What can I say? It finally happened. As the old saying goes, “better late then never”! Isn’t that the truth! During the last week of September, past the half way point of the 2022 Sacramento River salmon season. It happened. They finally arrived. The fall chinook salmon of the Sacramento Valley rolled into town. Just in time for the local guides who had previously been starving for a shot at decent salmon fishing. Their eager clients waiting for the calls to come in. Saving the 2022 salmon season from the complete disaster it was headed for.

Just when things couldn’t look more bleak for the Sacramento River salmon fishery of Northern California. A strong Pacific mid September rainstorm set its crosshairs on the North State. Unusually early in the fall season for a rainstorm of its strength. It couldn’t have come at a better time for the fall chinook salmon. Who were stuck, instinctively holding in the lower Sacramento River. Diseased and dying from the long, hot, summer and its lethal river water temperatures. Driven to migrate North at the first sign of cooler water temperatures. The remaining king salmon that were staged around Sacramento, Ca kicked it into high gear as the storm rolled in. Headed for the spawning grounds, and Coleman National Fish Hatchery near Anderson, Ca.

This mid September rainstorm dumped anywhere from 3/4 to 3+ inches of rain across the Sacramento valley and it’s surrounding foothills. Causing just enough water run off to muddy up some of the Sacramento River’s biggest tributaries. Particularly Cottonwood creek. Who’s confluence with the Sacramento River lies just above the famous Barge Hole. Near Cottonwood, Ca. The Cottonwood Creek drainage received around three inches of rainfall in the three days of the storm. Causing the creek to swell for the first time this year. Bringing silty, muddy water to the Sacramento River. At the confluence the creek water had a heavy enough concentration of muddy water to “blow out” (make the river conditions un-fishable) the Sacramento River.

A week later when the poor river conditions subsided and the river started to come back into shape. Fishing guides made their way back onto the river. Finding instantaneous success for their eager clients. The world famous barge hole was the first to fish. And it was on fire! Under the cover of stained and dirty water these Sacramento River king salmon swam night and day until they reached their final destination. For a great majority of these salmon the barge hole is the end of the road. Accumulation happened quickly at the barge hole, as these salmon marched their way up the Sacramento River. Social media platforms lit up with post from fishing guides who frequent this “hatchery hole”! Finally getting a shot at decent salmon fishing since the season opener on August 1, 2022. The hot action lasted the better part of a week before the non stop daily fishing pressure put the newly arriving salmon off the bite. At the current time salmon fishing at the barge hole has picked back up. Guides are averaging a fish per rod again. The egg bite has started to produce more salmon for the anglers fishing here. Expectations would be for this type of fishing to continue throughout the remainder of the month.

The fishing guides and recreational angler who are targeting the king salmon below the barge hole have had extended success. Compared to those choosing to stay at the barge hole. The arriving salmon have backed up down river from Jelly’s Ferry Bridge to Woodson Bridge in Corning, Ca. With much less daily fishing pressure put on these king salmon, the bite has lasted a great deal longer. A fish per rod average is still being accomplished at the current time. Primarily plug fishing has been the best way to catch these late arriving chinooks. Although back bouncing and dragging roe has also put fish in the boat for the downstream guides. Guides like Ryan Tripp and Robert Petty have been spending most of their time flatlining K16 Kwikfish. Spending their days guiding in less the ten foot of water. Water often overlooked by traditional salmon fisherman. Who’s tendencies are to fish the deeper salmon holes of the river. As tradition and history has taught them!

Currently salmon fishing on the Sacramento River still has a rewarding outcome for anglers willing to spend their time on the river. Fishing is far from what it should be this time in the season. However on the flip side, at least there are finally some salmon around so we can call this a season. 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.