. This is all in theory, and my own speculation I will add. A hypothesis I came up with by my own recollection of past drought experiences, stray rate studies, factual real time studies, and good old common sense. What I do know is there are very few salmon around in comparison to say, the past two season. During a year that the entire Pacific Ocean fleet of salmon charters claims this season is the best most of them have ever seen. Certainly in the past thirty years. This being the case, one could be safe in assuming the amount of chinook salmon present during this opening day of 2022. Should be greater in comparison to 2021. As apposed to the complete opposite. With far less salmon being witness this year, then there was last year at this time.

It frustrates me to have to deliver any kind of negative fish reporting with the season just days away. But I have to call it how I see it for the sake of “keeping it real”. From where I stand salmon season 2022 is looking like it will get off to a slow start. Not to be completely pessimistic, the fact that this is all my manifestation and may not be the case at all. Accompanied by a full moon event that undoubtedly caused a huge influx of chinook salmon to instinctively move inside the Golden Gate Bridge heading for fresh water, and may have very well sent all the salmon laying around in the freshwater on the move up river to the spawning grounds.I remain very optimistic that a outstanding in river salmon season lays ahead. Based solely on the overwhelming success coming from the commercial and sport fishing communities this past month. We may just have to be a little more patient then anticipated.

A quick reminder to those anglers heading out on opening day, and may not have had their boat on the Sacramento River since last season. Be aware and concerned that navigational hazards await you. The low water flows have made navigation up and down the river much more challenging then usual. Many unseen and extremely challenging situations and hazards currently exist river wide. It is suggested to use extreme caution and seek advise from others who have been on the river in recent weeks. Also consider not navigating the river in low light conditions, or in darkness (even with lighting). Until learning the challenging spots during daylight hours. Many accidents have been occurring south of the Woodson Bridge Boat Launch and south (downriver) from Pine Creek boat launch near Chico, Ca. If you are unsure of the correct path of navigation, for gods sake do not make a random guess, and do not “send it”! Simply stop and proceed no farther, or wait until you watch a more familiar captain take his/her course. Paying attention to specific navigation details. Be safe out there and good luck to all…

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.